Sydney’s Ten Best Melbourne Cup Venues 2012

This is the top ten for 2012. Click here to see our top picks of 2013.

Melbourne Cup frenzy is on the horizon with the biggest day in Australia's racing calendar fast approaching. We think it's about time you decided where it should be spent.

Fear not if you can't be at Flemington racecource, because Concrete Playground is here to suggest a few of the best alternatives. Brave the bookies, get your frock on and be at the ready to lunch, because November 6 is almost upon us.

1. The Grounds of Alexandria

Many Sydneysiders already make a pilgrimage to The Grounds for its superb coffee, and now the heritage warehouse cafe in Alexandria is making its mark as a top destination for Melbourne Cup day too. At $120 a head, the cafe is hosting a grazing table garden party, including a delicious spit roast, from 1pm.

2. The Carrington

The Hills' hipster hangout with a distinct Spanish flavour, the Carrington,  is putting on a fiesta for Melbourne Cup day. For $90 per person, The Carrington is cooking up a four course banquet plus a three hour drinks package from midday to 3pm.

3. The Sailors Club

Sydney's new harbourside favourite in Rose Bay is hosting a Melbourne Cup lunch for $129 per person, including a three course meal and choice of champagne or cocktail on arrival. There'll be a bookie to place your bets, sweepstakes, fashions 'on the field' and a big screen to watch the race.

4. The Abercrombie

Home of the deep fried Gaytime and mac and cheese balls, The Abercrombie in Chippendale is where you'll want to be for a more informal Melbourne Cup lunch. They're taking bookings for the beer garden and inside the pub for $70 a head, including a four course feast and drinks.

5. The Winery

With many Surry Hills venues already sold out for Melbourne Cup, it'd be wise to book tickets for The Winery's laneway BBQ ($120 per person) or for the four course seafood lunch in the restaurant ($130per person) while you still can. Both options include bubbles on arrival, screens to watch the race, best dressed comps and plenty of ways to place your bets.

6. Palmer & Co

In keeping with the prohibition-style speakeasy bar, the dress code for Palmer & Co's Melbourne Cup lunch is 'roaring twenties' (and we do like a good theme!). The small bar is celebrating from midday, and for $90 per head they're offering canapés, drinks and four big screens to catch the action.

7. East Sydney Hotel

While the East Sydney usually holds firm to a no television, no pokies rule, the one and only annual exception is the Melbourne Cup. The mix of old-world and local charm makes this country-style pub one of the best spots in Sydney to enjoy a no frills Cup experience.

8. The Norfolk

If it's tacos, a cool drink in hand and a sunny beer garden that you're hankering for this Melbourne Cup day, then put your trust in the Norfolk. From 1pm to 3pm, the pub is offering a four course Melbourne Cup lunch for $80 per person, including beer and wine and screens and TAB are close by.

Full details on The Norfolk website.

9. BLACK

If money ain't a thing, or if you're planning on winning it all back at the casino later anyway ... one should book a table with million dollar views, no? BLACK by ezard is offering a five course menu with matched wines by chef Teage Ezard. For $150 per person, the menu options include foie gras carpaccio, grain-fed wagyu and grilled snapper. Watch the race live, then head to Rock Lily for the Sneaky Sound System after party.

10. El Loco

Reading this list on Monday 5 November? Then you're in luck, dear last-minute reader. Tickets will sell like hot cakes for many venues, but El Loco is strictly a no bookings cantina restaurant. Which means you can turn up when doors open at 11am to secure yourself authentic tacos, icy margaritas and a spot to watch the race. Arriba!