The Ten Best Melbourne Cup Destinations in Sydney 2011

This is the top ten for 2011. Click here to see our top picks of 2013.

When it comes to that annual event of indulgence, the Melbourne Cup, there are more important things to decide on than which horse to back. Alcohol will be flowing, atmosphere is key and the choices are endless.

With this in mind, Concrete Playground has assembled the ten best destinations for your Melbourne Cup lunch (or day). Book now, thank us later.

1. The Abercrombie

The new incarnation of the Abercrombie is cheap and cheerful, and Melbourne Cup day is no exception. For $70 per head, dig into a four course feast including snacks, tacos, mains and dessert. Beer, wine and champagne is all part of the deal. Aside from the fun food, they're open to bookings of all sizes and guarantee TV from each and every table.

For full details, click here.

2. El Loco

Arriba along to El Loco's early start Cup fiesta; things kick off around here at 11am. You'd better get your act together. There will be fashions on the 'field', piñatas, taco eating comps, DJs and mystery trifecta giveaways. This is actually a great last minute option, with no bookings required, just be sure to get in quick on the day.

For full details, click here.

3. 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.

For full details, click here.

4. The Carrington

For a new take on the Cup lunch, book into the insanely popular Carrington and see what makes it such a hit. It's a pricier option at $125 per head, though this includes a five course Spanish feast and all champagne, wine and beer between 1 and 3pm. (A lighter canapé and drinks option is also available for $80 per person.) Loads of screens and sweepstakes on the day make this one of the most intriguing high roller options.

For full details, click here.

5. Ms. G's

This Potts Point place-to-be is another option in the achingly cool category. A touch more affordable at $60 per head, this includes a banquet menu with your choice of a slushy or a flute of Chandon. Giant plasmas and sweeps are also part of the deal.

For full details, click here.

6. The Argyle

The heritage-listed Argyle must be one of the classic spots to spend the Cup, so make sure you don your racing best. Pick from either the Stables ($70 per person), which includes a glass of Chandon along with a canapé lunch, or the classier Grandstand package ($110 per person), with a three hour drinks and canapé service in your reserved area, plus a Möet butler service. Both include full TAB and race coverage, and fashions on the field. Stick around for the after party, starting at 4pm.

For full details, click here.

7. Alexandria Hotel

For those who want the fun without all the fuss and fancy, the Alexandria Hotel is the place to be. A mere $30 will get you a gourmet buffet and, while no drinks are included, there's plenty of other action (and well priced beers on tap). There's sweeps, raffles, giveaways and DJs. There's fashions in the field, with prizes for the best dressed men and women, and for the best hat. More prizes are on offer for the best dance, either with a partner or going solo. And we're also promised a post-race party.

For full details, click here.

8. The Norfolk

While the sports bar at the Norfolk is generally a good (if busy) place to head to for matches, their Cup arrangements sound even more promising. A four course lunch, including snacks, tacos, mains and dessert, plus all the beer, wine and champagne you can get your hands on between 1 and 3pm for $80 per head. They promise that screens will be viewable from every table, and bookings in the famous beer garden are also available.

For full details, click here.

9. Sushi e + Hemmesphere

This closely bound restaurant and bar have teamed up to offer a very tempting Melbourne Cup lunch. Begin with a flute of Möet and Chandon, followed by a six course menu of Sushi e's exceptional Japanese, for $130. Four plasmas will broadcast the race live. One of the best spots for refined watching.

For full details, click here.

10. The Passage

If you do manage to miss the festivities or if you're looking to continue on into the evening, take note of the winner and duck straight into the Passage's after party. They'll be offering complimentary champagne from the finish line until 5pm, while cheap house spirits extend until 6pm. Or hold out for the Bacardi Cup Punch ($30), on offer all night long.

For full details, click here.