Five Cheap Food and Bev Pairings to Hit Up This Spring

The Carrington may have changed a lot over the last decade, but one thing that’s always stayed the same is its welcoming atmosphere. You’ll feel profoundly at home on Monday night as its Pasta ‘n’ Pinot special kicks your week off in the best way possible. The selection changes every week, but recent dishes include bolognese fettucine paired with Cookoothama shiraz and creamy pork fettucine alongside a prized glass of Nugan Estate pinot noir. At just $15, this Surry Hills staple has got your weekly budget pasta needs covered.

Relaunched earlier this year by brothers James and Josh Thorpe (the brains behind ventures such as The Taphouse and Odd Culture), the Oxford Tavern has seen its menu undergo a bit of a revamp, while the pub’s ever-popular courtyard has also received a sprucing up. Monday night is the perfect time to pay The Oxford Tavern a visit — for $15, you’re welcome to snag any burger with fries and a craft beer schooner. You’ll be able to take your pick of five choices on the menu, but you can’t go wrong with the smokehouse cheeseburger or the brisket burger with jack cheese and pickled jalapeño.

Having been around since 1911, Mosman Rowers almost closed shop last year as insolvency loomed. After raising $150,000 and signing up 500 new members, the venue has turned around more invigorated than ever. Set overlooking Mosman Bay, the large-scale rowing club now features three eateries across three levels, which range from a brightly lit cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows to a moody bar with terrazzo and brass trimmings. Monday through Thursday showcases a different $20 special that comes complete with a schooner of beer or a glass of house white or sparkling. Running through the week, your choices include battered fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, rump steak or lamb and rosemary pie.

When the sun is shining, you can’t go past a cold beer and a feed in a well-lit beer garden. Rocks Brewing Co., which set down roots in an Alexandria industrial estate in 2014, has you covered with plenty of seating inside and out, a classic exposed wood bar, and freshly brewed beers named for the dubious characters of Australia’s past. Slinging top-notch pub grub all week, the brewery has regular deals for those in the know. On Thursdays, you can get yourself a pie and a pint for just $20. The pie filling changes regularly but features all the classics: chicken, lamb, curry and more.

Image: Kitti Gould.

Heading out for Mexican food is basically never a bad idea, but as far as inner-city lunchtime specials go, this one will definitely help you get through the rest of the working day. Available Monday through Friday, between 12–3pm, El Camino Cantina in The Rocks invites you into the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired restaurant to feast on a tasty burrito, alongside a 300ml craft beer, house wine or soft drink, for just $15. Your choices include chipotle chicken, brisket and queso, or black bean and veg. Before you head back to the office, make sure you grab some churros with salted caramel dip for dessert.

Image: Anna Kucera.