Lil'Ripper Cafe, Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Batchelor

Got up early and drove from Darwin through Litchfield Park, stopping at various spots. So, by the time Batchelor came into view I was more worn than Donald Trump's hairdresser. So, dinner tonight had to be easy and good. Easy - well the 20m walk from the room to the bar bistro was taxing, but just about do-able. I'm not a big fan of Keno in public IE dining spaces, but, given the need to multi - purpose space I'll let it slide. 1st - get a beer; easy and served in the only size it should come in, a pint. Off sider got something else but as it was in a tiny glass, I lost interest very quickly. There were plenty of options on marketing flyers, and I nearly went for a mango slushie, but fearing the danger of getting on it, and needing to drive tomorrow I decided against it. What about the food? Well hold on to those horses peeps. Plenty of choice, but schnitty won the day. This had meat and a Jackie D bbq sauce, with chat pots and veggies. No beating around the bush, it was great. Not sure how so many places stuff up a simple schnitty, but this ain't one. Veggies large, intact and just enough bite to make sure your brain recognise it as a item on its own - with taste, texture and a nice appearance. The schnitty was dark golden and crispy - bloody great; with a lovely tasting sauce and just enough cheese to add to the flavour profile. Bugger it, it's not about profile, texture or construction, it's just a great feed. So, if breakfast and lunch follows suit, get up north, drop a bit south, stay for a night or two whilst doing the physical and insta worthy trips, get a drink and feed from here. Me, when I win the lotto, I'll be back with my 4wd...

The are other dining options closer to the park which we didn't try, though staying in Batchelor this was practically the only option, and got particularly busy especially on a Friday night, and the prices were reasonably high but understandable given the isolation. The staff were busy but helpful, and the food options range from pre made sandwiches and toasties to full meals, all of which we tried over a few days. The only let down for the meals for us was the hot chips with mains which were very average/soggy, but the quality of the main dish itself we found to be excellent, whether it be Snapper, Wild caught Barramundi, Steak, or Parma. Check with the staff and book for dinner as needed, but I'd have no hesitation...

Fantastic staff, atmosphere and food. Well done to the whole team. Plenty of great options from the dinner menu and the most amazing cold beer. My husband's rump steak was a huge portion and the lovely French barman was revered as he knew how to make my dessert affogato. Let's also mention my husband's huge serving of sticky date pudding! The maitre de was delightful as she checked on customers, held a baby and entertained her while her parents ate, not overbearing at all but made everyone feel at home. The 2 of us had the most enjoyable dinner and we will be back before we leave Litchfield. Well done, keep up the great work,...