Criterion Tavern — Restaurant in Brisbane City

I decided to give Criterion another shot, and I’m glad I did. Came back for the Super Bowl, and this time, it was live and loud just as advertised. The atmosphere was exactly what you’d expect from a proper sports bar, engaging, energetic, and immersive.

Also, shoutout to the $18 steak deal (Monday to Wednesday), unbeatable value in the Brisbane CBD. Great food, great service, and this time, the experience fully lived up to expectations.

If you listened to the feedback and made changes, much appreciated. Moving this up to 5 stars! Old review: I visited Criterion, a place that markets itself as Showing The Big Games Live & Loud In The Street Bar. The food and service were passable, with the steak being a noteworthy mention. As for the ambiance, it aligns with what you'd expect from a pub - decent, underground vibes and a good location on George st. One of the better pubs in brisbane CBD for lunch or after work drinks.

However, my only grievance lies in their handling of sports broadcasting. Criterion boasts about being a sports bar big games live and loud on their website, but my experience during the NFL NFC Championship game was underwhelming. The game itself was a thrilling comeback story, but the lack of audio severely dampened the excitement. Imagine a room of sports enthusiasts going to your pub for NFL eyes glued to the screen, yet it is eerily silent - it's almost surreal.

I did approach the staff about this issue. Although they made an effort, the problem persisted. The absence of sound during a key sporting event is baffling, especially for a venue that claims to be a sports bar. This oversight significantly detracted from the overall experience.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a place to casually dine during lunch and have a beer with mates after work and maybe catch a glimpse of a big sporting event.Criterion is perfectly fine. But for those who are serious about enjoying sports in a lively, engaging atmosphere, this place might not meet your expectations. The silence during a major sports event is a deal-breaker for fans who expect a more immersive and...

They deserve Zero stars!

I went to the Criterion tonight for dinner, a place I usually visit every two weeks. However, on this particular visit, I ordered a Caesar salad without bacon. To my disappointment, the salad arrived with bacon, and my friend's salad order was also incorrect. Both salads were sent back, and we inquired with the waiter about whether a fresh salad was being prepared or if they were simply picking out the bacon, as I do not consume bacon for religious reasons. A new salad was brought out, but while eating it, I discovered a piece of bacon in my salad. When we informed the staff about the bacon, they mentioned they would speak to the chef and downplayed it by saying it was just one piece of bacon. Ultimately, a refund was given, but the waiter's response was rude with no apology, suggesting that things get mixed up in the kitchen and implying we should reconsider dining out. This experience was unacceptable and disrespectful; it shows a lack of care for customers. As a result of this incident, we have decided not to dine at the...

Located right in the heart of the city, this bar is an ideal spot for a fun and convenient night out. The location makes it incredibly easy to access, whether you’re popping in after work or meeting friends for a casual evening.

The service here is top-notch—friendly, efficient, and attentive. The interior is impeccably clean and well-maintained, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. On top of that, the food is delicious, making it a great choice whether you’re after a full meal or just some bites to pair with your drink.

One of the standout features is the entertainment options. With both pool tables and dartboards available, it’s a fantastic place to mix socializing with a bit of friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to unwind or liven up your night, this bar has something for everyone. A must-visit for those seeking good vibes, great service, and a lively atmosphere...