Harbour Bar — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

Public holiday evening, place was packed out, staff were kind enough to quickly clean up a just vacated table and fit us in even without a reservation. Ordered at the counter, staff prewarned us that it would be about a 45 minute wait - fair enough under the circumstances. Again counter staff kind enough to offer to try and get the kids menu items ordered out first as we had young children with us. Sat waiting about about 30 minutes and another staff member approaches us to double check our order, bit weird but okay. Also notice other patrons leaving with a lot of food left on their plates. It's been about an hour now and other tables that have arrived after us are starting to get their orders. I ask a staff member about our order - the same person who took our order and offered to fast track the kids menu items - get a somewhat short response that they're very busy and at full capacity. Food finally arrives, the entire order more or less at the same time. I think the food tastes pretty good - but I find the temperature lukewarm at best, missus reckons it's straight up cold and not good at all. Kids reckon it's okay but not as good as Maccas. Look, I get that it's busy and everyone working that night was under pressure and based off other reviews the experiences are usually better. But things get hectic sometimes and you just have to be able to deal. Unfortunately with the game on the line, at crunch time Harbour Bar dropped the ball and they have to take the...

When we arrived I noticed QR code ordering tabs on the table. I asked if we could have table service as I did not want to spend my night on my phone every 5 min ordering food & drinks. I was told they do that and I could order at the Bar. At that stage everyone had arrived & yes- I could have moved on but just too late & too hard so I guess it is my own fault...but still.... So, we took our drinks order (6 people) and took it to the bar, took our food order....took it to the bar, took our drinks order,....took it to the bar. Took our desert order...took it to the bar. Took our coffee order and took it to the bar. Went to the bar & paid the bill. I would normally tip but why tip for 'plate carrying' only? No service=no tip. As for the food, just better than average, arancini balls were fried to within seconds of being marbles. Half rack of ribs ($36) was the size of a pack of cigarettes. Other meals were 'ok' but with a $586 bill...very underwhelmed. They need to look at...

Driving into the city tonight, I asked the partner 'What is it favourite place to eat in Newcastle?' Dinner is consistently good around town.

Here we ordered a schnitzel each, one with seafood topper, the other with bacon, pineapple and cheese. I found my new favourite dinner place. At least for higher end bar meal style. The service was great, friendly and efficient. The prices are above average, but the quality and size of meal is in line with what would expect from the amount you spend. Half way through my meal I chatted with one of the staff, asked her to pass on my thanks to the kitchen staff for the exceptional meal. Quality, size, TASTE!, it was a very impressive meal. And the sauces! Chipotle bbq. Omg. One other thing, I asked the staff to adjust my meal after ordering, to something not on the menu. No issues, simply accommodating, done and delicious. Thankyou.

Thanks for the meal tonight. My favourite place to eat in Newcastle for dinner, at...