Palooka — Restaurant in Queensland

Go there, seriously On spec we decided to have our anniversary dinner at Palooka. I'll be honest and say the prices did make us balk but we decided to chance it. So often when we go out to dinner we end up paying for a meal that is no better than we can do at home. So with some trepidation we Uber'ed in. The welcome was genuine and friendly, the ol' Strattie Deli has had a super face lift and now has a lovely décor and stylish lighting. We decided to sit out the back but tables in the main restaurant and on the footpath were available. The rear court yard has been transformed into a spacious area but the tables themselves are intimately lit. I always say that the test of a restaurant is when you go to dine and there is a big table. Well on our night there were THREE, however it didn't impact the service at all. The kitchen crew must have been on warp speed! Our waiter was simply amazing, helpful and chatty and had a great knowledge of the fare. He talked us into the set menu which was a very good deal and we chose an expensive but worth every cent Pinot Grigio from the extensive wine list. Dinner itself was a selection of starters, all of which were excellent, however the Saganaki was next level, I have not tasted better A mid course of prawns were good quality, without being too flashy . Main was a small lamb leg done to absolute perfection. My wife and I are not big eaters but the tastes were so sublime we cleaned the plate effortlessly. We had a good break before dessert where we could enjoy the romance of the night and not even the intervention of a thunder storm and the resultant black out could dampen the enjoyment. Without a ruffle the restaurant crew served us up a heavenly Crème Brûlée and to were happy to sit by candle light and finish our night...

We booked a Thursday night at the restaurant for 6 people. We had elderly in-laws visit from interstate and they wanted to treat us to dinner. I'll summarise my findings: staff: young and inexperienced and a inherent need to come up with reasons why the music appeared loud. We asked for the music to be turned down 3 times and yet it was still above a level where we struggled to have comfortable conversation. The style of music: although suited to perhaps daytime bars, the choice of music was dominated by drum beats and overpowered conversation. Food: the food was very delicious and portion size was excellent. The chefs should be commended for their work. Venue: overall appearance nice and tidy but windows facing street were dirty and need a clean. Toilets: while the overall feel and look of the restaurant is nice and reasonably well presented, the toilets look like the could do with some TLC a simple fix up is all it takes. When asked if we enjoyed the night, I stated that the food was delicious, but that the music was too loud despite attempts to ask for it to be turned down, the waitress apologised but then started making excuses. We skipped dessert and ordered no further drinks. Overall disappointed, particularly being locals. Sorry palooka, not worth revisiting unless you improve. - additional note, inevitably we had mother's day booked a few days later. The food was good, service was average. In saying this, the owner spoke to me and apologized for the other night and we were offered a suitable apology. I think there are still improvements to be made as per previous review....

Dined in last night for my younger brother's 18th birthday! WOW. Palooka what an experience. Staff were friendly, accommodating, kind and bounced off our energy we had at the party.

Drinks especially the cocktail menu was diverse, unique and beautiful. Attentive service and a warm ambience, dining here was incredible.

We started off with some entre's and the figs were a highlight, all entre's were beautifully presented and super tasty. The group of 10 of us also tried the saganaki, beef tartare and the seafood option for entre.

Personally I tried the figs & beef tartare and they were both delicious. Plating lovely, super easy to eat and mouthwatering.

Mains were filling, tasty and beautifully presented. The gnocchi melted in my mouth!! Great range of mushrooms and overall a great dish.

My only thing to comment was the sodas weren't as flavorful. My Sister in law had tried them at palooka before, but we were told there was a new staff member in the bar. However, the sodas were still lovely, refreshing and delightful. I too also have worked behind a bar and in a restaurant scene and understand whilst training, things happen. Overall wasn't a problem! the cocktails and the drink menu selections were great 🥰

The amaretti sour mocktail was my brother's favourite. Service was so amazing, the team at palooka had for sure made it a night to remember and I've never felt so at ease in a restaurant before.

I will...