The Blind Bear Cronulla — Restaurant in Sydney

Been there twice to watch a friend's band play. I like it a lot. Great selection of beers. Limited but tasty food menu, but it's not a restaurant, so plenty good enough for a bar. LOVE the atmosphere - Speakeasy style. Background music is right up my alley - mainly '60s, '70s, '80s feature. My experience with the bar staff is that one of them is excellent. Friendly, helpful, gave me a taste of the beer I wanted to order. The other bloke is a bit too cool for school. Not imaging it - I worked behind a bar for 10 years, so I watch how bar staff work. His demeanour changes depending on who he's serving. Young and hip - he's attentive and interested in you. Old bald bloke like me? He's not rude or anything. Smiles and all, but it's forced. His disdain is pretty obvious. Not nearly bad enough to stop me going there, just something I've noticed twice now. I'd give it 5 stars if he was as good as...

At first glance you would think the Blind Bear has closed down or not opened to trade. But walk through the first door and then a second and it’s as if you have stepped back into the 20’s, in the era of prohibition and underground liquor spots. Awesome looking venue with a limited menu for food but enough to soak up some of the awesome cocktails and whiskeys on offer. Sitting along the bar and a brief chat to the bartender instantly lets you know that the bar staff were well experienced and ready to serve you something interesting or something of quality. Definitely a great spot to go for a few drinks and a night out with some friends. And will give you some cred with your mates as you can tell them it’s only for people...

Pros. Great selection and regular change of craft beers. Look and design of the bar is great. Better for having a chat upstairs. Food is fun and good. Cons. Most recent visit reminded me of going to carmens as an 18 year old. Doorman was rude and on a power trip, staff didn't want to be there. The music downstairs was far too loud for easy conversation. Upstairs good though. Recommendation. Tone the music down. You're not a dance club. Stick to what you're great at. Keep better control of patron numbers. My experience outside the door was enough to give me a negative experience, and as we left others wear having the same issues with that bouncer. Still a good spot...