Bars and pubs on Military Road-Spit Road

The lure of this shady beer garden has always been a key element of the Oaks’ appeal, but following a refurbishment this sprawling establishment boasts a spruced-up lounge bar (now called the Bar and Grill) with tartan carpet, black bentwood chairs, a glass-and-sandstone wine cellar and their very own, in-house butcher. 

Named after the original 'Bond girl' played by Ursula Andress (Dr No, 1962), Honey Rider brings a bit of Melbourne laneway chic to Neutral Bay. Once tiny, the bar has now expanded into the neighbouring premises raising the bar’s capacity to 100. 

The Town and Country Bar offers live music, comedy, Southwestern American style snacks and classic cocktails. Food is mostly burgers (including American double cheeseburger, 12-hour pulled pork and mushroom and halloumi options) as well as tortillas and bar snacks (all of which come with drink suggestions).

Barrel Bar and Dining is on a consistently busy stretch of Military Road in Cremorne, next to the beautiful Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace. It’s the kind of eatery that’s been sorely lacking in the area – a bit fancy, but still a place you could pop in, post movie, for a glass of wine and a quick snack. 

This is a welcoming, stylish pub that you wouldn’t be ashamed to take you parents to. The floors are polished timber, the stools are topped with comfy leather cushions and there’s still a gleaming black grand piano in the corner. 

For respite from the relentless traffic of Military Road pop into the Hotel Mosman for some of the cheapest steaks north of the bridge. They keep the kitchen open until midnight for all you hungry night owls. 

If you’re going to sing crap karaoke pop songs to a crowded room, it may as well be a place where no one cares and anything goes. The Pickled Possum has been operating since the 1970s and is a bit of a Neutral Bay local legend; leave your pretensions at the door please.