It’s an all new dining out scene across the east when it comes to Father’s Day with restaurants dialling up the fun and offering quirky perks to attract families — ranging from free haircuts to sneakers and a beer chalice for Dad. There’s never any shortage of family dining options in the east, but come September 1 some are seriously sweetening the deal.
Other fatherly add-ons include pairs of socks and of course, a free drink for the main man. So whether dad has a hankering for burgers, Texan BBQ, fish and chips, or he’s more of a waffles-for-breakfast guy, here’s our hit list for the first day of spring.
Three Blue Ducks
Start dad’s day right with chorizo and spiced baked beans eggs at Bronte’s favourite kitchen garden-powered diner. The feast continues into lunch, with a 400g rib eye on the bone with bone marrow that’s refreshed with pickled cabbage, or smoked baby back ribs glistening under a thick maple glaze, served with hand-cut chips. The Ducks are pouring $5 Young Henrys Natural Lagers all day to celebrate, and they’re even gifting dad a pair of their new Ducks socks on the day. threeblueducks.com
Chin Chin
Speaking of tootsies, mod-Asian specialists Chin Chin have curated a ‘feed me’ menu for $69.50 a head and are giving the first 100 people who book a $100 New Balance voucher.
The feast starts with zingy kingfish sashimi and spring rolls, working up to braised lamb shoulder, Chin Chin’s famous fried rice, BBQ king salmon and suckling pig served the Peking duck way: with pancake roll ups and iceberg lettuce.
The pan-Asian good times roll into dessert with Vietnamese iced coffee panna cotta, palm sugar ice cream sundaes and coconut sago.
There’s also a photo booth on hand to help you remember the day with an awkward family photo or two.
9281 3322
The Bucket List
Is the old man looking a bit scruffy? Over at the Bucket List free haircuts and beard clips are on offer care of Badlambs Travelling Barber on Sunday. The enviably positioned bar and restaurant is putting on its famous beachside barbie with $30 trays crammed with chef Tristan Rigby’s handcrafted sausage, smoked meats and a hot wing with slaw, burnt-ends baked beans, pickles and bread. Dad’s first tinny is on the house and there’s live tunes by local band The Blue Panthers. Prizes will be awarded on the day — a round of golf for four at the Bondi Golf & Diggers Club and a father and son barber voucher are up for grabs. info@thebucketlistbondi.com
Centennial Parklands
Feeling active? Sample some bush tucker while the kids run off steam down at Centennial Park’s Father’s Day Festival, a free event that’s run in conjunction with the indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF). There’s a 2km, 5km and 10km warrior run, market stalls, indigenous music, dance and art classes too.
Golden Sheaf
Kids under 12 eat free at the Golden Sheaf this Father’s Day. Nab a table in the east’s favourite beer garden (there’s live entertainment from 2-5pm) or cosy up inside while you toast to dad over a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings and a complimentary Stella Artois beer. Pre-book a table and he’ll also score a beer chalice that he can get personally engraved on the day. thegoldensheaf.com.au
Watson’s Bay hotel
Is your home glued to Survivor? The Watsons Bay Hotel is hosting an SAS NERF Wars event in Robertson Park for younger mobs.
Prepare to be schooled in all things military via obstacle courses, tug of war and a few nerf gunbattles.
Equipment and special instruction from the Commander on the day is included. Finish up with fish and chips in the Beach Club, and Dad gets his first Heineken on the house. For early risers, the Watto’s brekkie menu boasts Turkish poached eggs and labneh, or try the cinnamon sugar waffles supercharged with whipped maple, bacon, and honeycomb butter. watsonsbayhotel.com.au
The Taphouse
Hipster dads, rejoice: craft beer crusaders The Taphouse are pouring free paddles for Dad to sample five brews of his choosing (there’s over 400 rotating beers on tap). It’s the perfect accompaniment to one of their signature roasts: this Father’s Day, it’s a slow-roasted Victorian sirloin piled with parsnips, celeriac, and Yorkshire puddings, drenched in an oxtail marmalade, with salted caramel eclairs for afters. thelocal.com.au