the empress hotel

am i empressed?. i have been here twice since the renovations were completed. this used to be my local for many years. gone is the pool table and the fire place has been obstructed by dining tables. squeaky unstable floor is still there though! i was impressed with the selection of beer on tap and the staff are happy to discuss tasting notes and find something which pleases you. the beer garden is certainly large enough but could definitely benefit from some heating! i have eaten here once and couldn't fault the service - easy ordering system and fast service though there weren't many people in the pub that day. i had ordered the burger which came with a serve of salad and a large mountain of chips. personally i could have done without so many sides and had a larger burger however it was hot, tasty and cooked to my specifications (its served pink but i don't do pink). i have to say that i am sitting on the fence about this place. it has lost a bit of its grungy charm along with its band room and pool table. there appears to be a focus on creating a more "family friendly" venue evidenced by the number of children, prams and footy on the tv. not sure how i feel about that either. i guess the local demographic has changed to some extent and the new managers believe this is best way to capitalise on that. there is adequate seating but i wouldn't call it exactly cozy. while the service is good and bar staff are friendly, there is not much which differntiates this place from any other pub which has recently gone through a makeover. perhaps i am looking at the past through the fingerprinted pint glass of crappybeersgone by - i am not sure that i will reclaim the empress as my local but then maybe its time to move past the need to have a local....sigh

great local pub with atmosphere which is hard to get. but the standout here is the food. presentation is really good. our crew had pizza, chicken parma and meatballs . all happy. there’s a good range ofbeerson tap.
what’s not to like.
well done guys there’s a lot of competition in the area and you’ve nailed it.

just popped in for a drink before an appointment. greatbeerson the tap, chose the mountain goat pale ale infused with blood orange and grabbed a schooner. must say the cauliflower fritters with caramalised onions was amazing, just melts in your mouth.

service is quite relaxed and friendly. has a separate dining area too. few families around and great ambiance to catch up for few drinks before a big night.

good local pub with plenty of goodbeerson tap. the weekly menu specials include $10 pizza nights and plenty of pub staples. give it a try for a good value night out.

the empress is a well known institution around these parts, and although it is most commonly known for live music andbeerson tap, but the empress also does a decent feed.

nice renovations. whilst it'd still be great to have a band room,  the use of space with a new beer garden is a winner, especially now that it seems we are past the hump of winter. they have a good selection ofbeerson tap and a good take on the pub menu. i tend to get the parma, which comes with fried garlic potatoes... get these things as a stand-a-lone item already! they are awesome.

we visited in early may and enjoyed the hospitality, atmosphere, vibe, wine,beersand the woodfire pizza ... photo included above. great place to have a drink and a sociable catchup with friends. the bar staff were awesome. reminiscing tonight, we need to head back there soon. a great inner north locale. ( and the 'nice'  old squishy carpet and uneven floors has been ousted with the refurb :)  - we remember only too well).

really great experience. used to be a punter at the old empress hotel, at times food was average and so was the level of service but it had its own flair now that it has had a makeover its style and flair still rock out hard was super pleased at the level of service given by the staff seeing as they have 15 delectable craftbeerson tap it can be a bit overwhelming but the friendly learned staff guided me through a wonderful journey of some crackinbeersand 21$ for a jug of my new found favouritebeersis amazing there parma is somthing else great food at a decent price waiting for the beer garden to open then assuming i ll be living out there the majority of my days off ,so all in all super experience at the empress!!

relaxed and welcoming atmosphere accompanied by excellent (better than just pub) food. we had the parmigiana and the pork chop - thoroughly enjoyed and came with tasty accompaniments - perfect potatoes and delicious green mango salad. great range ofbeersand wines available and plenty of room and time for families, hipsters and long time residents or those just curious to revisit fond memories of the empress from their youth! we'll be back.