Railway Hotel Bundaberg

We used to dine there regularly because it used to be good, but after a disappointing Sunday lunchtime experience on 31st August 2025, I’m unsure if we’ll go back anytime soon. There was confusion at the Spotted Dog counter, the beers had an extra-large head, and the meals were very poor. I had a chicken schnitzel with vegetables, but there was no potato, the carrot was very thin and overcooked, and my friend’s cheese platter came without crackers.

Those onion rings were a real highlight, crisp and golden, and not often done that well. We also enjoyed the schnitzels and the other menu choices at The Railway Hotel in Bundaberg. There’s a good range of beers and well-made cocktails, plus coffee if you’re there for lunch, dinner, or just a break. It’s a relaxed, welcoming pub that works well for families and friends.

We won’t be going back to the Spotted Dog. We arrived at 9:30am as a group of three, with only one other table occupied, and left at 10:45am with just two more tables there. Because a function was using the back room, my sister waited 25 minutes to order. My coffee came at 10:20, then we waited five minutes for three cakes. By 10:30, two drinks were still missing and there was no staff member in sight. I waited by the bar until a woman came over. I was cross, I admit, because my 93-year-old mum still had no coffee and my sister was waiting for her LL&Bitters. I said we’d been there nearly 50 minutes and were still waiting. The girl argued that it had only been 10 minutes and said they had a function to deal with. I understand there may have been a group behind the wall, though I couldn’t see them, but nobody was even at the coffee machine making our last coffee. They made it quickly, audibly complaining and grumpy, and it arrived within five minutes. Another 10 minutes passed before my sister, unhappy by then, had to ask at the bar for her drink. The woman admitted she’d forgotten to make it. That still isn’t good enough. I have extended family here and, coming from Melbourne, I eat out for coffee all the time. We all agreed this would be our last visit. The new arrangement, with the coffee machine, cake stand and food-order queue crammed into one spot behind the bar, is utterly ridiculous. My sister said people in the queue agreed the service and layout had deteriorated considerably, and many said they wouldn’t return. I’ve managed restaurants and bars for over 30 years, and this was my worst experience. Spotted Dog should get things sorted quickly. Word of mouth can sink a business.

Our dogs were made very welcome at dinner at the Spotted Dog. The staff brought them water and a bowl of chicken treats each. My Thai beef salad was beautiful, the best I’ve had in a long time. Definitely worth a visit 😊