Red Steer Hotel Motel Wagga Wagga

The food was brilliant, and there's an awesome selection of craft beers on tap. We could smell the smoker as soon as we arrived, so I ordered the slow-smoked brisket burger. It was really tasty. Australia needs more menus like this. It's a dated motel, but still comfortable. Well done, guys!

The crumbed squid strips were lovely, the other meals coming out looked good, and drinks were reasonably priced, though I had to explain what Pimms was. The menu is standard pub food. It's a simple local pub in the middle of refurbishment, with steel gates closing off part of the inside area. The covered bench tables were comfortable, while the indoor space is quite small and old-school. Drinks seem geared mostly toward beer and bourbon, perhaps vodka or a basic cocktail “for the ladies.” Staff need to be trained to deal with drunk customers, including cutting them off and asking them to leave, even when they're regulars. A female patron shouldn't have to tell a loud, obnoxious regular to be quiet or get out, especially during a show we'd paid to see. If tickets are sold for live entertainment, check them and keep people without tickets out, or paying customers feel ripped off. In general, it's a pleasant, simple pub for locals.

The pub food and service were fantastic, with tasty meals cooked how you ask, and great value for the price. The rooms are dated, but the air conditioning works, the shower is fine, and the beds are comfortable. The bathroom fly screen needs repair, and the carpet and general decor badly need a refresh. One other small gripe: having to check in at the bar at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon didn't make the best first impression. Still, we had a good time and will be back.

The pub was a highlight, with AMAZING food, especially the brisket, and relaxed, friendly service. We happened to catch three bands, Good Lekker, Parklands and Social Afterparty, and it turned into the best night I've had in two years. It's great to see a pub keeping live music going. We stayed two nights; the rooms are modest and old-school, but clean. It exceeded what I expected. Thank you.