Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room

Tuesday, August 16th, 2016

Reviewed by Lily Pienaar

I walked over on a rainy, cold Friday but once inside, all my chills faded away. Clarke's was like a hidden tropical paradise inside, with palm fronds and shorts-wearing waiters. It was jam packed full of all kinds of people, and the aroma of fried food and coffee was enough to cheer the darkest heart. I ordered the Reuben, which came on delicious buttered sourdough and the biggest pickle known to man. It was a perfect balance of tangy and meaty – although I couldn't really discern the blue-cheese dressing promised by the description. The double-cooked chips were insanely good – crispy and golden with actual potato flavour – and they came with a gorgeously silky aioli. I also loved that I could order an interesting non-boozy drink over lunchtime, the soda water with hibiscus cordial and fresh lime. Yum, yum, yum!