Small Bar - Crows Nest

Sister venue to Small Bar in the city, the Crows Nest outfit makes a great alternative to nearby beer barns and similarly bland pub experiences found on the North Shore.

The fit-out is slick and inviting – all dark colours and exposed brick. Beyond the narrow main room, the pretty courtyard out the back punctuated by fairy lights and dangling grapevines. It’s an awfully pleasant spot on a sunny afternoon or warm evening.

Primarily a wine bar – no cocktails available here – Small Bar's wine list covers serious ground. The drops are primarily from Australia and New Zealand, with a few European varieties thrown in. Prices are fair, with only a few glasses passing the $10 mark. There are no beer taps, but there is an interesting selection of ales, including Mountain Goat Hightail Ale, Pigs Fly Pilsner and Little Creatures Pale Ale available by the bottle.

To eat, there are shared plates like a tomato, bocconcini and basil salad and roasted eggplant with miso mayonnaise. Mains include a beef and bacon burger, smoked salmon salad and a linguini with chorizo and rocket. The food is pleasant, without being earth-shattering, much like Small Bar itself.