Eight Mile Creek

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
In the basement below the tiny, Australian-themed Eight Mile Creek is the owners' inviting subterranean lounge--serving an abridged, bistro-version of the hearty upstairs menu and the same daring Australian beers and wines. Cozy in winter--it was formerly a bakery--and cool in summer with its stone walls and cement floor, the jug of sangria on top of the bar and the bartenders' saucy Aussie accents are alluring year round.

The Draw
If skewered kanga recalls tender visions of Little 'Roo, opt for the bangers and mash with onion gravy, battered fish and chips or traditional meat or oyster-leek pies. Most items are heavier than typical pub fare, so consider sharing, or keep it simple with a paper-lined basket of sweet potato fries with chili sauce. Best seats in the house are tucked in a nook for two by the bar, a quiet hideout between an old brick oven and a burbling fish tank. Check out the no-cover live music on Sunday evenings.