Happy Valley Bar + Grill

This bar’s a winner, just like the horses that run around the track out in front. Yes — the front row proximity to the Happy Valley Racecourse means this bar’s quite the popular spot on race nights — but it also commands its own hardcore fans. Being one of only a handful of bars in the Happy Valley neighborhood, the folks behind Happy Valley Bar + Grill could coast on their prime location but gladly, they don’t. And this is how the bar’s become the local version of Cheers for many a neighborhood expat.
The bar offers a comprehensive food menu (seriously, anything from Thai beef salad to pulled pork sandwiches), but what’s even more impressive is their beer list! You’ll find beers from ’round the world here, including a few Belgians and one of my favorite standbys, Wells Banana Bread beer.
I tried the burger recently which paled in comparison to the one you can get at the neighboring Jockey, but it’s still a solid burger. There’s something about the HVBG that just makes it a bit more attractive than the Jockey… hmm, let me think on this.
Oh, I know — it’s the beer list! See you soon, HVBG.

Happy Valley Bar & Grill is the best spot in Happy Valley, hands down. Fantastic beer list, friendly and efficient staff who remembers you and your standard order, outdoor seating (or air con if you’re sweating it out) and really… and I mean REALLY good food.
I can’t emphasize the food enough because you might think you are about to be underwhelmed by standard bar fare. They change the menu seasonally to keep it fresh, but don’t lose the hearty bar food standards. The fish & chips are meaty and lightly fried and the chips are great whether paired with fish or not. But the biggest food win here is the pulled pork sandwich. «What?!» your rational brain is saying. But seriously, I am a ‘Murica born and raised lover of BBQ and this sandwich is up there on my list. A little spicy, a little sweet, tender-​but-​firm pork, solid bun and (odd but good twist) topped with cheese. It took me a year of coming here to even consider ordering it, and now I order it basically every time.
Great mix of locals and expats — a real neighborhood joint. The sad negative (not their fault) is that the nosy neighbors upstairs forced them to stop allowing dogs in the outside area. It used to be a great place for a beer with the pups. Now it’s just a great place for a beer!

Good bar with a big selection. Food is also decent. I haven’t been disappointed yet. As a heads up, weekends get busy, often you have to wait for a table.