The Cricketers Balmain

This pub has that classic neighbourhood feel — easy to pop in for a drink or a casual meal. Tt’s a good spot to enjoy a local brew while watching the world go by from a street-facing table. Good for a casual get-together: If you’re after a laid-back pub vibe in Balmain, this place ticks that box. TIPS Pick a table early if you want a quiet chat — peak times may get lively. Use the outdoor seating if you want a more relaxed vibe and to watch the street scene. Enjoy the beer options — especially if you like trying local brews. If you’re after a straightforward pub experience in Balmain with easy access, good beer choices and a local feel — the Cricketers Arms Hotel is a fine option. However, if you’re looking for exquisite food, refined ambiance, or a top-tier dining night out, you might want to check the menu, ask about the current food standards, or compare with some of the other nearby venues.

Classic Australian pub on the Balmain peninsula a short bus ride from the Queen Victoria Building. The 442 bus stops out front. Established in 1872, the Cricketers has been through many incarnations in more than a century, adapting to the changing face of Balmain, one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs. The staff are friendly, there is a good range of food and beverages and the atmosphere is relaxed. Dining al fresco, in the pub or the restaurant.

What can i say. The zero flavoured spaghetti is the smallest size in Sydney. The garlic bread looked even smaller. Would never eat at this place again. Zero stars for food in their upgraded pub.

I went to this pub around 4 pm to catch up with a friend. I don’t drink, but I couldn’t find any other place open at that time, so we decided to come here. The staff were friendly and I ordered the Caesar salad and added grilled Cajun chicken tenders for an extra $10 — which turned out to be a mistake. The salad itself was delicious, but the chicken was extremely salty. Maybe it’s meant to go well with beer or to make you order another one, but I’m sorry, I won’t be ordering food here again.

Went to The Cricketers for the first time for the NRL grand final 2025. Good (multiple) screen sizes and can see from pretty much every angle of the pub downstairs. Doesn’t look grubby and is well presented. Upstairs was much smaller and less screens. Sports lounge is being renovated. Best part was the food. The usual pub grub but excellent quality and came out pretty fast. The calamari was super soft and tender and not greasy. Perfect. The burger wasn’t greasy at all, chips of good quality. Kids burger but was a very decent size. The chicken tenders had a really generous amount of chicken and were super tender and juicy at $15 and weren’t greasy. Bottles of wine are pretty much all over $45 (I think there was only one at that price. The rest are $55/60 and higher). Not a huge wine list but the Chardonnay was very good. Overall very pleasantly surprised. Will def be back. *Am a bit surprised by the neg reviews from the past but can only assume it was a long time ago and hopefully different management.