The Stuffed Beaver

By Rhys Kane on August 7, 2011 in Food

Photo: Grant Brooks

The Stuffed Beaver is the newest addition to the thriving Bondi Road food strip, and this little diner has quickly become the den of choice for tattooed locals looking to enjoy a bit of good ol’ North American style fun. Brody Petersen, of Flying Squirrel fame, is the brains behind this little diner just down the strip from his more established tapas parlour, but it’s not just a waiting area for a table at the ever-popular Squirrel. Rather, it’s a pumping bar/diner/den of iniquity that stands on its own two feet.

The Beaver theme runs throughout the diner with references everywhere to this charming little creature, many of which I doubt are suitable to be published in a family magazine like The Beast. The bar is decorated with nick-nacks from North America, including a deer head on the wall and the ‘golden-arches’ above the kitchen.

The front half of the diner features high-stools and a wooden bar and is geared up for a non-stop party vibe, but if you head down to the back the atmosphere is a little more intimate with glossy bear-wood booths and waitress service.

Amongst all this are a few flatscreen televisions showing either sport or cheesy music videos. They make the Beaver a great place to head for big sporting events, primarily the NHL and NBA, but they also show some Aussie sport too.

This is a fun-time all-American diner so don’t expect a long poncey wine list or elaborate cocktails. The drinks are simple but well prepared and seem to flow freely. Grab a Bloody Mary made with a Canadian twist and a seriously over the top garnish or suck back on an ice-cold Miller or a long-neck of Melbourne Bitter in a brown paper bag to wash down the diner food.

Sean Skinn heads up the kitchen with his blaring Canadian accent, tattoos and lumberjack style, and his food is diner heaven. The hand-ground burger is a refined effort, served in a delicious, not-too-sweet brioche bun. The fish tacos have had everyone talking and I can see why – they are perfection. And the wings are the best in Sydney, but be prepared to get messy. Make sure you try the poutine too, a Canadian classic of chips with gravy and cheese –it sounds strange but it tastes so good.

Breakfast is available on the weekends, and true to their heritage they offer pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, washed down with bottomless coffee.

The Stuffed Beaver, as the name suggests, doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a fun ‘dive’ sports bar that does the diner thing well with a sense of integrity. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if this kind of thing is your bag then this is about as good as it gets.

The Stuffed Beaver

Address: 271 Bondi Rd, Bondi
Phone: (02) 9130 3002
Head Chef: Sean Skinn
Price: Bottled Beer $7-$11; Cocktails $15-$18, Wine (by the glass) $8-$12; Food $8-$16.
Seats: 60
Open: 7Mon-Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 12pm-midnight; Sun 10am-10pm
Cards: All except Amex
Licensed/BYO: Fully licensed