One thing, I feel is vital in the restaurant world, is the idea of "consistently" delicious food. I have been going to this one restaurant for over 30 years, for major events, romantic dinners with hubby, for nights out with the kids, for get-togethers with the girls, and it has never faltered in its food or environment.
Cafe Open All Day
The Knox Club is constantly upgrading its facilities, such as adding a small cafe catering for simple fare, even when the chefs are not steaming up the kitchen during regular lunch and dinner times.
Outside Deck perfect no matter what the weather
Management has also extended to add an outdoor deck that caters for both smoking and non-smoking clientele and is split, so one does not disturb the other. It has both shade for summer and toasty heaters for winter. Inside, there is also a lovely fire adding ambiance.
They have a Pizza Chef, who just concentrates on making mouth-watering pizzas. The smells waft around and create a true conflict over your menu choices. Pizza or menu? I recommend you go at least twice to resolve that issue.
The menu extensively offers "
a variety of contemporary Australian, European and Asian Cuisine as well as the "Old Pub Favourites", not to mention popular "specials" nights" at discount prices. And always take a look at the daily Chef Specials. Some real yummy look-ins there!
Dining Room always full - that's a good sign
It has a vast seniors menu and a bus for pick up and delivery of patrons for those who would like to partake a sip or two of alcoholic delights. The prices are very good on the senior's menus and fit the budget to a tee. And they cater for community groups to come together for meetings and lunch.
Eye Fillet melts in your mouth
But best of all for me, is that McClusky's has the tastiest eye fillet, cooked to perfection, in the south-east suburbs of Melbourne at a reasonable price. I have eaten similar cuts of steak and been charged up to $10 more.
I have sampled this delicious cut of meat often at McClusky's with a lovely bearnaise sauce and it always come out perfect at medium rare and so tender, with that smokey seared flavour, that it just melts from first bite to last.
And they are willing to change up the salad for you or add extra sauce. They cater for 6 different sauces for their steaks and several different cuts of meat.
I met up one time with a friend for lunch and they had dropped the eye fillet off the menu, I was devo. I asked about it and the next time I went in, they had re-instated it to the menu. Now these little things, to me, say service!
Live Entertainment
You never wait long for bar or cappuccino service. And the wine menu has some secret delights you will not find in your local grog shop. Staff are plentiful, helpful and superbly trained.
The only time I had to wait was to put an order in because the queue can be a bit long. Now that is a sign of an excellent restaurant - regular long queues to order fare.
Wait staff actually come and ask you how your meal was and clear tables quickly. Catering for special events is just a simple stride for them. Drinks and nibbles on the outside deck create a lovely atmosphere for any event you want to host from a birthday to a wake.
The menu is extremely extensive and there is something for everyone. This restaurant is a wonderful venue for a simple meal for two, a community group get-together, or huge family catch-up.
They also have regular entertainment, music groups, bands and several bars with big screens to watch the footy or girls netball.
Members Rewards
If you become a member for a yearly fee, there are all sorts of giveaways and a discount on all meals and drinks and a birthday treat. The only downside to the giveaways is that you have to be there for the draw, so this limits the wins to the few that are at the venue at the giveaway time.
There's plenty of parking around the place, no parking fees, no time limits and full handicap access ramps.
Knox Club reputation continues as excellent dining venue
I think it is time for a girl's night out and I know where we are headed, McClusky's.
All photos by Tricia Ziemer.
