Located at 1 Willoughby Road, just 10 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD, the recently renovated pub-hotel offers much more than a cold pint. From elevated Mediterranean-inspired dishes to a monthly drag bingo hosted by Prada Clutch, this review dives into menu evolution, weekly specials, live entertainment, and booking details so you can decide if it’s the right spot for your next night out or weekend stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-07
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Address: 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest New South Wales 2065, Australia · Phone: +61294364887 · Hours (Mon-Tue): 10:00 am – 3:00 am · Property type: Hotel and pub venue
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-07.
Sources reviewed: official property website, independent review platforms (TripAdvisor, Yelp), booking platforms (Booking.com, Expedia), local news publication (North Sydney Living), venue marketplace (VenueNow), and event-listing sites (GayOut, UpTo).
No on-site inspection, staff interview, or independent price verification was conducted. All menu items and specials are based on published sources.
Crows Nest Hotel at a Glance
- 1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065, about 10 minutes from Sydney CBD (North Sydney Living)
- Up to 500 guests across seven private function spaces (Crows Nest Hotel – Functions page)
- Million-dollar makeover introduced a refreshed Main Bar, upgraded rooftop, and Mediterranean-inspired menu (North Sydney Living)
- $18 schnitzels on Tuesdays, 50¢ wings on Thursdays, plus “Thursday is the New Friday” drink deals (North Sydney Living)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest New South Wales 2065, Australia |
| Phone | +61 2 9436 4887 |
| Hours (Mon–Tue) | 10:00 am – 3:00 am |
| Property type | Hotel and pub venue |
| Google reviews rating | 4.0 out of 5 (aggregated from TripAdvisor and Yelp) |
| Photos on Google/Yelp | 10 photos (Yelp) |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | Approximately 5 km (10 minutes by car) |
| Maximum event capacity | Up to 500 guests |
Crows Nest Hotel Menu
The revamped menu at the Crows Nest Hotel blends classic pub fare with Mediterranean influences. According to North Sydney Living, standout dishes include a whole roasted lamb shoulder served with lemon roast potatoes and pita, a steak sandwich with salsa verde and caramelised onion, and chicken and lamb souvlaki plates. Steak options are a 250g Black Angus rump and a 400g Riverina OP rib, both presented with lemon roast potatoes and a choice of sauce.
Ingredients are sourced locally: seafood from Poulos Bros and meats from Andrews Meats Industries. The wine list reaches beyond familiar labels into pet-nat and chilled red styles, while cocktail offerings include a burnt pineapple and jalapeño margarita and a limoncello long island iced tea. The menu is designed for sharing, with snacks like dips and olives complementing larger plates.
Price range of dishes
Exact prices are not published online, but based on typical Sydney pub pricing and the specials listed, main dishes fall in the $20–$35 range. Snacks and share plates are generally $12–$25.
The bottom line: The menu successfully straddles pub staples and elevated share dishes, making it suitable for both a quick burger and a relaxed group dinner.
Crows Nest Hotel QLD
Travelers sometimes confuse the venue with similarly named properties in Queensland. However, the Crows Nest Hotel covered here is located at 1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest, New South Wales 2065 — roughly 10 minutes north of the Sydney CBD. There is no Crows Nest Hotel in Queensland associated with this brand; the name “Crows Nest” refers to a Sydney suburb, not a Queensland town.
Further confusion can arise with overseas venues like Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest in Tampa Bay, Florida, or Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Those establishments have entirely different menus, decor, and pricing. Always confirm the state and country when searching or booking.
The implication: Double-check the address before planning a visit — the Crows Nest Hotel in NSW is a pub-hotel with accommodation, not a beachside resort in Queensland.
Crows nest hotel specials
Weekly specials are a major draw. North Sydney Living reports $18 schnitzels on Tuesdays and 50¢ wings on Thursdays, along with a “Thursday is the New Friday” drink promotion. An external deals aggregator, Eat Drink Cheap, lists six recurring deals including a Wednesday steak night and Sunday pizza special, plus happy hour from 5–8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The Main Bar (formerly the Lounge Bar) hosts live music and trivia throughout the week. The rooftop and public bar also offer discounted drinks during designated hours.
Drink specials
Happy hour runs Thursday and Friday 5–8 pm, and the “Thursday is the New Friday” deal suggests extended drinking hours at lower prices.
Food deals
In addition to Tuesday schnitzels and Thursday wings, a Wednesday steak night and Sunday pizza special are regularly available. The variety makes the hotel a reliable option for budget-conscious diners.
The pattern: The Crows Nest Hotel runs a full schedule of food and drink deals that cover almost every day of the week, making it a standout for value in the Crows Nest dining scene.
Crows Nest Hotel Photos
Public galleries on Yelp show 10 photos of the hotel, including shots of the refreshed main bar, the rooftop dining area, and several food presentations. The official website provides additional imagery of function spaces such as The Cocktail Lounge and Level One, which can hold up to 500 guests.
Review photos on TripAdvisor and Google highlight the modern interior — polished timber floors, booth seating, and a large stage for live entertainment. The rooftop area appears popular for alfresco dining, particularly during warmer months.
What to watch: The photos consistently show a bright, contemporary pub atmosphere, not the dark, dated look some might expect from a traditional hotel bar.
Drag bingo crows nest hotel
Drag bingo has become a signature event at the Crows Nest Hotel. Hosted by drag performer Prada Clutch, it takes place on the first Monday of each month from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm AEST. Bingo tickets cost $10 in cash (as noted by a community event organiser, Stitch). Table bookings are recommended from 6:30 pm to allow for dinner before the games begin.
The event is held in the Main Bar, which features a large stage and screen. The night is marketed as inclusive and lively, drawing a mixed crowd of locals and LGBTQ+ visitors. Outside of drag bingo, the Main Bar also hosts live music on weekends and regular trivia nights.
Why this matters: Drag bingo gives the Crows Nest Hotel a distinct niche in the North Sydney pub landscape — it’s not just a place to grab a drink, but an entertainment destination with a loyal following.
Pros and Cons
👍 Pros
- Central location minutes from Sydney CBD
- Regular weekly food and drink specials
- Unique drag bingo event every month
- Renovated spaces: rooftop, Main Bar, function rooms
- Mediterranean-inspired menu with local sourcing
- Accommodation available (Booking.com, Expedia listings)
👎 Cons
- Limited online presence for current menu prices
- Drag bingo requires cash for tickets
- Accommodation reviews vary (some mention noise from pub)
- No on-site parking mentioned in sources
- Potential name confusion with similarly named venues abroad
Location and Getting There
The Crows Nest Hotel is at 1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065. It is about 5 km north of the Sydney CBD, a 10-minute drive via the Warringah Freeway. Public transport includes buses along Willoughby Road and St Leonards station (approximately 1 km walk). The area is walkable from Crows Nest village, which offers additional dining options.
For those arriving by car, street parking is available but can be limited during peak times. Rideshare services are a convenient alternative.
Alternatives in Set
If the Crows Nest Hotel does not suit your needs, several similar venues operate in the area. Within Crows Nest itself, pubs like The Sydney Trader and The Mudgee Wine Bar offer distinct atmospheres. For a broader pub-hotel experience in North Sydney, the Rosebery Hotel and Allawah Hotel provide comparable menu and entertainment options (linked below).
Read more: Rosebery Hotel: Reviews, Menu & Sydney Pub Info and Allawah Hotel: Menu, Specials, Reviews, and Booking.
Our Pick Recommendation
For travelers seeking a lively pub-hotel with regular entertainment, the Crows Nest Hotel is a strong choice. Its combination of a renovated interior, weekly food and drink deals, and the monthly drag bingo event make it stand out among North Sydney venues. Solo foodies exploring Crows Nest dining will appreciate the menu’s breadth, while friend groups can book tables for drag bingo or trivia. If your priority is quiet accommodation, consider checking noise levels on booking platforms before reserving a room directly above the pub.
jimmyscrowsnest.com, crowsnest-santacruz.com, instagram.com, tripadvisor.com, reddit.com, thecrowsnestresort.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Crows Nest Hotel have accommodation?
Yes, listings on Booking.com and Expedia confirm overnight rooms are available. The hotel operates as both a pub and a hotel.
What is on the Crows Nest Hotel menu?
The menu includes Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as whole roasted lamb shoulder, souvlaki plates, burgers, chicken parmigiana, and steaks (250g Black Angus rump and 400g Riverina OP rib). Cocktails feature burnt pineapple and jalapeño margarita, among others.
Is there drag bingo at Crows Nest Hotel?
Yes, drag bingo is hosted by Prada Clutch on the first Monday of each month, 7:30–9:30 pm. Tickets cost $10 in cash. Table booking is recommended from 6:30 pm.
What are the opening hours?
Monday and Tuesday: 10:00 am – 3:00 am (per Yelp). Wednesday through Sunday hours were not verified; check the official website.
How do I book a room?
Book directly via the official website or through third-party platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia.
Where exactly is Crows Nest Hotel located?
1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065, Australia — about 5 km north of Sydney CBD.
Are there specials at the hotel?
Yes, weekly food specials include $18 schnitzels on Tuesdays, 50¢ wings on Thursdays, Wednesday steak night, and Sunday pizza special. Happy hour is Thursday and Friday 5–8 pm.