The George Bar & Grill

The George Bar & Grill is a welcoming restaurant and bar located within the Rydges Canberra hotel at 17 Canberra Avenue in Forrest, Australian Capital Territory. As part of the Rydges hotel experience, this venue combines the relaxed atmosphere of a lounge bar with a grill menu designed for casual dining. Whether you’re a hotel guest looking for a convenient dinner option or a local resident seeking a comfortable spot for drinks and light bites, The George Bar & Grill offers a versatile space in one of Canberra’s inner-south suburbs.

The venue is positioned in the heart of the hotel, making it a natural gathering point throughout the day. With operating hours that shift slightly between weekdays and weekends — Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and Sunday and Monday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm — it caters primarily to afternoon and evening patrons. Its setting beside a fireplace adds warmth during cooler months, and the lounge area invites guests to settle in for a relaxed meal or a round of drinks.

Menu Highlights at The George Bar & Grill

The George Bar & Grill presents a focused menu that blends bar classics with grill favorites. While the full lunch and bar menus are available online, the venue’s offerings include a selection of light bites ideal for sharing, alongside heartier dishes prepared on the grill. According to Google Maps reviews, popular items that diners mention include the Pork Belly and the Fish and Chips — though opinions on execution vary among guests.

The bar program is a clear point of emphasis. An extensive wine list is complemented by seasonal and signature cocktails, both highlighted as key features of the venue. For those looking for a quicker midday option, the “Express Lunch” menu starts from AU$25 and is designed for efficiency without sacrificing quality. This makes The George Bar & Grill a practical choice for hotel guests attending conferences or local professionals on a lunch break.

The Dining Experience

The atmosphere at The George Bar & Grill is described in guest reviews as spacious, relaxing, and conveniently located within the hotel. The interior includes both the main bar area and a dedicated lounge, which features a fireplace — a focal point during dinner service. Seating options cater to both groups and solo diners, and the overall design reflects the understated style of the Rydges brand.

Service is available for dine-in only, as the venue does not offer delivery. Reservations are accepted and can be made through OpenTable, which is directly linked from the restaurant’s website. Walk-ins are also welcome, though a few reviews note that wait times can occur even when the restaurant appears quiet.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

The George Bar & Grill holds a 3.3-star rating on Google Maps, based on 30 reviews. Guest feedback paints a mixed picture — several diners report positive experiences with the food and setting, while others express disappointment relative to expectations.

A recurring positive theme in customer reviews is the quality of the food when executed well, with terms like “well-prepared” and “flavorful” appearing. One reviewer, Selma Gotsbacher, described the restaurant as “a nice, spacious, and relaxing” place, adding that “the food is excellent.” Another guest, Will Olijnyk, noted the food was “well-prepared and tasty, though a bit overpriced.”

On the other hand, criticism surfaces around consistency and value. Linda Fateeva wrote about a family dinner where the group had previously enjoyed the restaurant years ago but was disappointed on a return visit, stating “the food was not…” (incomplete in the translation, implying subpar). Another common observation is that pricing feels high relative to portion sizes or overall experience. These reviews suggest that satisfaction may depend heavily on menu choice and the kitchen’s performance on a given evening.

The George Bar & Grill in Forrest, ACT

The George Bar & Grill is located at 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest ACT 2603, within the Rydges Canberra hotel. Forrest is a leafy suburb just south of Parliament House, known for its embassy district and quiet, upscale residential streets. The hotel is approximately 11 minutes from Canberra International Airport by car, making the restaurant a practical dining option for arriving or departing travelers.

Being inside the Rydges hotel means the restaurant benefits from ample parking for guests and visitors. The venue is accessible via public transport routes that service Canberra Avenue, and cycling paths in the area provide an alternative for local residents. While specific accessibility attributes are not detailed on Maps beyond the general hotel facilities, Rydges properties typically provide wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

The George Bar & Grill operates with the following schedule:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Sunday & Monday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Reservations can be made directly through the OpenTable platform, accessible via the restaurant’s webpage. For general inquiries, the Rydges Canberra front desk can be reached by phone at +61 2 6295 3144 — the same number listed for The George Bar & Grill. The venue does not currently provide a dedicated email address for the restaurant; contact is handled through the hotel’s main line or the Rydges website contact form.

Common Questions

What type of cuisine does The George Bar & Grill serve?

The George Bar & Grill offers a casual dining menu focused on grill items, light bites, and bar favorites. The menu includes dishes like pork belly and fish and chips, complemented by an extensive wine list and seasonal cocktails.

Does The George Bar & Grill take reservations?

Yes, reservations are accepted through OpenTable. You can find the reservation link on the restaurant’s official page on the Rydges website.

What are the opening hours?

The venue is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and Sunday and Monday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Is delivery available?

No, The George Bar & Grill does not offer delivery. Dine-in service is available, and takeaway may be possible — contact the restaurant directly to confirm takeaway options.

Is there a dress code?

The George Bar & Grill maintains a relaxed, smart-casual atmosphere suitable for hotel guests and locals. No formal dress code is stated on the venue’s website or Google Maps listing.

Does the restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions?

The menu is not specifically labeled for dietary preferences, but many hotel restaurants are accustomed to accommodating common allergies and dietary requests. It’s best to inquire with the staff when booking or upon arrival.

Is there parking available?

Yes, as part of the Rydges Canberra hotel, The George Bar & Grill offers on-site parking for guests and visitors.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner by the fireplace or a convenient bar to unwind after a day of travel, The George Bar & Grill provides a functional option in Forrest. Before you decide, compare this restaurant with others on Ilistify to see what suits your dining preferences best.