The Park House in Mona Vale
We visited the Park House last week and it definitely lived up to expectations. There are different eating, drinking and entertainment spaces. Perfect for a weekend visit with the family or to stop by for a cocktail.
It’s so cool, I felt far cooler than my usual momlife hang outs. Far, far cooler!
I have no doubt that this is going to become a Northern Beaches’ landmark.
All About The Park House
Where is The Park House
The Park House is in Mona Vale, one of the suburbs on the Northern Beaches. Mona Vale is probably the half way point between Manly and Palm Beach. Mona Vale is also easily accessible from the North Shore – you just travel east along Mona Vale road until you can go no further.
The Park House may be the coolest thing in Mona Vale. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Address
It is where the old Mona Vale Hotel used to be.
The official address is 2 Park Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103.
If you’re thinking about trying their cocktails, it’s easy enough to get there on the B1. It’s opposite the park that the B1 ends at on its trip from the city.
Parking
There is parking in the area with council parking on Park.
The Park House Features
The whole point of the Park House is that you can visit four different venues all within one space and you can do it with the kids, with your mates or your furry friends.
Front Yard
If you enter from the Park Street side, the first area you will walk through is the Front Yard. It’s a laid back covered bar and live music area.
We’ve introduced Front Yard Noise every Friday night from 10pm which will see us feature epic bands. If you’re more of a DF lover then have no fear, we’ve got DJ’s set to spin every Friday & Saturday night from 10pm.
This area is also home to the biggest TV on the Northern Beaches. I’m not sure how my husband missed that.
If you’re visiting on a sweltering summer day the outdoor area here may be the best place to stay as it is the coolest in the midday heat.
Joining Front Yard and Food Merchants is a thin corridor that has some arcade games. Be careful, if you’re with six year olds – you may get trapped here like we did.
Parkhouse Food Merchants Bar and Restaurant
These can be classed as two separate places as they have their own menus but they are intertwined to some degree.
Food Merchants (plural) is a big open plan restaurant set in three different sections – the outside open courtyard, a lounge style area and a seated area.
Food Merchants Restuarant is the more formal eating area. It’s open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
On a winter’s day or evening the lounge and restaurant would be stunning to sit in.
In the middle of summer we decided to sit outside in the courtyard. Make sure you go early or make a reservation. When we got there just after noon it was quiet but within an hour it was bustling and full. It’s not hard to see why, it’s a great set up.
And the roof you see in the picture below is retractable so in lovely weather like we had, it opens up but can also be completely covered. So smart.
Truck Stop
If you head through Food Merchants and out to the left, you’ll find the very laid back, very Californian Truck Stop!
Truck Stop is only open Friday through to Sunday.
It’s got bright sunny umbrellas, sandy gravel, an awesome retro bar, taco truck and games!
There are multiple hand ball courts, the snooker croquet, ping pong tables, green areas.
This is the place to be with the kids, if it’s not too hot. There are some shaded areas but sadly on the day we visited it was just too hot to be outdoors. My kids were bitterly disappointed not to be able to play the giant snooker game.
The Food
Front Yard
If you’re in the mood for a burger – this is where you need to aim for. There are 7 different burgers on the menu, including a vegetarian option. In case everyone else wants burgers but you want something else, there are pizzas too and a kids menu.
Food Merchants Restaurant Menu
The restuarant menu has a wide variety of dishes from pan roasted pork chop to snapper ceviche and fillet to “Ash Roasted Pumpkin”. It also has a kids menu so you don’t have to worry about finding something suitable for them.
Food Merchants Bar Menu
This is where we chose to eat on the particular day we visited. Granny and gramps were in the mood for some salmon.
While the food is said to be American, it’s got a lot of Mexican and and Middle Eastern influences with salads and “bowls”.
When we visited, we ordered from Food Merchants and had a combination of burgers and salads. I had to be difficult though and I ordered pizza which was delicious!!
The kids meals come with a side salad which is served in a little glass jam jar, it’s so cool, I pinched one of the kids’ for myself.
The Food Merchants outdoor area also has a little gelato barrow which the kids can explore while you get drinks at the bar.
Truck Stop
This is where you’ll find the 1950s Airstream bar, taco truck and pizza kitchen, the latter is tucked around a corner at the back.
On the taco menu there are the following options:
- achiote grilled chicken
- braised and pulled pork
- seared salmon
The pizza menu is up on the wall above the kitchen and has 8 different types, including the original ones like a Margherita and a Hawaiian.
And there are always special deals!
The SPECIALS
There is always something on offer at the Park House. As at December 2018 they are:
- Everyday is happy day with $10 Frozen Margaritas all day, in the Front Yard
- Monday’s: $15 Schnitzel & Beer at the Front Yard
- Tuesday: $10 Pints 6pm to 10pm, in the Front Yard
- Wednesday: $15 Burger & Beer, in the Front Yard
- Kids eating free in the Front Yard and Food Merchants from 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wedneadays.
Check out the Parkhouse Website for more information on their deals and specials.
