Earl Of Aberdeen - OHalloran Hill

Came here for lunch on a weekday. Street parking was easy. It's been about 6 years since I last came. In my mind, Coopers Alehouse has always been a go to spot for schnitzel, so that's what I came for. Our table ordered a chicken parmi, a beef schnitzel and a fish chips. Didn't realize that schnitzels don't come with salad so we also ordered side salad. The parmi was ok, wasn't as juicy as I remembered it to be. The beef schnitzel (with Diane sauce) was a bit underwhelming there were definitely chunks of tendons or something, making it hard to cut and chew. The fish (flat head) was actually the most expensive dish the batter was good and the fish was tender, so that was good. The chips were fresh and tasty too. Overall it was a good meal but I wish the schnitzels were better, since that was the focus of my meal.

Rode by this restaurant on 2 bike rides and as I do love coopers beer... thought I'd give it a go. I must say... whatever the renovation is... bravo!! The sparkler came out lovely, strong as always and cold! I'm a sucker for REAL onion rings so I started with them... not to be missed! Then I had 6 of the oysters natural. Big, meaty, and the minionette was lovely. The main was shockingly good. The chef's choice seared spiced king fish was brilliant. Medallions of seared spiced king fish loin topped with salmon roe arranged with a slaw of fennel, chicory, orange and grapefruit chunks, and more king fish chunks. All complimented by a to die for black squid ink garlic aioli!! I'm full... and the sparkler is kicking in... I will definitely be back for more if I am in Adelaide!! Thanks to all the staff too. Really on point.

As a regular to this place over the years, I keep returning for the schnitzels. Tonight was no different. My friend and I thought we should try the 1kg schnitzel challenge. Setting us back $25.00 you can choose between diane, pepper, gravy or mushroom to assist you in your efforts. Toppings start from $5.00. In a world where size matters, you would expect quality from a pro like the Coopers Alehouse at The Earl of Aberdeen. Unfortunately that wasn't so. I was truly impressed by the size, but was most disappointed by the breadcrumb ratio to meat. The chicken was tasteless and clearly has been pounded to its maximum thinness. All I could taste was breadcrumbs which is totally yuck after three bites. My sauces accompanying me was pepper and mushroom. Both equally as bad as each other. Pepper was too creamy and mushroom was missing the mushroom flavour, so bland! It seems that if you go above 300g for a schnitty then the lack of quality and breadcrumbs increases. Not a happy experience.

This really isn't one of my favourite pubs in Adelaide, especially the experience I had with my schnitzel one afternoon we came here for a work lunch (it really wasn't the best). However I decided to come and check it out again when I was back in Adelaide over Christmas, and my opinion of the place hasn't changed all that much. It is a pretty nice pub, though not one of the best that I've visited. They actually have two restaurants a woodfired pizzeria and a standard restaurant. Mind you, when I was here it was pretty packed (but that may have had something to do with it being the festive season).

Great venue for watching footy with the hometown crowd (Crows vs. Hawks), as the crowds enthusiasm was infectious! My two friends enjoyed their drinks and as I was the driver I cannot comment on quality of the bevvies.