Though the ultra-spare setting—nothing more than a photo mural of Ayer’s Rock lines the brick walls—sets a simple tone at this Aussie–themed, seasonal eatery, the menu’s welcome attractions stand out in bold relief, as straight-up Down Under dishes put a tasty spin on meat pies (like the Chicken Wellington) and burgers (Aussie–style, of ground lamb and beef, with lettuce, tomato, and pickled beets). Other items tap the world’s smallest continent’s far-flung ingredients. Wattleseed, a nutty, Aboriginal spice, enhances the yogurt dressing on the Tucker salad; Smoked Stokes Point cheddar adds an earthy, creamy garnish to a flaky tart; and the delicate white flesh of barramundi, the bounty of the Great Barrier Reef, slides right off the bone. If typical Oz endings such as Pavlova, a mountain of meringue and fruit, overwhelm all but the most voracious epicures, the Australian cheese plate easily finishes a meal patriotically. Four varieties of Coopers Ale keep tipplers’ whistles wet at the buzzing bar. The dining room, however, provides a quieter outback for dates. — Kathleen Squires
Extra
Every Tuesday is lobster night, with $13 for a whole crustacean served in Maine, Australian, or South Pacific styles.
6.0
"Mixed Reviews" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
I almost hate to write this good review because I don't want anyone to know how great The Wombat is, but I thought it was important since the only other review wasn't good. "Dollar oyster Mondays" is incredible. Even if you don't like them raw, the fried and grilled oysters are delicious, too. The New Zealand venison was perfectly seasoned and the baked macaroni not too rich/not too bland. The Aussie burger is a revelation, perfect balance of savory and sweet, and made to spec. With places like Walter Foods, Dumont, Roebling Tea Room around the corner Wombat is a tough (and much cheaper) competitor. The food is great, the price is right, they have nightly specials that'll please anyone. It's cash only and while I stay away from most cash-only and Amex-only eats in Williamsburg, because of the inconvenience, this place is worth it to me. I go back every single week. There's no gnocchi on this menu at all, so I can't say I know what dish the reviewer was referring to. I have a BIG appetite and I'm always filled up when I go to Wombat.
I hate doing this, but here I go...All i wanted was a savory full dish of delicious food for dinner. I didn't want to cook it and i was willing to spend the extra few bucks to avoid eating at the cheap chinese place across the street again (and again.) Wombat was dark, quiet and close. I ordered some food and some wine to drink while i waited. When the food was ready, I tipped accurately and left.
I got home and there were SIX gnocchi in my dish. I specifically ordered the "entre" and not the appetizer. I was so sad! Now, I fully support portion control and I know you may be thinking, 'if she wanted loads of food for cheap, she should have gone to the efin chinese place across the street." But truthfully? this portion was ridiculously small and certainly not ever worth the price. I hope it was a mistake. Savory? yes. Delicious? yes. Worth it? can't say so.