Growlers

Made a stop in Torquay on the way to the 12 Apostles for our late lunch. While walking along the beautiful blue bay, we came across the Growlers restaurant on the main Esplanade strip.
A cool surf coast stop with it’s own sandy beach in the outdoor seating area (where we were), indoor red gum bar that we spied and great menu. We spent a fair while tossing up between the many good options. Friend and I both got kid sized drinks– a chocolate milkshake and cranberry juice. Our other friend got the full size banana milkshake. All our drinks were good.
Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and a stunning view of the coast in addition to our yummy meals. Was very pleased with the Growlers Salt & Pepper Squid, which has been on the menu for a long time because of it’s reverence. Can see why. Was a huge serving of their quickly fried, lightly flour dusted squid– no complaints. Came with a fresh lemon for squeezing over and the mizuna salad that had small circular, fried beetroot chips (wish they threw in more, because it was very yum) and peeled mandarins.
Friend ordered the beef burger but was odd because the feature was double cheese yet there wasn’t even a single slice in there and the patty looked smaller than advertised. She said it was still yum but an oddity we couldn’t figure out.
Great for kids– we saw little ones playing in the sand and writing on the chalkboard to one side of the outdoor area. Would be wonderful in summer to chill out at this beachfront bungalow and we were stoked to accidentally stumble across this one. Come check it out

Massive front garden across from the beach that serves delicious, local beer? I’d definitely say the good outweighed the bad at this establishment. Our food was hit or miss (Hit = pumpkin, pine nuts and orange salad. Miss = open chicken stack) and I loved that they served Emma & Toms alongside other fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes and spiders; but the staff actually seemed annoyed to see us. I personally found it hilarious as it was edging on offensive when we asked for things like tomato sauce and, God forbid, if they had anything gluten free. It got to the point where the salty service seemed to be part of the schtick in the «where are the hidden cameras» way, but by then I’d had enough beer that I considered it endearing.
Come for the beautiful location and tasty booze and you’ll be set. Watch out for hidden cameras, I’m still convinced they might be there…

The place is pretty hit and miss. Don’t try and order «extras/​sides» or adapt the menu.
It does table service which is very rare in Torquay. I’d rate it as third best for breakfast in Torquay which isn’t saying very much…

Absolutely terrible. Bad food, bad service, bad coffee. Only come here if you’re looking for beers.