Driving into Monte Ale House at Slacks Creek, you’re in the middle of an industrial estate.
Sitting inside Monte Ale House, you could be anywhere in rural or regional Australia.
The owners here have embraced the Moss St car culture, and house an impressive collection of memorabilia.
An old racing car sits above everything. Underneath, there’s an old Coca Cola fridge filled with car racing history. There are bikes, an old petrol bowser which has been restored to its original glory, a mower from decades past, and plenty of bits and pieces on the walls to jog the memory of any sporting enthusiast or history buff.
The regulars here will happily spark up a conversation, just as they would in a country pub.
And the service is the same. A good old fashioned laugh and a joke comes alongside the drink. There’s a warm feeling you don’t get everywhere.
The kitchen was once open three meals a day but has since moved to breakfast and lunch, predominantly servicing workers in the surrounding estates.
One of the advantages that provides any guest is that the prices are kept low. There’s a $10 lunch specials board which varies. With things like pasta with pork, chorizo and prawn, there’s a generous offering.
The main menu has a creative list of burgers. “Moon and back” has a chicken fillet breast with cheese, avocado, streaky bacon, the usual salad and mayo. The “Maugro” is fish, the “Qldr” beeef (with pineapple) and “the King” steak. A brisket burger offers something a bit different, as does the vege burger made with a beetroot-based patty.
There’s also an all-day breakfast menu with a fairly deep selection of favourites.
The chef here is also looking to try new things. A chicken pot pie adds a homestyle element to the menu, and is fresh and hearty with leek, bacon and mushroom providing a salty accompaniment to the chicken pieces and smooth broth.
Like any good pot pie, the pastry overhangs the top of the bowl and is perfectly baked.
It’s evident here that the owners are keen for people to have fun. Boutique beers are on tap, and there’s a great selection of “paddles” with a difference.
Beer and wine tasting paddles are common around the place, but a “Beenleigh Rums” paddle is something a little different, as are the gin and tequila versions.
Even though it’s been around for a while and well known to locals, for the rest of us the Monte St pub is a hidden gem with a homely feel, and well worth a try.
