Stanley’s is a relatively new family friendly pub located in Bruce (replacing what was Ellacure) with beers on tap and regularly changing specials. My friends and I headed there for Saturday lunch (with no reservation). About 70% of the tables were reserved however there were a few small tables available. The space inside is quite small but thankfully there’s a nice undercover patio at the front with more tables. You can find your pub food staples such as chicken parmagiana, schnitzel, fish and chips and pizza plus a $10 kids menu.

I ordered the chicken parma ($22.90) with double smoked ham, mozzarella, fries and a dressed chef’s salad. The generous portion of chicken breast was nicely crumbed and juicy. I also loved the generous portion of cheese on top and yes, I found the ham actually did have a pleasant smokiness. My friend raves about the chips (and the house made garlic aioli) and I can confirm the thick cut chips are crunchy, not soggy, while maintaining a nice fluffiness on the inside. The accompanying salad was a bonus and didn’t make me feel as guilty.

Stanley's chicken parmagiana

Another friend enjoyed the pork, sage and parsley bangers and mash ($22.90) and said that the bangers were good quality and tasty.

Stanley's Bruce bangers mash

The chargrilled peri peri chicken breast burger ($21.90) with smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, smashed avocado was piled high and a little difficult to eat, but still tasty with chips and the house made garlic aioli. I thought the price for a burger and chips was a bit much but it was filling.

Stanley's Bruce chicken burger

My friend ordered one of the specials that week (written up on the menu next to the bar) – the BBQ ribs with charred corn and slaw (price unknown). It was my second choice meal but I decided to stick with my parma instead. Though there were only 5 ribs provided, we were all surprised to see there was a lot of actual meat on these ribs. My friend couldn’t finish it all.

Stanley's Bruce bbq ribs

Stanley’s is a casual laid back pub, somewhere you can take your kids and not feel rushed to leave. There are several craft beers available and different beers on tap. My friend who is a local has dined there at least 3 times now and swears the food is consistently good. We all thought the pub food had large portions and good flavour. Bookings recommended for weekends.

Stanley’s
2/21 Battye Street, Bruce

Opening hours: Thursday-Monday, 11am to midnight.

Foodgasm 7.5/10
Value for money 7/10
Service 7.5/10

FPJ score 22/30

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