I visited Cantina Bar’s older sibling after I’d enjoyed the - admittedly wilder and more cohesive - second gen. version.



That’s not to say this one isn’t worth a peek. In fact it’s my missive here to alert you to the possibility of small bar crawling along the peninsula.



Big sis shines brightest in the drinks department.



The standout Sangria ($10/glass) is enriched with Sailor Jerry’s rum and passionfruit. The Espresso Martini ($16), based on Paul Bassett coffee, is a smooth favourite with the ladies for good reason; and El Diablo ($14) - a better-than-average summertime cocktail made on Tequila Don Julio - goes down a bit too easily.



By now you’re probably scanning for an affable drinking companion.



Amongst a menu of quite substantial offerings...



...I found it was the bar snacks like Haloumi ($9); mild Chorizo with Mozzarella ($9); and tangy Arancini ($12/5) that performed best.



If you’re hungry, the BBQ Chipotle Pulled Pork Pizza Slab ($33/full, $18/half) with red onion, peppers and fennel slaw is an interesting combination that worked against their unique, minimal intervention Corner Bar BioDynamic Organic Shiraz ($8.50/glass).



However if you’re taking up my peninsula bar crawl challenge, do save some space for the Mexican street food offerings down the hill: there be churros ahead!

Corner Bar
632 Darling Street, Balmain
Ph: (02) 9810 7070