The Peacemaker Saloon has opened on Mort Street. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The team behind Mort Street whiskey bar Volstead Repeal has opened a second location just down the road. Although the two venues are close in distance, they have a remarkably different vibe.
“Volstead has that post-prohibition New York cocktail bar vibe. It’s cosy and intimate,” owner Stu Inger told Region, “whereas Peacemaker is more casual, there’s more food and it’s just a bit more upbeat.”
Peacemaker Saloon brings the Wild West to Braddon, with an impressive list of American Bourbon and Rye and a casual food menu of South West ‘merican classics. Stu owns the bar alongside Volstead Repeal co-owners Paul Heylin, Allen Chen and VR manager Gus Burns.
Yes, that is a portrait of the four owners hanging in the private dining room. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
They’ve opened up the old new-Knightsbridge location (iykyk) and created a large open space with booths, high tops and restaurant seating. Old-timey framed images adorn the walls (with a cheeky stuffed moose head), and there’s even a set of swinging doors leading out back to the bathrooms and not-so-secret private dining room. It’s a fun theme, but they’ve managed to avoid being too kitschy by providing a genuinely good experience.
The menu starts with signature cocktails like the deliciously smokey Silver Dollar and the honey-sweetened Dead Man’s Hand. There are six beers on tap, and the American whiskey menu ranges from $11 for a Jim Beam to $200 for a Michter’s 20-year-old Bourbon, so you can have a cheap night out or decide to splurge.
“We wanted Peacemaker Saloon to have a lower price point and just be a bit more accessible. Essentially, you should be able to come out for a beer and some food and still get change from a fifty,” said Stu.
The Peacemaker Saloon: Wild West feel without the kitsch. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The Prairie Smoke Wings come in 500 gram or 1 kg portions, slathered in a spicy hickory sauce. Extra napkins will be required, but they are so worth the sticky fingers.
For something more filling, turn to the sandwiches and hearty meals: the Reuben is a staff favourite for good reason, and the sloppy joe lives up to it’s name in the most delicious way.
The High Noon Nachos have been a hit with customers, and the Cattleman’s Board is a great option to share in a group with kangaroo and anise myrtle salami, prosciutto, triple cream brie, quince paste and cornichons: who knew that cattlemen ate so well?! The main menu is available until 10 pm and there is a smaller selection of late-night dishes as well.
Walk-ins only, unless you’re booking the private room, which comes with a staff member so you don’t have to line up at the bar, which can get a little hectic on busy nights.
The main bar space could do with some acoustic baffling but the noise just contributes to the raucous saloon atmosphere. While the bartenders’ hats are part of the overall aesthetic, there were quite a few genuine Akubra-wearing drinkers in the crowd alongside plenty of public service puffer jackets.
The Peacemaker Saloon is located at 26 Mort Street, Braddon. They are open from 4 pm until late Wednesday to Sunday. Visit the Peacemaker Saloon website or follow them on Instagram.
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