Ashen Dlinen

The Oak & River Card Lounge

Wood-Fired Dining & Crafted Spirits

A menu crafted to complement the strategic pace of an evening at the poker tables. Every dish is built for flavour, focus, and the unhurried rhythm of a well-played hand.

Dinner from 5:00 PM · Poker tables hosted from 6:30 PM · 18+ only with valid Australian ID

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Wood-Fired Specialties

From the Grill

Our ironbark and hickory fires burn all evening, giving every cut a deep, smoky crust and a tender centre. These are the dishes our regulars order before settling into a tournament.

Dry-Aged Australian Wagyu

A 300g dry-aged wagyu striploin, grilled over ironbark and finished with smoked bone marrow butter. Sourced from select Australian producers and dry-aged for 45 days to concentrate its richness.

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Prime Rib Roast

Slow-roasted for six hours over low heat, then carved tableside and served with horseradish cream, red wine jus, and seasonal vegetables. A theatrical centrepiece for a shared table.

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Smoked Brisket Burgers

Hand-pressed brisket patties smoked over hickory for twelve hours before grinding, topped with smoked cheddar, pickled onions, and house barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Double patty available.

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Charred Seasonal Vegetables

A rotating selection of market vegetables charred over the open flame and finished with smoked salt and herb oil. A vegan-friendly plate that changes with the season.

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Designed for the Table

Table-Side Poker Bites

Small plates engineered for one-handed eating, clean fingers, and uninterrupted play. Each bite is prepared to order and served at the table edge.

  • Gourmet Sliders

    Mini wagyu beef sliders with caramelized onions and truffle aioli, served in pairs. Easy to handle between decisions and rich enough to feel like a proper course.

  • Skewered Pork Belly

    Crispy pork belly skewers glazed with maple and bourbon, served with pickled apple. Skewered for effortless eating; gluten-free option available.

  • Truffle Potato Bites

    Crispy potato cubes tossed in truffle oil and parmesan, served with aioli. Bite-sized, shareable, and vegetarian, with an addictive crunch.

  • Charcuterie Boards

    A curated selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, pickles, and house-made crackers, designed for sharing. The selection changes with the season and pairs well with wine or whisky.

Charcuterie board and gourmet sliders on a dark slate surface with poker chips blurred in the background

Crafted & Curated

The Cardroom Bar

A low-lit bar that respects the game. Classic cocktails, rare whiskies, local craft beers, and zero-proof serves are prepared with the same precision as a winning hand.

Smoked Old Fashioneds

A signature cocktail with bourbon, smoked sugar, and aromatic bitters, finished with charred oak smoke under a tableside cloche. A nod to the wood-fired theme.

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Single-Malt Whiskies

A curated selection of single-malt Scotch and Australian whiskies, served neat or with a single ice sphere. Over twenty labels available, with tasting flights offered.

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Cold Craft Beers

Rotating taps of local Australian craft beers, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs. Focused on independent breweries and served in chilled glasses. Non-alcoholic options available.

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Non-Alcoholic Mocktails

Sophisticated zero-proof cocktails with house-made syrups, fresh citrus, and botanical infusions. Designed for designated drivers and non-drinkers with no compromise on flavour.

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Chef's Guidance

Pairing Notes

What you eat before a tournament can shape your focus. Our chefs recommend these three approaches for a comfortable, clear-headed session.

The Pre-Tournament Plate

Start with a light but satisfying dish like charred seasonal vegetables or a small charcuterie board to avoid heaviness during play. Focus on lean proteins and vegetables, and aim to finish about 45 minutes before the tournament begins.

The Main Course Strategy

For a heartier meal, opt for the dry-aged wagyu or prime rib, but allow at least 90 minutes before your poker session to digest. Consider sharing a side of charred vegetables and stay hydrated with water or a mocktail.

The Cardroom Toast

Conclude your meal with a smoked old fashioned or a single-malt whisky as a toast to the game, but remember to drink responsibly. Alcohol can affect focus, so moderation is key. Non-alcoholic mocktails are excellent alternatives, enjoyed at the bar before or after your session.

Secure your dining reservation and poker seat for a complete evening at The Oak & River Card Lounge. Dinner from 5:00 PM, poker from 6:30 PM. 18+ only with valid Australian ID. Reservations recommended.

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The Room

Dining Experience Details

Cinematic Ambiance

Dine in a speakeasy-inspired setting with dark wood, leather seating, and the warm glow of the open grill. Designed for intimate conversations, with a subtle jazz and blues playlist and a view of the wood-fired grill in action.

Table-Side Hospitality

Our professional staff provide attentive service, from carving prime rib tableside to refreshing drinks during poker play. Dedicated servers for dining and poker areas are knowledgeable about menu and pairings, with discreet service that never disturbs gameplay.

Dress Code & Etiquette

Smart casual attire is encouraged to match the upscale atmosphere. Please be mindful of other guests and poker players. No sportswear or flip-flops, respectful behaviour expected, and mobile phones on silent in the dining area.

Upscale dining room with dark wood tables, leather chairs, and a wood-fired grill glowing in the background

Rotating & Special

Seasonal & Special Menus

Beyond the core menu, our kitchen and bar respond to the seasons and the tournament calendar with limited-time offerings.

Seasonal Grill Features

Our chefs update the menu quarterly to highlight the best Australian produce, from spring lamb to winter truffles. Check the website or ask your server for current features. Special dishes often pair with poker tournament themes and have limited availability.

Poker Tournament Dining Packages

For select poker tournaments, we offer a fixed-price dining package that includes a starter, main, and a drink. Available on tournament nights, must be booked in advance, and includes one non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage (18+).

Ready to Take Your Seat at the Poker Table?

Book your table and poker seat now for an unforgettable evening of wood-fired dining and social poker. Dinner from 5:00 PM, poker from 6:30 PM. 18+ only with valid Australian ID. Reservations recommended.

Book a Table & Poker Seat