Planning a visit to Crookwell and wondering what the Criterion Hotel has to offer? This guide covers the menu, accommodation, prices, and what makes this historic pub a local fixture. We’ve gathered details from the official website, tourism boards, and guest reviews to give you a practical overview of what to expect. The hotel sits at 72 Goulburn Street, the main street of town, and combines a bar, bistro, coffee bar, and ten-room accommodation under one roof, according to its official site.
Last checked: 2026-06-12
Address: 72 Goulburn Street, Crookwell NSW · Phone: (02) 4832 2735 · Website: criterionhotelcrookwell.com · Features: Live music, special events, seasonal menus, coffee bar · Accommodation: 8 rooms with shared bathroom facilities · Meals served: Lunch and dinner
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-12.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, VisitCanberra listing, VisitNSW listing, Visit Upper Lachlan tourism site, Australian Good Food Guide, Facebook page, Instagram profile, Clubs and Pubs Near Me directory.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interviews, or independent price verification beyond publicly listed menus.
Quick Snapshot
- 10 rooms: 8 with shared bathroom, 2 ensuite (1 family room) (VisitNSW)
- Cuisine: Bar, Bistro, Cafe (official site) (VisitNSW)
- 72 Goulburn Street, Crookwell NSW (official site)
- Phone: (02) 4832 2735 (official site)
- Main courses typically AUD 20–30 (VisitCanberra)
- Classic Big Brekkie AUD 22 (official breakfast menu) (VisitCanberra)
- Bistro lunch 11:30–14:00, dinner 17:30–20:30 daily (official site)
- Coffee bar 06:30–14:00 Mon–Fri, 07:00–14:00 Sat, 08:00–14:00 Sun
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 72 Goulburn Street, Crookwell NSW |
| Phone | (02) 4832 2735 |
| Website | criterionhotelcrookwell.com |
| Features | Live music, special events, seasonal menus, coffee bar |
| Accommodation | 8 rooms with shared bathroom facilities (plus 2 ensuite) |
| Meals served | Lunch and dinner (breakfast available weekends) |
Property Specifications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Property type | Pub, bistro, cafe, accommodation |
| Rooms | 10 total (8 shared bath, 2 ensuite including 1 family room) |
| Dining | Breakfast (weekends), lunch, dinner; coffee bar daily |
| Cuisine | Bar, pub, Australian; modern Australian with local heritage touches |
| Features | Live music, function room, open fire, pet-friendly area, weekly themed nights |
| Price band (mains) | AUD 20–30 |
| Licensing | Fully licensed, no BYO |
What Is the Criterion Hotel in Crookwell Known For?
The Criterion Hotel has operated as a central gathering spot on Crookwell’s main street for decades. It describes itself as a combination bar, bistro, cafe and accommodation venue – not a standalone restaurant. The official website emphasises multi-purpose usage, and tourism listings from VisitCanberra and VisitUpperLachlan consistently call it “family friendly with great service” and note its “real country vibe.” The bistro offers a varied menu with weekly specials, desserts, and a function room with a vaulted ceiling and large open fire, according to the Upper Lachlan tourism site.
What Makes It Special?
Several elements set the Criterion apart from a standard country pub. It runs a separate coffee bar that opens early (6:30am weekdays) serving toasties, homemade slices, and coffee. The venue’s Instagram profile promotes weekly themed dinner nights: Schnitzel Night on Mondays, Pasta Night on Tuesdays, Rump Night on Wednesdays, and Ribs on Thursdays – a rotation that gives regulars a reason to return. The Australian Good Food Guide describes the cuisine as “modern Australian with local heritage influences,” blending pub classics with regional touches.
Insider tip: Tuesday night pasta is a popular weeknight option. Check the hotel’s Facebook page for any changes to the weekly specials schedule.
The accommodation side includes access to a library reading room and a common television room, all non-smoking, as noted on the VisitCanberra listing. With ten rooms – eight using shared bathroom facilities and two ensuite – the hotel positions itself as affordable overnight lodging for travellers passing through the Southern Tablelands.
The pattern: The Criterion functions as a true multi-purpose venue – early coffee, weekend breakfast, nightly bistro, bar, and rooms – making it a one-stop stop for travellers and a social hub for locals.
Criterion Hotel Crookwell Menu and Prices
The official website publishes a breakfast menu (served Saturdays and Sundays 8:00–11:00) and a bistro menu for lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast prices are itemised: Classic Big Brekkie AUD 22, Vege Big Brekkie AUD 20, Eggs Benny (spelled “Eggs Benny”) AUD 17, Bacon & Eggs on toast listed at both AUD 16 and AUD 14 (a menu inconsistency noted by the site itself), pancakes and waffles each AUD 14, Bacon & Egg roll AUD 10, and a Brekkie Burger AUD 14. The coffee bar menu – available Monday to Friday from 6:30am – includes coffee, tea, toasties, and homemade slices at unlisted prices.
Menu highlights
For lunch and dinner, the bistro menu changes seasonally. The official site lists “hot pastas and sides” on its Facebook promotional materials, and the bistro offers a Tuesday night pasta special. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted a Tuesday night schnitzel special at AUD 15, describing it as “good basic pub food.” The Upper Lachlan tourism site mentions weekly specials and desserts, though exact rotating dishes are not published online. The Australian Good Food Guide entry points to a “unique dining experience within a historic hotel setting,” reinforcing the blend of tradition and modern dishes.
Pricing note: The AUD 20–30 main-course band comes from VisitCanberra’s food-and-drink listing. Breakfast prices are fixed on the official menu. No dinner entrée or main prices are individually listed online; we recommend calling ahead to confirm current specials and prices.
Price range notes
The breakfast menu shows the widest price spread – from AUD 10 for a Bacon & Egg roll to AUD 22 for the Classic Big Brekkie. The typical main course cost for lunch or dinner sits between AUD 20 and AUD 30, which is consistent with other country pubs in regional New South Wales. The weekly theme nights offer value options – the schnitzel special at AUD 15 is notably below the usual band. No accommodation room rates are published, making a full cost comparison difficult.
The bottom line: Breakfast is budget-friendly (AUD 10–22), bistro mains fall in the AUD 20–30 range, and weekly specials can be even cheaper. For the most accurate pricing, check the hotel’s website or call (02) 4832 2735 before visiting.
Criterion Hotel Crookwell Reviews and Guest Ratings
The hotel’s restaurant section on TripAdvisor has accumulated 56 reviews as of 2024, earning an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. This places it second out of nine restaurants in Crookwell, according to the platform. The cuisine is categorised as Bar, Pub, Australian – a standard fit for a regional pub. The Facebook page shows a 96% community recommendation score from 43 reviews, suggesting strong local satisfaction.
TripAdvisor rating breakdown
The 4.2 rating reflects a mix of praise and minor criticism. Multiple reviewers comment positively on the atmosphere and central location. One reviewer noted that the venue includes poker machines, which reduced the dining ambience for some, but acknowledged the food was “good basic pub food.” Another mentioned the quick service and friendly staff. The hotel’s Instagram and Facebook content reinforces a welcoming, community-focused image. Review patterns suggest that the Criterion is appreciated more by travellers seeking a genuine country pub experience than by those looking for fine dining.
Common praise points
Across TripAdvisor and Facebook, reviewers frequently highlight:
- Friendly, efficient service
- Good value for money (especially themed night specials)
- Convenient main-street location
- Relaxed, no-fuss country atmosphere
The implication: The Criterion earns solid marks for atmosphere, service, and value. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner without gaming distractions, check the layout when you arrive.
Criterion Hotel Crookwell Opening Hours, Location, and Alternatives
The bistro operates daily: lunch from 11:30am to 2:00pm, dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The coffee bar opens earlier – 6:30am Monday–Friday, 7am Saturday, 8am Sunday – and runs until 2:00pm each day. Weekend breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 11:00am. For the most accurate current hours, especially on public holidays, the hotel suggests calling (02) 4832 2735.
How to get there
The Criterion Hotel is located at 72 Goulburn Street, Crookwell, on the main thoroughfare. It’s a straightforward drive from Goulburn (about 30 minutes south-west) and sits on the route to Canberra. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. The building is easily identifiable by its historic façade and signage.
Note: The coffee bar and bistro share the same building but have separate entrances. The pet-friendly area is on the side of the venue.
Nearby alternatives: Albion Hotel Crookwell
For those wanting a different pub experience, the Albion Hotel is a direct competitor also on Goulburn Street. While detailed ratings and menu information for the Albion are less readily available, it offers bar and pub dining in a similar historic setting. The Criterion holds a higher rank on TripAdvisor (#2 vs. the Albion not appearing in the top three), but both are worth considering if the Criterion is fully booked or if you prefer a different atmosphere. The VisitNSW listing notes that the Criterion is “centrally located on Crookwell’s main street,” which also applies to the Albion just a few doors away.
The trade-off: The Criterion offers accommodation and a wider range of dining hours (including early coffee and weekend breakfast) compared to a standard pub. The Albion may suit if you want a more traditional pub-only setup.
Our Pick
We recommend the Criterion Hotel Crookwell for:
- Travelers seeking central pub accommodation – it’s right on the main street and offers ten rooms.
- Diners looking for bar and Australian cuisine in a relaxed country setting.
- Budget-conscious visitors – shared-bathroom rooms and specials like Tuesday schnitzel night keep costs down.
For the most up-to-date menu specials and room availability, check the official website or call ahead. If you prefer a pub without gaming machines, inquire about seating options when you book.
visitcanberra.com.au, visitnsw.com, criterionhotel.net.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Criterion Hotel Crookwell have accommodation?
Yes, 10 rooms: 8 with shared bathroom facilities, 2 ensuite (including 1 family room). All are non-smoking and guests have access to a library and common TV room.
What cuisine does the Criterion Hotel serve?
Bar, pub, and Australian dishes. The Australian Good Food Guide describes it as modern Australian with local heritage influences. The bistro also offers weekly specials and desserts.
Are there live music or events at the Criterion Hotel?
Yes, according to the official website and tourism listings, the hotel hosts live music, special events, and seasonal menu changes. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
What is the phone number for the Criterion Hotel Crookwell?
(02) 4832 2735. Email: criterionhotelcrookwell@gmail.com.
What are the dining hours?
Bistro lunch 11:30–14:00, dinner 17:30–20:30 daily. Weekend breakfast 08:00–11:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Coffee bar opens from 06:30 weekdays, 07:00 Saturday, 08:00 Sunday, all closing at 14:00.
Is there a menu PDF available online?
Related searches indicate a PDF menu may be available on the official website. Currently the breakfast menu and coffee bar menu are published as images; the bistro menu changes seasonally and may not be in PDF form.
How does the Criterion Hotel compare to the Albion Hotel Crookwell?
The Criterion has a higher TripAdvisor rating (4.2) and offers accommodation as well as a coffee bar and event space. The Albion is a more traditional pub without published room information. Both are on Goulburn Street.