The Cumby is a pretty unpretentious place as pubs go. It’s not a classy joint, nor does it pretend to be. I can imagine that it’s a fairly seedy place to be on a Saturday night. But on a Friday arvo, it’s a peaceful, decent, laidback location for an after-work schnitty. The staff are very friendly, the service is excellent, the meals are prepared quickly (but not suspiciously quickly), the music level is just right.
The price is right as well. The menu tells us that a schnitzel will cost us fourteen dollars. Pretty reasonable to say the least. When we order our meals, however, we are informed that schnitzels and parmis cost only $8 if you also buy a drink. It wasn’t clear whether this was just a Friday deal, or a Happy Hour special or whatever else, but the bottom line is that I ended up with a schnitzel and a lemonade for $11.50. Life is good. Life gets better when the schnitzel actually turns out to be pretty good. The crumbing is nice and crispy, not falling off the meat. The schnitty is of decent thickness and quite tasty, albeit certainly not quite up there with the best we’ve tasted. The salad is respectable, the gravy is rich and generously portioned, and the chips are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – there is a debate between those of us seated at the table as to what makes a good chip. Since I’m writing the review, I’m saying that the chips here are good. Personally I prefer thicker chips to shoestring fries, and that’s what we were served up here.
The Canadian schnitzel, which has a bacon, avocado and cheese topping, for an additional $4, is also worth a look for the hungry individual.
So while we’ve certainly seen bigger and tasted better, the value for money offered at the Cumby is pretty hard to top. The west end of Waymouth Street doesn’t have an awful lot going for it, but eight dollar schnitties and parmis is a good incentive to head that way.
The Verdict: The best value schnitzel we’ve encountered. For $8 (or even for $14), it can’t be faulted.
Taste 4/5, Size 3.5/5, Value 5/5, Sides 3.5/5, Experience 3.5/5
Total 78%
