At Waitchen Sports Bar, we believe that great sports deserve great food. That's why we've created special menu items designed to enhance your game day experience. Our kitchen team works tirelessly to craft dishes that are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing while you're caught up in the excitement of a big match.
Our Game Day Philosophy
As the Head Chef at Waitchen, I've always believed that sports bar food shouldn't be an afterthought. Too often, venues focus solely on the drinks and viewing experience while serving up generic, uninspired food. We take a different approach.
Our game day menu is built around three key principles:
- Shareability: Dishes designed for groups to enjoy together
- One-handed eating: Foods you can enjoy without taking your eyes off the game
- Local flavors: Australian ingredients and inspirations with global influences
AFL Finals Series Specials
When the AFL Finals heat up, so does our kitchen. Our special AFL menu includes:
The Premiership Platter
Perfect for sharing with 3-4 mates, this massive platter includes:
- Slow-cooked pulled pork sliders with apple slaw
- Lemon pepper chicken wings with blue cheese dip
- Salt and pepper calamari with lime aioli
- Loaded potato wedges with bacon, cheese, and sour cream
- House-made onion rings with smoky BBQ sauce
$65 | Add a bucket of four local beers for just $30
Team Colors Parmas
We create special chicken parmigianas based on the colors of the teams playing in the big games. For example:
- The Sydney Special: Topped with red capsicum and white mozzarella
- The Collingwood: Black olive tapenade and white feta cheese
- The Richmond: Yellow bell pepper sauce with black olives
All parmas come with chips and salad for $26
NRL Game Day Favorites
Rugby League fans have their own set of exclusive menu items:
The Forward Pack
A protein-packed platter featuring:
- Smokehouse beef ribs with coffee BBQ glaze
- Grilled chorizo with chimichurri
- Buffalo chicken tenders with ranch dip
- Stuffed potato skins with bacon and cheddar
$55 | Perfect for 2-3 hungry fans
State of Origin Specials
During the Origin series, we offer:
- The Maroon Burger: Queensland-inspired burger with beetroot, pineapple, and a spicy BBQ sauce
- The Blues Burger: NSW-inspired creation with blue cheese, caramelized onions, and gourmet mushrooms
$22 each | Comes with a side of sweet potato fries
Cricket Season Favorites
During cricket season, we switch to lighter fare perfect for all-day viewing:
The Test Match Tasting Board
Designed to be enjoyed throughout a long day of cricket:
- House-smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and capers
- Selection of premium Australian cheeses with quince paste
- Charcuterie selection with pickles and mustard
- Freshly baked sourdough with flavored butters
- Mixed marinated olives and roasted nuts
$48 | Add a bottle of Australian wine for $30
The Ashes Burger
Our Anglo-Australian fusion burger features:
- Wagyu beef patty
- Aged English cheddar
- Caramelized onion relish
- Aussie beetroot
- Fried egg
- Toasted brioche bun
$24 | Served with a side of chips
International Sports Specialties
When major international sporting events are on, we create themed menus to match:
Premier League Breakfast
For those early morning English football matches:
- The Full English: Eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, beans, and toast
- The Continental: Freshly baked pastries, Greek yogurt with honey, and seasonal fruit
Available from 6am for early kickoffs | $20 including a coffee or tea
NBA Finals Menu
When the NBA Finals are on, we go all-American:
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza
- New York bacon cheese dogs
- Memphis-style BBQ ribs
- LA-inspired fish tacos
Prices vary | Available during all NBA Finals games
Dietary Requirements
We understand that our customers have diverse dietary needs, so we ensure that every game day menu includes:
- Vegetarian options (V)
- Gluten-free alternatives (GF)
- Vegan selections (VG)
Just let your server know about any specific requirements, and our kitchen team will be happy to accommodate.
Game Day Drink Pairings
Our bar team works closely with the kitchen to create perfect pairings:
- Wings pair perfectly with hoppy IPAs
- Burgers match well with amber ales or lagers
- Seafood dishes complement crisp pilsners or white wines
- Desserts go nicely with stouts or dessert wines
Ask your server for specific recommendations based on your food choices and the current tap list.
Pre-Order for Big Games
For major sporting events, we recommend pre-ordering your food to avoid delays. You can do this when making your table reservation or through our website up to 24 hours before the event.
Pre-ordering ensures that your food arrives exactly when you want it—whether that's right before kickoff, at half-time, or staggered throughout the game.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for special menu announcements tied to upcoming sporting events. We're constantly innovating and creating new game day specials to enhance your Waitchen experience.
We look forward to serving you during your next visit to Waitchen Sports Bar. Game on!