Jangling Jack’s is in a leafy part of Potts Point, two blocks from the main drag, but when you’re inside you could be anywhere in the world (or at least any country that worships steaks, chips and rock’n’roll).

It could be a neighborhood boozer native to Newtown, Nashville or London, what with all the blues posters, Bob Dylan on the stereo, and brass plaques with the names of regulars fixed to the bar.

The compact menu is a grab-bag of what the owners (and Sydneysiders generally) like to eat. Anchovy toast. Cacio e pepe. Chicken schnitzel. A spot-on sticky date pudding to pair with some pretty ace whisky from the top shelf.

There’s a non-greasy cheeseburger licked with flame from the grill. There’s a “Big Kahuna” burger because nothing says “We’re here to have fun!” like a juicy patty and pineapple between bread.

There is also a stonking good Sunday roast, served with crunchy hasselback spuds and a golden-brown nimbus of Yorkshire pudding. Minted peas and noble gravy are along for the ride, and if you visit on a Sunday there’s also live jazz. The world can never have enough independent bars like it.

Good to know: It’s highly unlikely that you will ever encounter a bad cocktail here, and staff are genuinely interested to know your name.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.