So old-school that it's hip.

The drive-in is heading for a revival with everyone noticing all the pluses it provides.

First and foremost - tickets are only $10/person (up to 4 people) with a Cinebuzz Card and that's for TWO movies. The first movies is always a new release, with the second a slightly older new release, which is usually still playing at regular cinemas.

Secondly, this is a perfect option if you have kids. Make them comfortable in the back with a portable DVD player, a blanket and block of chocolate while you enjoy the feature you'd otherwise miss out on. (Also perfect of for parents of new borns that need a date! Baby can sleep or cry and not disturb anyone but your spouse, and you can settle bubs with out any of the pressure of having to keep them quiet)

Thirdly, you can deck the back of your hatch with blankets and pillows and enjoy a movie under the stars, or you can park your car a little further back and picnic on the ground on warm balmy nights.

Downside: Terrible when it's raining.

Charms: Old school retro, the crackly sound from the old speakers and the terrible diner.

Warning: Expect an unhappy tummy if you opt for the fish cocktail - my suggestion - go for things that come in packets! or Better still pack your own nibbles and just get your frozen coke or magnum at the Candy Bar.

Approximate cost: $10 with Cinebuzz

A must have for any regular movie goer. $10 each for up to 4 people at the drive in, regular specials and offers, access to competions and VIP events.

Free and easy to join and staff are very helpful when you forget your password or have any questions.

Best thing is, if your going to the movies, you can sign up at home and print out a temp card while you wait for your official card to arrive in the mail.

Doesn't cost a thing and is well-worth the very little effort it takes!

Approximate cost: $FREE

Event Cinemas (formerly known as Greater Union) are modern, well equipped and huge.

There is V-MAX, Silver Screen, Gold Class and regular options and each is priced accordingly. The Gold Class has a beautiful pre-movie lounger, suitable for cocktails and nibblies, and the (approx) 18 seat cinema is plush and comfortable. The seats electronically recline and everything is very comfortable.

V-max is great for 3D movies and there is also very nifty little tables (much like a lecture theater) available to put you drinks, snacks and popcorn on.

Unlike the old days, hot food it now available at the Candy Bar to take into the cinema with you. This food is average, but the nuggets and chips are ideal to keep any child happy.

Prices are competitive and all the new releases are showing, with the (very occasional) art house film popping up for a day or two.

Approximate cost: $16

A large cinema complex, with plenty of parking and ideal for a post-outlet shopping movie.

Staff are a little on the distracted side, but everything is always clean and in order.

Their Gold Class option is nothing like Greater Union, however is a little more down to earth. Food is offered (at an additional cost) but there is unlimited free pop corn and tea/coffee/cappucinos/soft drink.

Ticket prices are competitive and all the new releases are showing.

Approximate cost: $15

One goes to pancakes on the rocks for the pancakes - it's what they specialize in. A whole bunch of pancakes and crepes, made to order with decadently savory toppings, or sweet cake like devils delight (chocolate pancakes, that taste just like Sara-Lee Chocolate Cake!).

Diner feel, with tv's blasting out MTV videos etc etc. Always busy, and on the expensive side, expect to wait for a table.

Food is filling and don't be tempted to do savoury and sweet - you'll leave with a stomach ache. Best to share if you want to try both! They make a decent all-night breakfast, which has always settled my cravings, and the wedges are also worth a mention.

Pancakes on the Rocks is like a City Extra that specializes in pancakes. If you are in the mood for an upgraded US Diner experience, then this is the place to go.

Note: If you are at branch at the Rocks, the wait is generally so long, that you'd save more time (and money on parking) driving to the Northmead branch!

Approximate cost: $16

We love the fast talking, no fuss, no smiles service you get at Bar Italia. It's like the Soup Nazi (ref. to Sienfield) of the pasta strip. Menus are photocopied and easy to follow, they are happy to take requests (ie: Sicilliana with Gnocchii extra chilli, no anchovies, double capers) as long as you know exactly what you want when ordering.

A huge plate of pasta is $16, add $2 and they'll make it a large (big enough to share) - the salads are pricey but divine, and they never skimp on avocado and olives.

Bread is fresh and butter is soft. Water is self serve at the counter, but they also have soft drinks, italian drinks and tea/coffees etc, no soy, no light milk, no fuss!

A lot of people complain because of there Soup Nazi attitude, but really it's essential for the smooth running of the place. The queue is always at least 5 people long, but they take orders and pump food out as fast as possible, I've never waited more than 8 minutes for a plate to come out - and they always bring everything out at the same time.

We are Bar Italia fans, you either love it there or you hate it. But one thing is for sure - if you're human, you won't be able to go past the Gelato! Gianormous servings, and a great variety of flavours - my vote to the Tiramissu, Bannana and the Panna Cota. So yum!

Approximate cost: $16

This place is open 24hours - and I've only ever dined there when that was convenient for me and you are certainly charged for the convinience.

There is a surcharge for after midnight and for public holidays, making the already hefty prices, even more heavy on the pocket.

The food is nothing special, but they have great fat filled, stuff your face 24 hour breakfast options. I see this as a place to go after a night out when you need recovery food, or after a long night at work, where you just want food fast.

The scones are nice as are the sickly rich desserts. My advice, share with a friend and stick to the breakfast options, salads and pancakes.

City Extra is reflective of an American roadside dinner with a couple more stars up it's sleeve. The booths are perfect for snack and a wind-down chat after a night out on the town.

Approximate cost: $16

We love Eddy's Noodle Boy - Great service with a smile and always a couple of extra bags of prawn crackers, 2 or 3 dim sims and 2 or 3 spring rolls. They sure know how to make a customer feel welcome.

Food is your stock standard take a way chinese food with the high light being the lemon chicken and the short soup.

Always great on a cold rainy night, when you need some warmth and you can't be bothered cooking. Food is affordable, ready fast and servings are generous. And of course, we always love the freebies!

Approximate cost: $9.00

Years ago this was the gem of Ermington - great affordable seafood bursting with bite and flavour. These days the friendly old folk that ran the place are long gone, and we have a new family running the business. Friendly and polite, but not as warm and welcoming as the previous staff.

The food is still yummy but sometimes over cooked and not spot on as it used to be. I used to be happy to pay $12 for the meal - now it seems a tad steep - that said, for $12 you do get a decent sized piece of fish, a prawn salad and a greek salad. You get a large and enjoyable feed, but it's nothing to write home about.

Highlight: They have healthy option of grilling the fish, and if you ask they won't flour your fish giving you a Gluten Free option.

Bonus: Slightly on the dear side - but absolutely yummy: Cinnamon Sugar dusted Pineapple Fritters. Can't go past them, with their batter rather than crumb.

Approximate cost: $12

Fast, filling, fantastic Hot Pots - they are the king, so it was no surprise that we left so satisfied.

We ordered a chili beef hot pot, a wonton soup with greens hot pot and an almond porridge hot pot. All three were huge and we left absolutely satistfied and stuffed.

The almond porridge was a little sickly, but lovely and smooth in small quantities.
The chili beef was sticky and sweet with a nice hot and sour cut. Lots of vegies - Lots of noodles and most importantly enough sauce to cover the large mound of beef.
The Wonton hot pot divine, hot and sour soup with tender dumplings and wonderfully wilted greens. A perfect combo and a perfect hot pot experience.

Check out the great seating - ceramic drum like stools and decorative tables.
Simple and roadside - Hot Pot King is a great feed with fantastic prices!

Service was friendly and a bit lost in translation - but they tried very hard to understand us and were very welcoming.

Approximate cost: $11