The Blue Tile Lounge probably would be considered a dive bar. First and foremost though it is a…read morevenue all about live music with bands or some kind of live entertainment every night of the week. The bar itself is very narrow and long with the central focus being on the stage. The decor is pretty cool with a range of impressive street art on the walls. They range of events is really impressive with art exhibitions, open mic nights, comedy nights and lots and lots of live music. We saw a night of bands headlined by the Buzzards, the atmosphere was relaxed and good times were had all around. They have happy hours beers every night of the week from 5-7pm and the drinks prices are pretty good all night long. Check out their website and you'll get a great feel for what this place is all about.

I'm not sure who added blue tile lounge to Yelp.com but there's no way anyone would classify their…read morecounter top as a "full bar". A few weeks ago, I dragged my house mates out to see my mate's band, The Wolfs play before some random American DJ. It was rainy and gross out so we had to hop in a cab which sucked but it was worth it once we arrived at this little venue. The place was packed and the sound was quality! All in all great vibes other then my bar complaints, I loved this place maybe because of the FREE live music. Be sure to check out the bathroom. I'd love to know who the artist was because the graffiti is really sweet. There was also a lounge area closer to the back a bit away from the music which would be good for people who want to talk inside. Though it's right on the street there are a few chairs and tables out front for smokers but it's a bit of a squeeze since there's not much walking room in between the front door, the smoking area, and the street.

This place has really grown on me. The first time I visited the place it was packed out, however I…read moredidn't actually spend any time having a good look around. That happened the next couple of times and my thoughts changed when I discovered a band room and a really cool beer garden out the back. In fact it is the epitome of the trendy inner-city bar. The beer garden has a really urban feel about it, and the beers on tap are pretty good (though it isn't a craft beer bar so they tend to be the standard lot). Mind you, it isn't always that crowded, it really depends on when you pass through (Friday nights are probably the time when it is the most difficult to find a seat, though that is expected with the popular bars). I probably don't come here as often as I like, but it's definitely a great place for a drink.

The Workers Club runs an event called 'Orlando', which i attend every time…read more From the outside, 'The Workers Club' doesn't look like much but once you enter; is really something else. Orlando see's The Workers Club play your ever-so-cool uber 80's / 90's mash up mix tape with the crowd to suit. There's the main bar, a band room, a courtyard and a smaller bar as well, The Workers Club is a decent venue with awesome gigs, great pub food and cheap jugs on specials nights.

I've been a regular here for many years and I'm glad to see it still here amongst the trendy…read moregeneric cafes that invaded Fitzroy. The place is as funky as its always been with its mismatched old furniture and good music, often spun by a DJ later in the evening. There have some simple but nice things too eat. The coffee is good too. Add to that they have beer and other alcoholic drinks. Last but not least there's a nice outdoor space.

Now this is one awesome bar, and certainly fits quite well into the Brunswick Street bar scene. It…read moreis a shame that I don't find myself down here as often as I like, but then again there are so many cool bars here that I would probably end up spending more money that I really should. Anyway, this is basically a hole in the wall bar with one of those incredibly laid back atmospheres. While there is an outdoor area it is basically seating out on the footpath, though this area has been done up to give it quite a bit of character. The staff are pretty awesome, and the place is really laid back, and certainly a bar that I really should visit more often.

Hell's Kitchen is one of those places where you walk in expecting a total dive and get a gem…read moreinstead. The bartenders are really amicable and the atmosphere is casual, yet fun. We had previously been to other wine bars and were unimpressed with Australian wine until venturing into Hell's Kitchen. Who knew? I dug the red decor and the IKEA chandeliers. The drinks are standard pour so stick with a pint or a glass of wine.

I'd always wondered about this place. It's kinda romantic up here- looking…read moreout onto the other windows in the narrow lane way, like a forgotten back lane of post war Europe somewhere. Across the view, there was people working away in kitchens, and through frosty windows it adds mystery and disguise. There's a building immediately opposite, a bit like windows into others' lives. It's a nice loft view I was at hells during the day for a quick pit stop sandwich. The style that's super yummy, and even comes with chips on the side and a whole pickle on top . Plus all the items on the menu have cool names. Didn't inquire about drinks though, but they have mountain goat products on tap, which is good. It'd be interesting to see this place at night. By day it's removed from the business of life and a good spot to eat.

I finally managed to get off of the tram to St Kilda and visited this pub for a beer, and it was…read morecertainly worth it. Actually, we ended up coming back here later that night, though that had more to do with us having finished with St Kilda, and my friend lived just around the corner. Yeah, this pub turned out to be pretty good, though that did have a lot to do with the range of beers on tap, and the rather friendly staff as well. I wouldn't necessarily consider it one of those pubs to stay out at all night, but as a pub it is still pretty cool.

I enjoyed dinner here recently. The hotel is relaxed and the atmosphere very welcoming. It was…read moreinteresting to note the difference in response times for my friends and I. Several went to the bar to order their drink and dinner, but I opted to use the online app. My dinner was far longer to arrive than all theirs were. When it did come it was good though - Murray Cod with a side of the cauliflower dish. It was fresh and delicious, with particularly good crispy skin. Prices for food are on the high side here too, so be aware of that. It was nice overall.

This is one of those really cool Northcote bars that I seem to completely forget about until…read moresomething happens to remind me that it exists. Anyway, when I remembered it again I decided to go back and check it out and I must admit that like the first time I came here it was still a pretty cool experience. Basically it is what you would expect from your typical lounge bar - lounges, craft beers on tap as well as a good selection of spirits, and cool, soothing music. As an added bonus this place also has a pretty decent sized beer garden out the back, though I've noticed that I lot of people end up out there than actually in the bar itself (which is a shame considering that it is inside the bar that is actually the cool part of it). Oh, there are also some really cool seats just inside the entrance that look out onto the street.

My go-to place for decadent cocktails, smooth tunes, comfy lounges, low lighting, and crazy cats on…read morethe dance floor. The bar staff are awesome, and Thursday nights currently feature the amazing Vinyl Vixens DJ collective.

Dropped by on a whim as I'm rarely in the area, and I'm glad I did. I'm sure an old church being…read moreconverted into a bar is not a new concept, but can't think of any others in Melbourne so the novelty of it piqued my curiosity. I had a glass of vino and sat around chatting for ages. Nobody cared that we weren't ordering more drinks. There was no band playing, so not sure how different the atmosphere would be if there was. But for an easy-going night in a cool venue, it's worth checking this place out. Just don't forget to say your prayers!

This is one of the reasons that I love Northcote, though I have to admit that I don't get down this…read moreway anywhere near as much as I used to (despite the fact that it is pretty close to the railway line). I've been here before, but a group of friends wanted to come to the quiz night one Wednesday, so we all piled into the place, and ordered our meal, and promptly lost (namely because we weren't up to speed on our Canadian artists). They have a pretty awesome beer garden out the back, and some decent selection of beers on tap. However the menu wasn't as huge as it could have been. Still it's a pretty decent place to come for a night out.

Why is it that all of Melbourne's jazz bars are hidden? They are always up a laneway, or down in a…read morebasement, or in the case of Uptown up a set of uninviting stairs at the upper end of Brunswick street. I'm not going to lie to you, Uptown is small, so if you are expecting something the size of Bennetts Lane then, well, head to Bennetts Lane. But it is definitely the size of this bar that makes it great - so cosy, comfortable and gives you that feeling that you were lucky to find it and that you really have found something special. Jazz plays nightly Wednesday to Saturday from 7pm, and a surprising selection of Japanese food is also available. In fact, Uptown have self-proclaimed that they have some of the best Japanese food in town. I, unfortunately, have not tried the food as I spent all my money for the night on the rather expensive booze. Their house white was pushing $10 per glass which definitely hurt the wallet a bit, but considering the atmosphere and the incredible music it is almost worth it.

Is it bad that so many of my reviews revolve around the fun and beautiful staff at these places? Oh…read morewell, people make a place! The Jazz Cafe is quite cute. Upstairs, with its music emanating into the street at night. You may not see the door at first, but follow your ear and look upstairs. Come inside and welcome yourself into a dark den of a jazz club. Simple and straightforward. Not elaborate. Not immaculately decorated. Just a great bar with good music, and some beautiful bar girls at your service. They are always smiling, ear to ear to invite you in, and sexy and sultry as they make your drink. It's expensive, but they pour a good drink and helps you enjoy the mood.