I really love everything about this place, the atmosphere the service and wine. It's a great place…read moreto go of an evening and chill out with friends

Fine wine, sneakily good beer selection and a casual atmosphere makes Strange Loves Bar a good…read morefriend of mine. With 3 areas to seat yourself, I've never had any issues finding room to relax here. If with friends I like to sneak upstairs for a comfy seat. In a more intimate situation or when I'm by myself I tend to enjoy front row seats and people watch. Typical of the area there is no real food served here. If you need some fine dining to go with a fine wine you'll be handed a book with local restaurants who will deliver to your table. And even bring an eftpos machine if needed. The staff here had reasonably honest and broad knowledge of wines and beers. The beer selection varies more often than the wine. For a wine bar there isn't a huge variety by the glass and some of the bottles are rather overpriced. Considering that there is fair competition within walking distance with other venues offering similar service. Still a great spot for post dinner drinks or two.

The creep of cool continues further north, with Cult of the Vine serving up a delicious and…read moreinteresting array of wines and a smattering of craft beer. Hidden at the end of Florence Street near the train station exit (genius maneuver to capture all those suited souls on their way home) you can pop in and take a bottle home, or crack it open right there and then to enjoy with proper glassware, ambient tunes and a plate of something to nibble on. The food options are limited, but they're really all I need when I want something simple and tasty to match with a good bottle. Charcuterie, cured fish, cheese and oddly enough whole boiled eggs which you can crack and peel while sipping on some vino. Apparently a boiled egg goes with any kind of wine but they'd run out when I visited so I couldn't put this to the test. Instead we ate truffled infused Spanish sausage, smoked almonds and loads of cheese along with some very good crackers. Service was relaxed and generous from owner Brad Lucas, who was happy to nerd out a little with us and offered samples of new and different drops. We left warm, full and contented... with two bottles of vino tucked under my arm.

Go here... Spectacularly curated 'natural' wine list…read more Some craft beers Ask the host for an egg. Take the train to Anstey station. Take the train home.

This new hidden cocktail bar is already one of my favourites. Entering through a side door down a…read morelaneway, and climbing the stairs, opening the door as if to a house and being greeted so politely. The choice of the cocktail bad, whiskey and cigar room or the rooftop, delights me and caters or all your needs. The cocktails are strong, creative and use spirits and aperitifs in the most unique ways to deliver the most perfect cocktail. There are so many liqueurs, sprints and aperitifs that you wouldn't have even heard of. All the food sounds Devine, and the chocolate truffles are a slice of heaven. Cannot recommend highly enough.

By far my favorite place that I've found in Melbourne, possibly in Aus! I can't speak highly enough…read moreof every aspect of this bar. Intimate setting, yet quite comfortable. Always an excellent music selection, with footy on the tv if that's what you're lookin for. The staff is WONDERFUL. so personable, quite willing to give their recommendations if you ask (and you should- they haven't steered me wrong yet!). The nachos, add beef, are easily the best nachos I've ever had- loaded with toppings, seasoned chips, absolutely delicious. Quite a diverse menu, with plenty of options depending on your hunger level. Great wine and beer selection, and a solid cocktail list too!

Food is awesome - Baked mushrooms - I could just have a plate of them on their own…read more The staff are easy to chat with and service was well timed.

Visiting pubs is cool, but visiting themed bars is even better. I ended up here one day when I was…read morenot working and had just been to the cinema in Brighton, so I was making my way home and decided to visit some places that I hadn't normally visited - and this was one of those places. The name really does suit the place, or more so the place really does fit the name. There are a few rooms about with some lovely, and quite comfortable, chairs. In fact, it is the rooms that really give this place it's charm, including the outdoor area out the back. Okay, it was pretty quiet when I visited, but that also adds to the charm.

I don't know why I allow this quaint little bar slip out of my mind so often when I think of places…read moreto go out for a nice quiet drink with a couple of people or hold a small function. Antique Bar has a beautiful sophistication in the air and fine cocktails, wine and beer in the glasses. The décor will take you back to an age where everyone wore a suite just to go to the corner store. I think I have just talked myself into where I will be going tonight for a couple of quiet drinks.

Ventured to Yarraville on a Sunday arvo to catch an alternate screening at the Sun Theatre, looked…read morefor a quiet place to have a bite to eat and a drink before hand. Now this is actually a hard thing to in Yarraville on a Sunday as it is a hive of activity and nothing is quiet! Had read a few reviews on Barkley Johnson Deli, so that was the choice. BJ is a tiny shop, with an intimate court yard at the rear, which is where we sat. There is a huge array of wines and a beautiful selection of antipasti. As there were four of us, we opted for a bottle of red wine from the specials board and the Antipasto platter to share. The waitresses were very helpful and quick to attend. The wine was delish and the platter abundant with a variety of olives, cured meats, marinated mushrooms, eggplant, capsicum, pesto, dip and bread. Was a lovely quiet place to sit and relax with good wine and great company.

I like to come here for a glass of pinot and peruse their glossy, new issues of The New Yorker…read moreafter a hard day's work. They also whip up a mean cup of joe; very strong, dark, and to the point. A variety of European style snacks are on offer, including a stunning plate of cured meats and Italian style sammies. This tiny place gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights so get there early or come by on a more sedate weeknight. A civilized and sophisticated little spot.

This is the 'Go To' place for Western suburbs people, after dinner, the movies, or for a night out…read more Secretly tucked upstairs, many people would not know it was there. It originally started many years ago as a cigar and wine bar, but the non-smoking rules came in to challenge their popularity, but this quality has survived the change and prospered. They have a seriously good wine list, all carefully selected, a small but tasty food menu including tapas and pizza and live music on Saturday nights. The cocktails are top quality and all bar staff, as expected, really know their stuff. The ambiance is warm and inviting with a fireplace and Chesterfield lounges mixed in with some eclectic tables, chairs and stools. This place is simultaneously great for groups, small parties or even a date night. Go before 9pm on a Saturday night if you wish to secure a table as it gets really busy, or just prop yourself up at the bar and mozy on down to the dance floor and bust a few moves..

Now this is the culturally Melbourne site I've been waiting to see! Acqua is a perfect mix of…read morehipster, classy, and casual. My cousin who lives in Melbourne, who was hosting me at the time, took me to this place as he said it was one of his favorite places just to listen to music and hang out. The lounge/bar has a very intimate feel to it, as it's quite dark inside. At the time we went, there was live music, and I am always open to hearing new genres. The place is a large lounge with ample seating for dining, hanging out, and of course just having some good drinks. Maybe this was just me but the drinks did seem to be on the steep side for a place not even in the CBD but more on the edge of it. I'm not sure if it's because I was still adjusting to the price shift or if this place was really pricey.

It's rare to find a sophisticated bar outside of the CBD these days, and it's even rarer to find…read moreone that won't break your weekly drinking budget in one night. Hawker Beer and Wine Bar is located in the suburb of Highett just 30mins from Melbourne CBD. The bar is named after Harry Hawker, a local of the area. Harry George Hawker, was an Australian aviation pioneer. He was the chief test pilot for Sopwith and was also involved in the design of many of their aircraft. After World War One he co-founded Hawker Aircraft, the firm that would later be responsible for a long series of successful military aircraft. The bar itself is small and is directly across the road from the Highett train station, which seems to have some type of train passing through every 15mins. The fit-out is minimalistic, with large windows that give you a great view of the comings and goings in the area. What is great about this bar is the large cocktail list. With mostly original cocktails with a few traditional with a modern twist. The service is friendly and attentive, and I get the feeling if I lived in the area this would be my local. Apart from the great cocktails it has a good selection of beers and wines. It also had a pretty awesome snack menu, being provided by Typhoon, the Vietnamese restaurant next door. If you live in the area chances are you have either visited Hawker or know of it. If you haven't been do yourself a favour and pay them a visit, it won't disappoint.

I thought I had missed this place, but is just seems to have been turned from one type of bar into…read moreanother. This means that I did get a chance to have a beer here, even though it technically isn't the same place. Still, it wasn't too bad, actually, come to think of it, it was actually pretty good. They have a nice area out the back, and a great selection of beers. Oh, and the service is pretty good as well. Also, it's close to the station too, which is definitely an added bonus.

Top venue. Highly recommended for drinks. There is also a great pizza place next door that food can…read morebe purchased at and brought in.

I didn't want to review this club, because I didn't want to share the best kept secret in…read moreMelbourne. But I will because it's just too awesome. It's hip, urban underground and smooth. Classy yet it doesn't even appear they are trying. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, each night the Mango Bar comes alive with different sounds and genres of music. They've certainly got their pulse on the hottest up and coming local acts, as well as playing host to a range of renowned international DJ's. Each night there's something diff; electro funk, deep house, jazz and blues - there's something for everyone at Mango. The drinks menu deserves a rave as well. Spirits, beer and wine, as well as a sensational selection of martini's, cocktails and the signature Mango Daiquiri. It's like an oasis away from home. Somewhere you feel totally comfortable, totally chilled out and completed entertained by the music and live acts. There. The secrets out. Now go and enjoy!

Another Hall st gem!…read more Great selection of drinks, from $5 Friday happy hour, to cocktails & top shelf whisky's Mango is the perfect amount of chilled tunes & chatty crowd, with a small dance floor to carve up listening to resident & guest DJ's later in the night if the mood so grabs you, or enjoy the outdoor seating & perhaps throw in a game of jenga. BYO food (pretzels / crisps / nuts onsite for sale), and drop in for a quiet one, or settle in for an awesome night with the staff, old friends & new! PS- word is the espresso martini is the bomb (I don't drink coffee myself. Yes, we do exist)