It's been a hell of a long time since I've been back here. I don't remember the downstairs part at all, but upstairs is more spacious, has a fair bit of seating, interesting decor, the bar (most important!), and a really great vibe. I had no idea they had games on offer - cards, jenga and connect four are some of the ones I saw, and our group made good use of them. The games are a great way to socialise with randoms, as it's so packed on a Saturday night that it is very likely you'll have to share a table with people you don't know.
What I also didn't realise until now is how much of an international/ backpacker crowd this once "secret hipster bar" pulls in these days. I guess with the super cheap drink specials ($10 for a jug of decent tasting beer... on a SATURDAY!!?), it's no wonder the cat is permanently out of the bag and probably in every guidebook.
For me, Sista B wins out of similarly priced uni/ backpacker hangout spots like ABC in Melb Central, because
a) it's in a laneway and I heart laneway bars, they embody the very essence of Melbourne's laid back culture, I mean what international guest wouldn't want to be greeted by graffiti and huge dumpsters upon entering a bar that's hard to find and
b) Boardgames! Because you can only listen to your mate talk about their failed tinder dates for so long before you hit the snooze button and
c) cheap liquor, enough said.
And just when you thought ringing the town bell went out of fashion 12 centuries ago, the lovely bartenders get up on onto the bar and do exactly that - ring a ding ding for last call. Good old fashion courtesy is hard to come by, so amen to them! read more