I came here for a work lunch this past week, and I'm glad for that, or this may not have otherwise been somewhere I'd go to. They seated us upstairs in what can be an open air rooftop, or as in our case, a covered rooftop area with a fireplace. It was cozy and warm despite the awful weather outside. You use your phone to scan for the menu, and go up to the bar to order. The guy said the food might take a while since there was 11 orders coming in all at once, but really, it wasn't that long at all. Mine of course was one of the last (seems to be a recurring theme with me) but the guy was really apologetic and it wasn't a big issue. The food was delicious and filling. Generous portions for good prices. Everyone loved what they got, and even though it's a really casual, pub type of place, it was all well presented and everything was clean and made for a good lunch. I'd definitely recommend coming here whether it's in summer or winter as they cater for both, and it's in a good location with reasonably good parking. Really enjoyable. read more

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I've found that this place doesn't share the opening hours of your typical pub, but then again I suspect that it actually isn't one of your typical pubs. In fact, I suspect that it is more one of those places that happens to be more a bar that tends to have bar opening hours. However, if you do end up here when it does happen to be open, then it is actually a pretty good bar. That probably has a lot to do with the number of craft beers on offer, and honestly, when it comes to craft beers then I am all over the place. Well, that is probably why I ended up giving this place the score that I have. Yeah, awesome bar. read more

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I like the Local Taphouse. It's quaint and feels like a locals only haunt. The first time I came here was to get my RSA certification before a GABS weekend. And I think it's a notch up or two from a typical pub. They specialize in craft beers and that is right up my ally. Especially when craft beers are paired with really great food. I turned up for their American Beer SpecTAPular tap takeover on 4th of July weekend. I was surprised by the array of beers that they had on tap, they even had a keg of the Beer Camp IPA that I keep seeing making it's way across the USA, and on Instagram. Because I was short on time, I could only fit in one beer and a quick snack. The upstairs portion turns into a dining area at night. And the drinking takes place downstairs. During the daytime, the bottom area was closed for a private event. read more

Warm and cosy in winter, fun activities, great section of tap beers. Bring your own good company and banter and you'll have a swell time.

I love The Local - so much! In fact, it's probably my favourite pub in the world (big claim). I've been going here for as long as The Local has been open as the taphouse and I've been a couple of times this week just to check that nothing has changed: - It primarily serves beer and they have about 20 on tap and then 20 bottled. These beers change all the time so it's like a new adventure every time you visit. If you're a bit of a beer novice like me, they will happily help you decide what to try and give you tasters. - But they don't just have beer - there's cider as well as wine available too. - The staff are great. Obviously over the years they've changed but there's still some familiar faces, and the "new" ones have the same super friendly, passionate-beer-loving attitude that's essential at The Local. - I really enjoyed the food on the weekend. I'm sure I used to eat here a lot back in the day, but I can't remember the food. I tried the southern fried chicken and it was probably the best I've ever had - perfectly soft chicken and a delicious crumb. Heaven in a tin can. I would go back just for more of this. - The layout of the place. I feel like The Local has an area for all occasions - an awesome beer deck for sunny days, a dark restaurant space for intimate dining and the amazing area downstairs for evening antics. I love this bar and highly recommend it to any beer-lover. When we were there on Sunday they now use the Clipp app which lets you set up a tab on your phone using paypal and then you just show it at the bar. Genius! Made it so easy to stay for about 10 rounds too. Never change, The Local. read more

The Local Taphouse - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

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A good selection of food and priced right.19 craft or imported beers on tap including an organic cider. Great place to come with friend or family. Love it here every Wednesday and it has only got better. read more

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One thing I noticed that Melbourne seems to be missing is craft beer venues, and the Local Taphouse in St Kilda more than makes up for this. If memory serves correctly, there are about 20 beers on tap, and then at least another 20 bottled to choose from. Whether you prefer your pale ales, stouts, or lagers, there are endless amounts of choices. The locally brewed Carlisle St Garden Ale is a wonderful treat as well. Next time I go I'll be sure to give their 'tasting block' a try - a sample of 5 or 6 different beers for about $15. Not bad at all. Service can be a bit busy, and sometimes you may need to push your way to the front of the bar and grab someone's attention. This annoyed me at first, but after a few beers it really doesn't become much of a bother! The open rooftop probably wasn't the best choice for a cold winter night, but I imagine it would be wonderful for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Food service was really quick, and everyone I've spoken to raves about the burgers - with good reason too! Definitely one of the nicest veggie burgers I've had, and the portion sizes are nothing to sneeze at. read more

The Local Taphouse - locally brewed carlisle st garden ale - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

Great pub in an unsuspecting part of town. Excellent selection of beers on tap. You can also smoke in the outdoor area upstairs which is cool. We had lunch too, but we weren't floored by it and it was pricey. The pub/drinks were cool to hang out in though and I'd return just for that. read more

The Local Taphouse - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

Beers are amazing here and the surrounds are well suited for a quite drink or work function. My main focus here was the burger however... it's not that great... it's like meh... Can't taste the patty.. it's good but $21?? Crazy! There is only a small hint of smoke. The bed of lettuce made the brioche bun all soggy. The brioche was neither here nor there in terms greatness. For whatever reason it reminded me of the cheeseburger buns from Maccas years long gone. The beer battered onion ring was a gd idea but all this in the one package selling for $21??? Does not work! U have to be drunk!!! Ordered the southern fried chicken... $15 gets u 5 of hot n spicy KFC strips! Nothing special! But do come here for the beers!! read more

The Local Taphouse - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

If you are lucky enough to be in walking distance from The Local then this is your local! If not then get in a cab and call it your Local! I don't know what is the best part about this place, whether it's the ever changing selection of local and imported beers, there very smart staff that know as much information about beer as everyone should, the different areas from the cosy fireplace downstairs to the rooftop with cosy fireplace upstairs. All I know is that I'm glad this is my Local. read more

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The Local is a fantastic local pub where it has the most appealing factor ever...a rooftop bar!! As soon as you walk up the stairs and get a glance at the stylish and very pretty wall of spirits against a wooden backdrop, open doors and an outdoor area as good as any in the city, you're completely satisfied. The beers on tap are always really interesting with some local and international beers where whoever is tending the bar will be able to educate you on all the varieties. They have so many regular nights such as trivia, movie nights, comedy nights and live music so it's always entertaining. Definitely worth heading down for one of their nights and experience how fun a night they can put on. Or, if that's not your thing just go down one sunny afternoon and sit on the rooftop deck and enjoy a really good beer! read more

The Local Taphouse - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

I remember going here for my housemate's birthday, a few years back. Her and her boyfriend had been drinking from about midday, so it was definitely with an unsteady gait that we entered the Local. Thing about the Local is, though, that no-one really cares. I don't know what causes it, but the Local's a very sociable bar without a definite culture. You don't have to be cool to come here, and you don't have to know the secret handshake to start a conversation. read more

The Local Taphouse - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

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Contrary to what the name might suggest, The Local is not just a comfy neighborhood hole in the wall for the denizens of Balaclava; it's actually a destination bar for serious craft beer aficionados who stream here from all corners of Melbourne. It says a lot about The Local that I regularly journey out here from Seddon (45 minutes on the train y'all) to get my hands on some of their superlative IPAs. The beers are constantly rotating but you'll always find some magnificently hoppy numbers (I live for the hops). I've heard tell that they also have some great lagers and stouts but I'm strictly an IPA girl myself so haven't tried any yet. We went again last night for the much talked about trivia and had quite the ball: The questions were spot on (not too obscure but still challenging), and the host, Janet is witty and energetic. The prize here is a fifty dollar bar tab which won't go very far in a place where a schooner can go for a tenner but the prizes aren't really the point anyway are they? The point is too drink and show off how much you know about Sheryl Crow songs of the 90s, Canadian lakes, and Paddington bear thank you very much. The Local hosts a massive program of events like their monthly beer tastings: 15 dollars for a tasting paddle and a glass of the beer of your choice, as well as beer "festivals" which celebrate the beer of a particular region. This month's fest will feature the beers of Italy which sounds interesting. Not crazy about the food here unfortunately: The fries are great but the burger is consistently too dry and overcooked. Stick to the fried things and you should be golden. As I was leaving the Local last night the bartender handed me back my Oregon ID, which had been held behind the bar for my tab, and commented, "No wonder you drank all those IPA's! When Americans come here that's all they want to drink". So maybe it's time to branch out into some lagers and lambics, or maybe I'll just be a slave to cultural preferences and keep slugging back those IPAs. I'll figure it all out on my next trip to The Local. read more

This is one of the better experiences of the Land Down Under for me. My cousin took my here while I was on vacation and I was very happy she did. We ended up basically staying here all day. The locale and ambience is to die for. We started out sitting inside for the initial meal and eventually migrated to the outdoor seating area where we spent the rest of the time. Despite it being winter in Melbourne the outdoor seating area had heaters and a fireplace so it was still very comfortable. In terms of food I ordered the burger which was definitely good. My only complaint about the burger is that it was more on the done side but I personally prefer my burgers to be cooked rare. Because it is a matter of preference I'm not going to be too anal about this aspect of the place especially when they do so much more right that outweigh this particular issue. I then ordered the seasoned fries and the warmed olives. Both were great. I'm generally not a fan of olives on their own but their olives proved the be the exception rather than the rule. I thoroughly enjoyed my entree and my sides. Now the beer. Does the beer selection and quality live up to my standards? Yes it does. The beer snob in me was very impressed with the selection and quality here. It about rivals some of the places back home in the states that I regularly go to. I ordered two flights of various beers for my meal and had several others while we were just enjoying the locale and talking. The selection varies from you pale ales, lagers, stouts, porters, IPA, ciders, and everything in between. Definitely one of the better beer places that I've experienced in Melbourne so far. I just wish they had my favorites like Ruination, Pliny the Elder, Rochefort Trappistes 10, and 120 min but I was just a tad home sick :P The beer snob in me likes this place a lot. If you're interested in the craft beer movement then you're going to love this place. read more

Great selection of beer, great atmosphere, great service. The pickles were interesting and tasty. Amazing desserts. The meat dishes are not tasty yet pricy. read more

I have been to The Local Taphouse in St Kilda East now three times in the last month. It is one of my favourite places that I have found and I am thankful for pursing this blog as it requires me to leave my comfort zone of the Melbourne CBD and surrounds. After walking 10km the first time to get to the corner of Carlisle Street and Chapel Street in St Kilda East, as you can imagine, I was very thirsty so I was really motivated to get stuck into what they have on tap, which seemingly is always changing. Before ordering though, I had to step back for a minute and appreciate the ambiance of the boozer. Dark, classic old world furnishings, what looked to be comfortable lounges, a fireplace and stools near the window. I think I found my "local" even if it is a 10km walk away and not the direction that the crow flies. I then explored the upstairs bar. The same beer was available on tap, even more varieties were available for purchase in the bottles. Both the downstairs and upstairs bartenders were very knowledgeable and were very keen to assist me in my trip around the world. The beer garden outside is a relaxing place with heaters and a fire raging and although the umbrellas do not provide good shelter form the climactic Melbourne weather, I do not know many that do especially when on occasion hail seemingly comes down horizontally. The second time I ventured into the boozer, I had taken public transport and was motivated to continue tasting as fast as the beer came out of the taps. I was not disappointed. The fire roared, punters engaged upon pleasant conversation and everyone just seemed civilised. Who would have thought I was in St Kilda East! My last experience, I met my learned friend who actually lives in St Kilda East but has never frequented this place. We started sampling the various beer available before moving on to wine. It was his decision to move to wine, not mine, as I never thought I would be in a bar that specialises in craft beer and be drinking wine. He did offer to pay for it so, who was I to argue. A condition was put on me that food needed to be ordered though to which I agreed. I lamented in my review on Merrywell that the "chilli" that was served in a paper cup at that fine place tasted like bolognaise just without the spaghetti. I was desperate for a "proper" chilli at The Local Taphouse because the one that I ordered at The Local Taphouse was bizarre. It may have started out as an American chilli but somehow morphed into a mild curry and was served on a bed of dry rice. I wasn't impressed, but really, do you go to the Local Taphouse to be impressed by the food? My learned friend had the steak and commented that the cut was impressive in a snide remark since it was $30 however the salad should have had some sort of dressing and the chips were cold. In fairness, we were sitting outside in the beer garden at night in the 6C weather and given the amount this learned gentleman likes to talk and smoke, I believe that the food just cooled down naturally. Regardless of whether or not I use my feet, the train or a cab, I look forward to returning to The Local Taphouse. The are constantly updating what they have on tap on their site so there was no point in describing what beers I drank as besides just saying "they were awesome" I do not know else to contain my glee. Go there for the beer, the ambiance, the professional knowledge, the beer garden and the convenience of public transport. It is that simple. See you there. read more

On a lazy Sunday afternoon up on the rooftop patio with a couple of pints, this is my favorite pub in Melbourne. The "beer nerd" bar phenomenon is huge in the US, but unfortunately somewhat rare in Melbourne. Many bars carry Mountain Goat or another odd microbrew--but a true beer nerd bar should have at least 20 taps--and none should be macro lager swill. The Local delivers in spades, with 20 tap beers covering a variety of styles that go well beyond the typical lagers and pale ales of lesser bars. I've had sour beers with a hint of fruit here, lovely bitter IPAs, smooth german dunkels, roasty stouts, and trusty Czech pilsners. The Local Taphouse doesn't just throw a motley selection of beers on tap, they curate their list carefully and always have a broad spectrum of flavors and styles. There is always something new and interesting. The only thing that the Taphouse lacks in relation to the finest North American beer nerd establishments is hand-pumped cask beer. I prize the smooth, natural carbonation and delicate flavoring of cask ales above all others. Australia seems particularly hung up on ice cold beer (to the extent that dark beers like porters and stouts are often served far too cold), which seems to limit the appeal of cellar-temperature cask beer. However, since there are only a couple of others venues around town to feature cask beer--the Royston in Richmond is all I can think of--it's hard to hold this against the Local Taphouse. The food probably won't blow your mind, but they generally provide a decent array of dishes to pair with your beer. They also tends to incorporate different beers into the food (belgian ale aioli, lambic sauce, etc), which is admirable. So there you have it--an almost perfect Melbourne pub. read more

I didn't sample the food here but boy were we spoilt for choice when we decided to stop here for a beer. The choice is extensive to the point of overwhelming, but with so many offered on tap the bartenders will let you sample your chosen beverage before committing to the whole pint. If you're unsure of what's what (I know I was!), grab the printed sheet of tap beers to get the run down - it also lets you know the alcohol content which is quite high (7%+) on quite a few. Worth knowing if you're driving or trying to keep things clean. read more

Been a local for 6 years now. Best beer bar in Melbourne. Great staff, great food and great times. Love this place! read more

The Local Taphouse - Good Beer Week - Ale Stars - Bars Near Me - St Kilda East, VIC

20 craft beers on tap? Check. Outdoor drinking/dining area? Check. Friendly bar staff willing to share recommendations? Check. Decent food? Check. Bottle shop to take home your new favourite brewski? Check. It also just happens to be five minutes from my front door and does the best trivia night this side of the Yarra. As I explain to everyone who has yet to visit it - you can go and have a pot of every single beer on tap and you can pretty much rest assured that the next time you visit you can start again on a different 20. Just check out their site to see all the events taking place - you will never be bored. read more

When you are a local in these parts, the Taphouse is pretty much it for choice. Aside from Carlisle wine bar. Most often of times, the downstairs area is closed, which means you are forced onto the top level/roof area. This is commonly crowded, but it's also a great beer worshipping venue. Regularly featuring 20 beers and a cider or two on tap, you can always find something exciting to drink. In fact, these guys are responsible for the recent "Beer Spectapular" event. great stuff. The top level is made to resemble an old style train carriage/ train station. Its cute. It's good for the meals they offer too. Most of which are excellent. Bar snacks are rad. Open Fireplace on the rooftop outside!!! Radness to the max! The ground level (when it actually happens to be open) is more of a lounging area, that hosts trivia nights, aside from other things throughout the week night. Oh and they have a cool little bottle shop annexed to them, in which you can find some pretty good stuff indeed. read more

The Local as its name suggests is the perfect pub to make your local. It has the largest and most varied beers on tap I have ever seen, not to mention a fantastic rooftop beer garden and great pub fare. It certainly lives up to the hype! Wait staff are happy to help recommend beers to suit your specific tastes. I always rate a pub on how well it can do a Parma and this one is a ripper! If you enjoy a pub that has special events then the local often hosts different themed events including Super Bowl, trivia etc. My advice is come down for a drink or two and become a local! read more

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I remember coming to the Local Taphouse a year or so ago for a mate's birthday and was really impressed by the wide variety of both local and international beers including stouts, ales, pale ales and lagers. This place really is beer heaven and it is also is a great spot to spend an afternoon in the summer with friends. The decking area with benches gets a lot of sun. This rooftopesque bar along with the beer list is a big winner and I'd definitely be a local if I lived closer by. read more

I love this place you can come during the day & just relax with friends or come of an evening when the atmosphere changes. I've been to slot of bars all over the world & the tap house has the most beers I've seen on tap, they have beers from all over the world so there's a taste for everyone. read more

This place is all about the beer and has a great atmosphere. I've eaten here a couple of times tough and the food not bad, just mediocre. Shame about the smoking in the small courtyard area; it can really spoil a Sunday aftenoon session. read more

Very good bar in Balaclava, close to the train station. It doesn't look like much from the outside but inside it has two levels, the downstairs is open and comfortable and the upstairs has a nice outdoor area with a fire and covered table. The beer selection was very good and prices were, comparatively, good. The bartenders were helpful and friendly and though I didn't have any food, it looked pretty good and people seemed to be enjoying it. The crowd was having a good time and though there were a lot of people there it didn't seem crowded. Also, they have free wifi whcih is nice. read more

Even though this is just about my local, I don't actually go all that often. It gets pretty crowded, and it's just on the wrong side of Chapel St, and there's a bunch of other places to stop for food or drink before I get there. But the upstairs deck is really lovely, and they have an outstanding selection of beers. They also have one of the most interesting veggie burgers I've ever had - the pattie consists of crumbed, ricotta-stuffed eggplant and it's damn tasty, even if it's not the best veggie burger I've ever had. The accompanying chips are near the top of the list, though. read more

I was struggling to catch on to the vibe here and the things that are thought to justify the current buoyant 4.2 rating. It's ok but I kept looking around and thinking that it needs a refurb as the decor looked tired and dated. Still, the wine was good and the staff were nice. 3.5 is an interim rating. I'll return to reassess in due course. read more

A great venue for those who appreciate quality craft beers and are looking to try something new. You won't find any VB here, rather a vast array of local and foreign brews on tap and in bottles. Trying new beers is encouraged, with a selection of samples available. Expect to pay around $12 per beer. I was a big fan of the stouts on offer. read more

Beer! Glorious Beer. Not much else to say. Get down there and enjoy their range of quality and tasty beer.

Fabulous venue with a superb selection of beers on tap and bottle with a laid back atmosphere native to St. Kilda. The live music on friday / saturday bring some jazz and blues into your beer soaked ears. read more

Been a local at the local for about 4 years now and love it! Biggest selection of on tap beers I've seen anywhere- Melbourne or abroad. Great atmosphere with courtyard upstairs and dining room as well as Lounge downstairs. Staff very cool and friendly and happy to help with beer selections. Tap beers change bi monthly (or abouts) so there's always something new to try! Food is yummy and ranges from your good quality bar snacks to delicious dinners. If you love to be a local and love trying out new beers definitely try the local. read more

Awesome pub. Have been here a few times and never been disappointed. They have rotating beer taps of local and international craft beers. The bar downstairs is cosy and decorated with rad vintage furniture. Upstairs there is also a bar and beer garden perfect for a sunny afternoon. The food here is great as well. Last time i had the vege burger and it was delicious. Chips and aoli are also very tasty and go down well with a beer or two! the bartenders are knowledgable and will give you a try of a beer if you are not sure you will like it. read more

Consistently good chicken parmas and beer selection. The bands they get in provide decent atmosphere without totally drowning out conversation. read more

Great place and always buzzing. Only down side is the beers are a little bit expensive and because the place is so popular it isn't easy to get table or seat sometimes. Other than that, the rooftop is brilliant in summer. read more

One of the best things about St Kilda is the fact that the Local is actually my local. I've been going for years and this place just goes from strength to strength. For beer lovers - and let's be honest, if you don't drink beer you're probably no t going to get the Local - it is something akin to Nirvana. Work your way through the beers of tap with a tasting paddle which you can select from the list or have the staff put something together for you based on your tastes. They do a really good job of this and it's a brilliant way to find your new favourite brew. Love the bocce area and the open air terrace upstairs where I have lost many a Sunday afternoon. The food can be a bit hit and miss but if you stick with a Parma you should be fine. Definitely get on a mailing list or follow on social media to make sure that you know about their special events like tap takeovers and Oktoberfest which are like a house party but with way better beer. And if you get to Sydney it is also worth visiting the little brother taphouse in Darlinghurst. Same same but different. read more

What a great place!! All the staff are basically going out of their way to help you find a beer that you would enjoy. Staff wanted to talk about beer, because it's fucking delicious and they know it too.They have a good variety of prices, from the 10$ pint to a 30$ lambic which is worth it! read more

I had the beef burger which was very good. Nice flavor and fresh ingredients and the fries were to die for! The beer selection was good but expensive even for Australian standards. read more

We recently held a function here and we were thoroughly disappointed. We paid $400 for food for 20 people. Every one of our guests were unsatisfied with the food provided. The bar staff were rude and surly. Despite telling the staff that only ourselves were to access the tab, multiple unauthorised people were using it all night. The constant presence of the door staff walking through and loitering in our private room made the atmosphere uncomfortable. We will not be returning here, nor would we recommend anybody else to hold a function here. read more

The bar is a nice place to relax while catching up with friends. The restaurant I enjoy, 90% of the time very good food and professional staff. Philip read more