This was a rather nice and friendly bar, and I managed to get in just as it opened. I did quite…read morelike the atmosphere, it was rather nice, though I can't say that it was really a favourite. In fact, I'd probably consider it to be one of those hidden gems that I so quite like. There were some rather nice beers on tap, which I though was pretty cool, and they also have a rather nice upstairs function area as well. Yeah, while this wasn't necessarily the best of the bars that I have visited, it still certainly did have some charm.

When I travel I always search for a dive bar. I was in town for a blink 182 concert and wanted some…read morepre show drinks. Found the cherry bar and I loved this place ! Dark. Dirty. Divey. Just my type of place. The bartenders were awesome. Happy hour had $6 house beers. Highly recommend this spot if you're in Melbourne.

The Palais Theatre still stands majestic on the Esplanade in St Kilda, complete with castle like…read moreturrets that rise high on either side of the building. Even despite the local council and State Government letting this architectural masterpiece keep slipping further and further maintenance wise. Lets just hope they do not let it get to a state of disrepair. The Palais is legendary, and if you're just visiting this grand ole' town do try to catch a gig here. Despite the more modern and spacious venues such as Rod Laver and Etihad, the Palais still ranks as one of the best spots to go to catch live International, homegrown and up and coming acts. In fact, John Farnham is playing this November, and my fave 90's band Salt n Pepper in December. A proud icon not only of St Kilda, but of the whole city of Melbourne. It's a shame on all levels of Government for allowing the Palais to be in such poor condition, but regardless the timeless architectural magnificence and historical significance of this 'palace' remains in tact.

It's really hard to rate a complex in which does not offer a service so to speak. The actual…read moretheatre itself nice. A little run down outside, but OMG the seating sucks! The disgusting plastic seating at the Australian Open is more comfortable than this!! The Palais only received stars for the acts it brings in. Other than that, it needs some SERIOUS work done to it.

I was going to comment on the architecture outside, which is pretty awesome by the way, but it gets…read moreeven more impressive when you wander into the main stage area - the way it has been set up makes it look like it is actually an outdoor stage, which honestly, is pretty awesome. Actually, the main stage area is quite awesome as well, and they do regularly have bands come through here as well. Actually, this is the place to come to see some of the lesser known, but still somewhat popular, bands. The only catch is that there isn't any seating.

Such a great venue! I have seen some of the biggest bands from around the world here, been…read morecaptivated by great movies during Melbourne International Film Festival upstairs and every experience is fresh and new. The Forum Theatre is right across the road from Federation Square - so lots of easy transportation options. Downstairs is a huge theatre space, wooden floor and high ceilings. There is quite a few nice booths for more relaxed 'sitting' bands too. Upstairs is a large cinema space. It doesn't have the most amazing projection equipment as this only operates for special occasions (Like MIFF) but the space has a lot of great artistic energy and the audience is always excited. The theatre backs onto Hosier Lane meaning you have a very real chance of bumping into celebrities you admire while looking at great street art.

There has been many a venue change where what is now Red Bennies and I think of all the businesses…read morethat have come through the doors so far Red Bennies has most definitely made the best use of the space. I attended a very exclusive screening of the German music film "Berlin Calling." It was situated upstairs in the main room with all the little stools and poofs pushed together in front of a large projector. The soft lighting and trendy 1920's feel of the venue played out well whilst watching the film. The bar was easily accessible and once the film got underway the fantastic bar staff even offered table service. I think Red Bennies is definitely worth an explore, they host a diverse range of musical acts throughout the week, a regular night being their Burlesque show - one I would very much like to come and see in the future.

Is Red Bennies the kind of place that you would take a first date to? The answer typically would be…read moreNO. It's smutty, crude, mediocre in parts but at the same time it is FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN! Maybe I hadn't lived but I'd never been to a Burlesque show before and didn't really think I would enjoy it so much. Also I was really ill and probably shouldn't have been out anyway. Nevertheless within a couple of acts and a few drinks I was glad I came and had a really great time. I'd highly recommend as a place to go to in a group to enjoy a rather different night out. The music was lots of fun afterwards and most our group was shifting a few shapes to some awesome oldie tunes.

dr martins (the shoe company) have been doing a popup bar, shop and band room which is well worth…read morechecking out. The shop has some limited edition items you can't buy anywhere else. During opening hours they also provide hot dogs from massive wieners (prahran) and code black coffee!

There are a lot of really cool things about this little pub near the Queen Victoria Markets. Okay,…read moreit also doubles as a backpackers hostel so you are going to get a lot of the backpackers drinking here, but that isn't really a bad thing. On the front door there is this really strange statue that I am still trying to work out what it is, but due to the fishing theme that hits you when you walk inside (such as the net and the bouys that are dangling from the ceiling) I suspect that it may be a mermaid or something like that (though it does look a bit ugly to be a mermaid). Yes, this is a pretty grungy pub, but that is what I like in a pub, and they also have some pretty cheap drinks here as well, so this is certainly on my list of pubs to return to again.

Again am embarrassed to admit how long it's taken me to get to this awesome pub. Seriously dont…read moreask, cos I won't tell. Let's just say too long. I've seen in the last few weeks some awesome bands here. Most notably The Stiffys, Laura Imbruglia and Dart. Definitely a dive bar with decently priced not shit beer. They aren't changing the world, but maybe they are. Bringing decent craft beer to the masses.

One of the things that I love about Melbourne is how you can randomly stumble upon some really cool…read morebars, at this was one of them. Okay their choice of drinks on tap are really minimal - namely beer and cider. In fact they don't even have any names, they are just referred to as beer and cider. I guess that does deal with the problem of having to stand there for hours trying to work out which beer, or which cider, you actually want - all you do now is stand there for hours trying to decide whether you want beer or cider (which is a pretty easy choice for me - I just go for the beer). The décor is really cool inside, and they even have an upstairs area that opens out onto Barkley St. However the entire upstairs area is generally reserved for the smokers, but if you aren't a smoker then the downstairs area is just as good. I must say though I really like this place and if I'm down in the area again I'll probably pay it a visit.

The nameless beer and cider are entry level but just drinkable. The food however is atrocious…read more Maybe they have to serve it as a licence requirement. Most people could cook better in their own kitchen in 5 minutues. It's a bar u go to for a drink and not to eat at. The tall thin blonde haired guy is in one of the local bands that plays there and was a bit rude. The bar is best known for what they serve behind the bar that isn't on the menu.

The perfect live music venue and awesome cocktails. Will be back for more shows from the scope of…read moreentertainment line up. Loved the early start and selection of cocktails.

Went here last night to see Wendy Matthews who was wonderful…read more But the food!!! And the service!! Literally received a piece of chicken on a plate. $26. No garnish no nothing. AND to top it all off, the waitress came and cleared my plate away WHILE I STILL HAD FOOD IN MY MOUTH!! I was LITERALLY still eating!!!! Disgusting service. Disgusting prices. Attaching photo of said chicken. Won't be back to eat here that's for sure.

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.

Great event in the beautiful location of Catani Gardens in St Kikda. Lots of amazing beers from…read morelocal (and not so local) breweries. Plenty of ciders available too. The food was great. Went for the world's best nachos ever at Smokin Barry's Slow Cooked BBQ; loaded with plenty of mouth watering brisket. The comedy was pretty decent too. Saw three of the acts and they were varied and funny. The only thing that could have been improved was the weather. Was a bit chilly by the bay.

Superb event, probably the best beer festival I've been to due to the availability of both…read morewheat-beer and saison. These are usually quite rare but not at this one which made me very happy. It was also well spaced out which made it uncrowded and had a lot of toilets (especially important for a beer event:-D ). The comedy was a welcome addition, I wish it had gone on for longer. We discovered at least 1 new comedian to look up for the comedy festival. Joey's (I think that was the name) slow cooked place had the best nachos I've ever eaten.