(Dined 12/16/24 MO @ 2:00pm): Cheers to beers at this quasi deluxe sports bar and bottle shop!
A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town, and after some time spent at the Melbourne Skydeck, we made our way to Beer DeLuxe. As we slowly headed back towards the cruise ship, I saw this place when we visited Federation Square but it was closed. So, this was perfect timing to grab a drink and snack as we checked it out. A full sports bar and beer garden smack-dab in the middle of a tourist area, I suspected this place did very well. Would we be impressed by their beers, etc.!?
PURCHASE
Garage Project Fresh IPA December 24 Beer 7.00% ABV 20floz Draft ($20.60AUD): Hazy amber color, light hoppy tropical aroma, light body, light hoppy tropical flavor, smooth finish, and light hoppy tropical aftertaste. This was tasty but pricier than expected! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=z8HWfmv8IpTTxrgiCisJPw
Sweet Potato Chips ($17.00AUD): Served with sides of sour cream and sweet chili sauce dippers, these okra-looking spud treats were plump, steaming, seasoned with a Lawry's-type dusting, and a treat to eat! The two dippers were odd choices, but we tried them nonetheless (they didn't add much to the taste). The portion was smaller than I hoped for the price, but dammit they were so good! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=V16MBjDiyPsQ3IB9kZKapg
SERVICE
We were immediately greeted by a friendly woman behind the bar who said we could sit anywhere. They instituted a QR Code ordering system specific to your table, so it was pretty easy to order and eventually pay for the bill. Our drinks arrived almost instantaneously while the food took less than five minutes. There were stations where you placed emptied glasses and plates, so mostly everything was hands-off except for the delivery of drinks and food. I was totally fine with this - thank you!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
There was an ample onsite parking lot on Federation Square at various rates ($8.00AUD - $64.00AUD) based on day, event, reason, and time. However, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs), and of course the wonderful public transportation such as the tram system which we conveniently took and then walked the rest of the way - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A large layout with multiple levels and rooms https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=VT7ts9dI-4Cr4Nd1b4ePlw that included a beer garden and front patio https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=B3r9TtPxliJlNWDtL1XBKQ nearly along the sidewalk, there were plenty of places to sit (or stand if you liked!) and enjoy a beverage or two and some food while you high-fived strangers as you watched a sporting event. For each enclosed dining area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=ak1gSHI_sQbGLaLCHcYrHA the expansive bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=quUwv5Mo7E9B2XSFFxOjlg was the focal point, while the decor was kept clear and tasteful. There was plenty of natural lighting both inside and outside while various types of electric ceiling lights and outdoor lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs throughout while rock music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=7YIaNyQiVgr79hyQqrrvyQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Beer DeLuxe could certainly be a great place to catch a game with friends or strangers while you guzzled down a pint and stuffed your face with food, and there was more than enough space to accommodate. I enjoyed what I tried, but the prices were a bit more than I expected. Furthermore, I was disappointed by their minimal tap options/selections https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=QRRxLt8IbWW-VtYVgASr3w as I expected a wider variety and a larger support for the many local breweries. However, they appeared to have an extensive bottle selection, but I preferred from the tap. Lastly, I appreciated the near hands-off service approach. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $38.00AUD / $24.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more