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.

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.

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.

Excellent service, friendly and attentive staff. Good…read moreatmosphere and great vibes. Food has been delicious and prompt. Had a number of share plates and the portion size was great. Good selection of drinks and choice of beer, cider and wines. Good value for money. Out for our anniversary and had a wonderful time.

False advertising, have 7Day a week specials advertising on every table but wont honour them on…read moreAnzac Day. They will still charge you a 15% PH fee on top of regular prices + a processing fee for taping your card. Disappointed. Either don't advertise it or honour it, as we know we pay extra on public holidays as venues money grab with fees rather than costing correctly.

Located in a renovated cottage in the heart of The Basin, The Acorn on Forest is a prime example of…read moreThe Basin's growing popularity as a little hill's hideaway. With the suburb reporting recent booms in property value, and the freeway only 10 minutes away, The Basin has grown from a small village on the way to the more touristy area of the hills to a trendy little town of its own . The Acorn of Forest has more of a 'Wine Bar" feel to it than it's neighbouring 'Good old-fashioned pub' the Oak Tree. With a focus on quality dining and weekend breakfasts, you could say it's the 'bouquet' to the Oak Trees 'bucket'. The menu features dishes such as Quail, Veal and Kangaroo and while you can expect to pay a little more for your meal than at other nearby pubs, the Acorn is all about Quality over affordability. Popular with functions and parties, The Acorn also hosts live music on weekends, usually from a rotating roster of local favourites.

Amazing food, wonderful service and a terrific cosy atmosphere. They have great bands over the…read moreweekend to, which is a real bonus. Can't wait to go back again and again.

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.

Casual catch ups in Croydon. Pretty decent option for the area, apparently it has been open for 8…read moreyears... The new owner Ryan took over less than a year ago and it looks like he has a few plans up his sleeve for this place. Only open from Thursday to Sunday, we went on a Thursday night which was pretty quite. Friday night after work drinks are spose to make this upstairs venue quite busy and you can even go and chill on a Sunday afternoon with the footy and some live acoustic music.

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.

Previously known as Melissa's, this place opened about 2-3 years ago when the council amalgamated…read moreit's offices into the central business district of Dandenong. Since I've been away for two years I didn't realise the place had changed owners, but it evidently remains a busy little hub- even on the weekend when I would expect the area to be vacant. For a Saturday morning this place was quite busy. There was quite a wait for my coffee, but I'm glad to report it was surprisingly good! Within this area decent cafes have been opening up on recent years so there is a bit of competition around at the moment and I'm glad to report this establishment can be considered a strong competitor. The ambiance is chill and the location is perfect. I'd definitely go back and would reccommend this place to people nearby in need of good coffee.

I love the coffee here and the staff are on the ball plus all the staff no me by name and they…read moreknow how i like my coffee

Went here lastnight to try out a "local" restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. Decor nice,…read morewaitresses were great and food / wine menu was plentiful. Will be back to check out sports bar upstairs as they have live music and a wrap around veranda !

Beautiful place and the food matches the quality, I real fine dining gem in Pakenham!read more