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.

What else would you do in the country but drink wine? I…read moredon't know the answer to that but I do know this modern wine bar is the place you will spend most of your early afternoons in Daylesford if you have any leaning towards grapes. Ridiculously cheap produce platters full of cheese, paté and local oil and a glass of wine from their huge selection of sparkling, white, red, rose and more is a great way to start an evening. If you visit over the weekend then get there early as the spots available to sit are fairly limited. The young ex-Melbourne couple that run the place are totally cool and make me want to leave "city life" and resign in the hills to do the same. Their knowledge of every product (from food to wine and gifts) they have in store is spectacular, and you won't be able to walk out without buying something - they have a knack of conveying the passion of the producer to the consumer. I'm in the country and in love.

I love the name of Wine and the Country because it so accurately sums up what lays inside - wine,…read moreand bits of the country. When I say wine, I mean A LOT OF WINE. There must be well over 100 wines to choose, from all over Victoria, Australia and the world. On my most recent visit I indulged in (one too many) natural wines, which were absolutely outstanding. If you have no clue about wine (like me) the ridiculously helpful staff will help. Seriously, just tell them your favourites colours/flavours/price range and they'll pick something out for you to take home or drink in store - YES, it's a bar too! When I say country, I mean delicious, locally sourced produce from the nearby country-land - Daylesford and beyond. Cured meats, small goods and freshly baked breads - they'll make you a platter to accompany your wine likes nobodies business. If you went to Daylesford, you would honestly be a complete fool to not go to Wine and the Country.

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

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.

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

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 didn't want to review this club, because I didn't want to share the best kept secret in…read moreMelbourne. But I will because it's just too awesome. It's hip, urban underground and smooth. Classy yet it doesn't even appear they are trying. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, each night the Mango Bar comes alive with different sounds and genres of music. They've certainly got their pulse on the hottest up and coming local acts, as well as playing host to a range of renowned international DJ's. Each night there's something diff; electro funk, deep house, jazz and blues - there's something for everyone at Mango. The drinks menu deserves a rave as well. Spirits, beer and wine, as well as a sensational selection of martini's, cocktails and the signature Mango Daiquiri. It's like an oasis away from home. Somewhere you feel totally comfortable, totally chilled out and completed entertained by the music and live acts. There. The secrets out. Now go and enjoy!

Another Hall st gem!…read more Great selection of drinks, from $5 Friday happy hour, to cocktails & top shelf whisky's Mango is the perfect amount of chilled tunes & chatty crowd, with a small dance floor to carve up listening to resident & guest DJ's later in the night if the mood so grabs you, or enjoy the outdoor seating & perhaps throw in a game of jenga. BYO food (pretzels / crisps / nuts onsite for sale), and drop in for a quiet one, or settle in for an awesome night with the staff, old friends & new! PS- word is the espresso martini is the bomb (I don't drink coffee myself. Yes, we do exist)

This is another one of those really cool cafes that I sort of stumbled across as I was wandering…read morearound the place one day. It is sort of one of those places that has taken up residence in an old warehouse, and these places can actually be pretty cool. Well, that is the case with this place, and they also service a pretty decent cup of coffee as well. However, despite it being on a side street, and the middle of the week, this place certainly does attract the crowds.

Really nice brunch place south side in the Gardenvale area. We had an awesome lunch here of bloody…read moreMary's, eggs, smashed avocado, calamari and a breakfast bun. All was really good, service was great, and the space is really nice too. I'd definitely return if looking to meet someone south side for a nice casual breakfast/brunch/lunch.

Having recently taken the plunge into the world of wine, I stumbled along this venue by lack and…read morehaven't ever been disappointed amazing service, great knowledge from the staff. I have visited here many times bring friends who have all waljed away raving. The reason i was initially hooked however, was being new to the industry i walked in not know where to look and found great advice here with no pretenious attitudes just very welcoming and most of all an endless selection of amazing wines. Constantly being introduced to some unique and amazing wines

Fantastic little wine bar , very friendly service , great wine selection and a great spot for an…read moreafterwork drink for locals who can walk home come the bar. Tastefully decorated and has a great feel to it.

This new hidden cocktail bar is already one of my favourites. Entering through a side door down a…read morelaneway, and climbing the stairs, opening the door as if to a house and being greeted so politely. The choice of the cocktail bad, whiskey and cigar room or the rooftop, delights me and caters or all your needs. The cocktails are strong, creative and use spirits and aperitifs in the most unique ways to deliver the most perfect cocktail. There are so many liqueurs, sprints and aperitifs that you wouldn't have even heard of. All the food sounds Devine, and the chocolate truffles are a slice of heaven. Cannot recommend highly enough.