Excellent food. In Melbourne on holiday/vacation and came to this place on the first night. When we walked in the hostess stand wasn't apparent but was placed in the middle of the restaurant. The Gnocchi I received by mistake but it was a much welcomed one. The truffle was very pronounced. My husband had the Sofia Pizza, he said it was pretty solid but "had a lot going on".....full disclosure he says pizza has a lot going on when there are more than 3 ingredients on it. I would definitely come back if I lived here. read more

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Was staying at the Marriott hotel and quite literally it's right next door. Read the reviews and it sounded like one of the Melbourne hot spots. Tried to go on our first evening in Melbourne, but unfortunately the place was closed due to a private function (Christmas party). Came back a few days later. The weather had changed so it was unfortunately not the sitting outside kind of weather we had hoped and what looked like Trunk was designed for. Decided that we would go to the diner side, instead of the Italian side. Walked in and what struck us immediately was the noise! We had our hearts set on trying this very cool little spot. We initially had to wait for some seats to be cleaned up, even though there was a number of open tables. Once seated our server(s) were very friendly and we had our food on the table in no time. I went for the burger and my wife went for the chili salad. My burger was ok, but the bun was such that it nearly disintegrated and I was left trying to eat a squished out mess. I tried my wife's meal and it was definitely very tasty. Overall, The food was good, but not fabulous, like I had hoped. Even though the place was only 1/2 full, the noise levels were such that we had to nearly yell at each other to be heard. The entire place is glass, hardwood floors and metal chair (which make a seriously loud noise when moved). This would have been a cool place to linger and chat, but unless you have a blowhorn that's just not possible. Out servers were very friendly and good. I think had we been able to sit outside this would have been a fabulous spot. I'll go back, as long as I can enjoy my meal outside. read more

Trunk - Burger with fries and chili salad (note, the egg was from the burger) - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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"FOR SHAME, JACKIE" I hear you all yelling. Yes, I know. I have lived in Melbourne for umpteen years and have never once set foot in Trunk. It seems almost impossible, huh? I don't know how I managed it. So finally, last night was the night. It was a 42 degree day but was an absolute DELIGHT to be sitting in the Trunk courtyard, under their gorgeous candy-striped umbrellas and stunning fairy lights. The atmosphere was perfection. The four of us ordered a couple of pints of Kosciusko Pale Ale, while I went for the Chicken Club Sandwich and my friends went for the Mushroom Pizza, Chicken Burger and a Super-sized Chicken Burger (it was pretty big). Everyone's plates were clear within 15 minutes (you can't go wrong with a chicken club, right?) however it really would have made my day had it come with fries - it just looked so lonely on the plate. Then the dares came... We noticed on the menu that for a measly three clams you could try "STUPID HOT WINGS - 900 times hotter jalapeño!!!!" Game. Set. Match. The staff actually tried to talk us OUT of buying them. When they arrived on the table the spicy scent was ominous. Dripping with sauce, only two of us were game to give it a bite with one left gasping for air for twenty minutes after. The Stupid Hot Wings are stupidly hot. You've been warned. Trunk is the perfect spot for a mid-week lunch or dinner on lovely, summers day. It's just so damn pretty! read more

Trunk - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Trunk has been around for a while but still continues to impress. While it can be a little overrun by suits and lacking in soul, the staff are consistently lovely, the food is very tasty and the decor is comfortable with a hint of quirk. While their coffee has never left me smacking my lips wanting more, with The League of Honest Coffee just around the corner it doesn't matter. Can be an expensive lunch or moderate dinner, but for consistently good food it's worth it. read more

Trunk - Wagyu bolognese ($22) w/ French bubbles ($10) - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great food with a very intimate vibe. The concept is meditarrean, and the menu half italian half lebanese. We had a lot of different dishes to share and all of them were delicious. Special mention to the pistacchio lamb cutlets, duck risotto and arancini. First time I had a lebanese pizza, definitely worth trying! read more

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Good for a coffee and some lunch (or any meal really). Their staff are friendly and approachable, the building looks cool and is a little quirky with their cheeky signs. The breakfast options are very solid and cover all the usual Melbourne brunch staples nicely. This place is full of suits on warm nights in the evenings having after work drinks. Better to go for brunch when it's nice and relaxed. read more

4 stars for the garden - 2 for the main indoor venue (that opens at 4pm), 3 for the Diner bit that's open most of the day. Easily the best ground level beer garden this end of the CBD - we've been coming here regularly for 7 years. Sadly this is not a secret so it gets very busy. Midday to 6pm is the best time. It gets insanely busy after work on warm days. Something that is incredibly annoying is that they frequently close for private functions (weddings usually) on the weekend. What's especially annoying about it is that the staff are unable to update the website or the Facebook page informing the public about this - ever. I have even called them (a few days ahead) and asked and they had no idea what I was taking about and claimed that they are never shut for private functions. The food is very tasty (from the diner) and that, combined with the awesome garden is what gives it 4 stars for me. read more

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For an "American" bar, Trunk does pretty well. The setup is really nice. Plenty of space to chat and move around, or sit (i even came at a busy hour). Took me a while to figure out that you have to order on the side of the building or I guess.. The bar (just a tip for travelers). Prices are decent and the food is delicious. For a place that says it's American, it sure does a wonderfully bad job. Specifically, the food tastes better and is not marked up to ridiculous prices. Portions are good too. Service was professional but nothing amazing. I would like to see table service here. I mean, it would make sense if you strive to be an American bar! Overall, Trunk is an awesome spot to grab a drink and socialize. Definitely recommend checking out! read more

Went here for lunch and had the Cuban baguette. The filling was awesome with pulled pork, ham, gruyere cheese and a delicious pickle, loved the little kick. The only disappointment was the baguette was a little stale. Our waiter was fantastic a very friendly guy and was so attentive and made our experience lots of fun. read more

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Sunday session in the sun? Donut fix during the day? Rib craving? Yes. Yes. And Yes. Trunk has you sorted with all of these, plus more! The menu is extensive and will keep everyone happy. From burgers to salads, there's a little bit of everything here and it's all done well. My tip: wait for a sunny day and then grab your friends for a cocktail session in the courtyard. read more

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As my prior reviews attest, I have had the pleasure of some awesome meals at Trunk, and the atmosphere is still awesome. But since I was here last, the food seems to have taken a turn towards to mediocre and lost the delicate flavor profile that made it great. The garlic pizza ($12) is still good, but these days they are making it with chunks of whole garlic cloves which leaves you with alternately too little and too much flavor, and a crust charred in some places. The Trunk Diner's Mac & Cheese ($9) was also lack luster, unevenly cooked, crunchy on top, watery underneath. And the Uncut Spinach Salad ($12) was a mix of great feta and mediocre components. Hopefully they turn things around! read more

Had a lovely night here with 6 other girls. It's a big restaurant and great for groups. We had nice pizzas, salads (beetroot was great) and the tuna steaks. The servers were actually really good, filled our water while we waited for our party to arrive and brought us drinks as soon as we were finished the others. We were sitting by their fireplace towards the back which got very warm for the girls closest to it and as we left we got asked very loudly to close the door (quicker) as we were walking out. All in all, we said we'd go back and it was better for 4 or more people as the tables for 2 were quite squished between the larger tables (to the point where your bum is very close to the table next to yours when leaving). read more

Trunk - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

A great place to dine inside or out. The calamari was tender and had a delicate batter. We enjoyed our pasta dishes but the real star of the night was the schnitzel. Super juicy and flavorful. Yum! Hummus plate with warm bread Fried calamari , rocket and lime mayo Rigatoni with wagyu beef and veal bolognese Hand-cut egg pappadelle , 18 hour braised lamb, artichokes, green olives, and pecorino Brioche and parmesan crusted veal schnitzel with Trunkslaw read more

This is an awesome place for a working week lunch. Today we sat outside in the beautiful Melbourne sunshine. As such we were brought the limited casual menu. To get the full other menu with the tapas ect we just had to ask. Although it wasn't offered. The service was nice if a little disengaged. We both had fish and chips. I'm sorry I've forgotten the type of fish blue something? Anyway it was delicious with a lovely light batter. It came with fat chips which I think we're beer battered. They were in fact perfectly battered and deliciously crispy. The tartar sauce was nice too but like the rocket on the side paled in comparison with the fat chippies and perfectly battered fish. Also had a delightful glass of 'fizz'. Happy! Although at just over $30 for fish and chips and a glass of bubbles it was a bit pricey. But we knew that going it. read more

Trunk - The fish and chips - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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The setting for Trunk is really incredible and that is probably the biggest thing it has going for it. Originally built in 1859 by architects Knight and Kerr, what we now know as Trunk was a synagogue and Hebrew school. Not a lot of people know that (thanks Michael Caine). The inside boasts huge ceilings and the decor is classy to say the least. Michael Caine Fact Two: - It has a 150 year-old heritage listed Coral Tree, which inspired the name 'Trunk'. The courtyard area has to be one of the biggest in Melbourne's CBD and it is the perfect spot to grab drinks after work during the spring and summer. As for the food, I've only eaten here a couple of times. Once for lunch (try the Wagyu bolognese!) and once in the diner (offering more inexpensive options than the restaurant). It was pretty good on each occasion. The service is really good. But the bar gets absolutely rammed after work and the staff are rushed off their feet so you have to fight your way to the front if you are keen to get your drink on. You definitely have to check it out! read more

Trunk - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Trunk is your little something naughty and little something nice. The venue is located on the outskirt of the CBD but don't let that fool you, the venue is always pumping. It is a venue that relies on light, a spacious outdoor area and indoor area which has a glass side (hence the venue is either dark or filled with light). During the day you can soak up the rays and come for lunch and a drink. At night (after 5pm) the venue is busy with suits having after work drinks and dinner. The portions are not the biggest but the food is definitely quality, every time i have eaten here, i have always walked away happy. The staff are chipper and are actually a breath of fresh air. I frequent the venue after work and i'm always happy to escape to this little slice of heaven. read more

Trunk - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Trunk is the sort of place that you'll love from the get-go. Funky interiors, great cocktails, and the fresh flavours of modern Italian cuisine make it the ultimate all-rounder. The space that it occupies is fairly large and the restaurant and diner are split. Enter through the big doors at the front to make your way to the bar and restaurant. Turn to the left and you'll hit the diner. Start of with a cocktail - they make a fantastic Aviation, and work your way through some of the smaller plates. Char-grilled South Australian octopus, olives, tomato & green beans, and Soft shell chilli crab were my favourites, but really the list is so long and varied that any choice is worthy. The larger plates are less adventurous but still worth the time: roast duck, pistachio & currant cannelloni and tomato sugo, and a house-made pappardelle with Wagyu Bolognese are very satisfying. Even if you aren't very famished then share a pizza, there are 12 varities and each one is unique and exciting. The Number 2 (Pescatore Blue Swimmer crab meat, prawns, calamari, tomato, garlic, chilli & zucchini) is simply devine. If you are in need of a quick bite then consider some take-out from the diner. read more

Trunk - Trunk Bar and Restaurant - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place has a great in-door and out-door location. We had breakfast, dinner and evening drinks. This place is quite lively on the weekends but easy to find a seat. If you're staying at the Marriott, I would highly recommend coming here for a meal. read more

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A great alfresco restaurant. Kid friendly and plenty of space for prams outdoors. The indoor part would be a bit cramped if it was raining or cold. We had breakfast here three days in a row it was always great. The el gringo was a nice twist on mexi breakfast. The Halle berry pancakes were amazing. Also they always dropped off some crayons and a fun kids menu to calm the toddler. Very helpful. Coffee is good. read more

Trunk - El Gringo - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Trunk is split into effectively two restaurants - Trunk and Trunk Diner, sharing a courtyard and covering all bases from weekday lunch, after work drinks to Italian dining. Inside, Trunk the restaurant is expansive and a perfect place for groups or casual dates. The Italian inspired menu is packed full of fresh and delicious pizzas, pastas and crowd pleasing dishes. It's one of those great places that you can bring a bunch of people and know that no one will leave disappointed or hungry. Outside, there is a large courtyard and smaller sheltered section for Trunk Diner. Out here, it's all about casual dining and American classics with burgers, hot dogs and salads. They're all great (I'm a big fan of the beef burger with jalapeños and pickles - so good) and insanely popular - most salads will sell out during the lunch rush if you're not quick enough. They've also been friendly to my gluten intolerant dining counterparts which is another tick under 'crowd pleaser'. The courtyard/diner is equally good for a lazy drink in the sunshine. Pumping on a Friday night after work with the suit crowd and relaxed on the weekend with visitors and locals. It's the combination of nice restaurant dining, casual diner and sunny courtyard that has "what about Trunk?" pop-up almost weekly when suggesting places to go around Melbourne. -- Also...side note for the chilli fiends and challenge eaters. Their hot wings are mental. They claim them to be 900 times hotter than a jalapeño. My crazy heat-seeking partner took one on as a challenge and his eyes glassed up and he gave a few little coughs. That's the most damage I've seen anything do to him and the staff were enthralled because normally it leaves people wailing. $3 per wing to dare your friends. read more

Great spot for brekky. Lovely shaded outdoor area as well as the option to sit indoors. Great coffee and the smashed avo with a poached egg is delicious! read more

Fancy a salty breakfast burger and a beer? Then Trunk could be the venue for you. Seriously, I think the folks at Trunk are evil geniuses - a night in the restaurant and bar will leave you with a chronic hangover thanks to the very more-ish jugs of cocktails, but they lure you back to the diner in the morning for a greasy meal and hair-of-the-dog, when the vicious cycle starts again... Once or twice I have breakfasted at the diner without a hangover, and it still hit the spot. The St. Ali's coffee gives me the hyper-perkies, but I balance it out and feel all zen by eating one of the healthy organic options. The wifi is great if you're dining along, it means you can catch up on your emails and set yourself for a winning day, or just facebook-stalk your primary school boyfriend. The diner also does lunch, and the restaurant opens from lunch during the week and carries through to dinner 7 days. Yes, it's confusing that the different spaces open and different times, but what it means in reality is that some part of Trunk is open from breakfast until midnight, 7 days a week. Easy. read more

Having recently moved back from New York to Melbourne my quest for the greatest burger in Australia begins. I have experienced some very high rate burgers in New York with the likes of the Breslin and Hill Stone on 5th ave - but today I was blown away by the burger from the Diner here at Trunk. I found it reviewed by the Age as number 3 for top 10 burgers in Melbourne - while this burger deserves to be in the top 10 I would go so far to say it is number 1 !!! Served on a personal bread board with the lettuce, tomato and onion on the side, this burger is the right size for a quick business lunch without the "roll" effect by filling you up excessively. The wagyu meat is very tasty and well cooked and choice of tomato chutney or BBQ sauce certainly satisfies the fussiest of punters (me!). Fries are well salted and cooked shoe sting. Extensive beer menu and staff with a smile who are all in character - props to the guy who looks like Elvis, you rock! The final cherry on the top was the location and layout of the restaurant. Diner on the side with a more serious formal restaurant inside a converted church. All in all I give this place 5 stars as did my party of 4. Will certainly come back in a hurry and highly give this my Yelp 5 star stamp of approval! read more

Trunk is on of those on-off venues that I've been going to for years, then promptly forget about or it falls off the radar. Trunk is the quintessential end of the working -day knock off corporate and suits drinking spot. But then again, so is every spot in the city serving something remotely similar to everyone's favourite ethyl-alcohol molecule. Or is that di-ethyl? But I digress, alcohol and the city, add about .000001 of a trillionth of a second past 5pm and any venue with this combination near an office block is usually teaming with people. Trunk has developed an unspeakable notoriety for being incredibly busy. Trunk therefore is also incredibly popular and well traded. There's a little restaurant area, which always reminds me of a portable school class room/ over sized old school tram/ river barge/tuck shop/ and some kind of old speech hall. It's hard to describe. There's the outside area, with trees and stuff, but sometimes it has a haze thicker than a coal plant due to all the smokers. If the weathers nice, It'll be hard work nabbing a seat. When it is busy inside, expect a push past or force your way through, everyone where it's at crush capacity. Never-mind though, you will get served and the drinks will be good many and varied, as will the food. Try not to trip over the groups of douche-bags on your way out. I should come back here to actually add either something noteworthy or of substance. Damien P, Hope you like this review? read more

Lumberjack Pancakes... there I said it! If you do not have the Lumberjack pancakes on one of your first three visits then we can not be friends anymore! Ok, on to Trunk itself.. This place has lots of little places to hide, inside, outside, in the sun, in the shade, out the back everywhere! Find a place, and sit down. Someone will be along shortly to take your order. All the food I have had here is amazing and the coffee really is right up there with the best Melbourne has to offer! I will be back again! and again! and again!! read more

Great little spot and loved the atmosphere along with the cold beer! I had walked past numerous times but went for dinner whilst staying in the city for a few nights. Lived the dinner and service was smiley and friendly. Worth the visit for sure! read more

This review is based on Trunk Diner. My search for a burger reminiscent of my time in NY took me here to Trunk Diner, the 'outdoor' portion of the Trunk restaurant. Obviously, I ordered the burger - with Monterey Jack Cheese, caramelised onion and crispy bacon, with a $3 side of chips. I saw someone elses burger and was worried it might not be enough, as it looked quite small. The presentation was simple but nice - everything laid out on a wooden board. The burger and shoestring fries looked nice but I was quite excited about the pickles! - a NY burger/sandwich staple (something my other favourite place, Huxtaburger, doesn't offer). The burger was bloody good, close enough to rival Huxta. I was also quite full afterwards. read more

My girlfriend and I were lured to Trunk after passing it on our way out of our hotel and noticing how appealing it looked. After checking out the menu online, we decided to get dinner at the diner. The restaurant and diner are distinct, the former offering more upscale fare and the latter providing affordable, albeit gentrified diner foods like burgers and fries (yes, I am American). There were a couple of weird things about Trunk, one of which is the format, which mixes casual and formal settings and menus; this was a quirk we enjoyed once we understood it. The other weird thing was that we didn't get water brought to our table--this was the first time this had happened to us in Australia. Our food was good. The burgers were adequate in size for $10, and the large shoestring fry was an ideal portion for the two of us. The ambience was nice, but don't expect stellar service unless you are ordering a lot of food/drinks or opting for the restaurant menu. read more

I went in today for Mother's Day with my mum and the experience was very special! We drank lovely wine and there was a great selection of tap beers. We shared a few small dishes and ordered mains each. The soft shell chilli crab was the best we had ever had and the quail was a delight and super juicy! Not only was the food fantastic but our waitress was too. She was friendly but not intrusive and was always there when we needed something. I have never written a review before but this place stood out and I wanted to commend it. I will go back and back and back! read more

Trunk - Our delicious plate of entrees. - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Trunk Diner is a great place for breakfast in the CBD. Muesli is delicious and is a definite favourite (though I'm not sure what the side jug of milk is all about - why do you need milk if it already comes with yogurt?). What it lacks in selection (and I really don't think the selection is THAT bad, for the Diner!), it makes up for in price. Service is quick and reasonably friendly. No bill splitting. read more

My review relates only to the coffee. I popped in for a take-away and was seriously looked down on. Apparently Trunk is an Eat In Preferred. But before I eat anywhere, I want to know if they have good coffee! And the answer? Well, by the time it got to me (I was clearly not a priority, as barista and waitresses both ignored my uncomfortable presence at a nearby bench) I wasn't in a great mood. The coffee was very strong, almost too strong, with that sharply bitter aftertaste of a slightly burnt bean. Perhaps the eat-in experience here is better, but I doubt I'll bother to find out. read more

Trunk - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Reading through some other reviews, I'm going to assume that the quality of your visit depends on what time of day/week you go to Trunk. We went on a rainy Saturday at lunch time, and had a grand ol' time. We visited the Diner, so I can't really speak to the restaurant situated next door. The beer list was well thought-out, the food was fresh and oh-so-delicious (I had a salad with goats cheese and pine nuts and it was glorious - very minimally fussed-with), and the wings were THE HOTTEST THINGS ON THE PLANET (just ask my boyfriend, who ate but one little wing and spent the next hour openly weeping at the table). The staff were really friendly and laid-back, which was actually really refreshing. The venue was really, really cute. Creeping vines one way you look, and Trunk restaurant's beautiful brick building in the other direction. For the time of day we visited, I would classify this as a laid-back lunch date venue. I think it's worth a look! read more

Sorry big negative rating. Taking my drivers licence and credit card took i mean taking it away and keeping it behind the bar highly unorthodox in my opinion. Been around the world has not happened before. Trunk did not offer me to pay as you go. Others seemed to enjoy this privilege. read more

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This a popular place and always seems to be busy. It is right next door to the Melbourne Marriott. I've walked past it a million times but never eaten here. So I finally ate at the indoor restaurant section. The food was ok, but nothing stellar. This is more of a drinks place than a foodie outpost. A casual place with great vibe, good drinks and ok food. read more

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I went back to Trunk Diner the other day on Sunday and it was excellent - the perfect non-hipster and non-typical place in the CBD to get food on a lazy summer Sunday. Ended up there for breakfast and lunch... Long story. Anyway. Breakfast was an excellent serving of corn fritters, a very decent accompaniment of bacon, a perfectly poached egg and real hash browns. Not entirely sure how I was even able to have lunch... The 7 spice chai was also excellent. Lunch was the rare salad, their uncut which had spinach leaves instead of lettuce (win one), chunks of avocado, actual peas and barley. Amongst other things. Oh and a Golden Gaytime milkshake. On second thoughts, not sure how I'm even alive after so much food. All too good. Excellent. read more

Solid Italian dining in the heart of Melbourne. This place has great ambiance, good service and a solid menu. As a celiac, they had some really good gluten free options including; gf pasta (on 4/6 options), gf pizza and great salads. read more

Trunk was my work lunch destination today. Being on the corporate card I didn't mind shelling out $22 for a standard fish-n-chips but if I was on my own dime, I would probably opt for another establishment. That being said, the meal was good. Tempura battered fish was tasty and not too heavy. There were a few thick cut chips along with some greens on the side which made for a tasty meal. I would have to say the highlight was the arancini, lovely rice, cheese and herbs cooked into a nice crisp coating. It was flavourful with the aioli sauce underneath. I could have, should have, eaten more than one! Perhaps this was worth the $4 each. The service was slow. I understand they were busy, it was the lunch rush. There was only one server in the restaurant area and she could have used some help to top off water and get our order in quicker. Overall, it was a good place and I would go back but would opt to try the diner/bar area unless I had an hour and a half on the company again. I think this is a nice place but depending on what you are looking for, can get just as good a meal, somewhere else for a fraction of the cost. (Actual rating = 3.5 stars) read more

Sittin' pretty in the Melbourne CBD is this treasure Trunk. A pleasant afternoon snack baguette of pulled pork, gruyere and pickled zucchini accompanied with a glass of sparkling wine made for a great snack under the umbrella. The staff happily helped us at all times and were great at communicating with us and not harassing us. Great spot to enjoy a drink or two with friends after a full day of shopping. read more

I visited trunk for dinner and after some great suggestions from our waiter we ordered Polenta chips with jalapeno mayo (they were really tasty) waygu beef with homemade pappadeli (very nice) and pumpkin cannalone (again very nice). We both thought the food was very nice. the drinks was another story. we ordered 2 cocktails which took 20min to arrive (the bar wasn't very busy) i had a Japanese cocktail which tasted like coke and my girlfriend had an orange sherbert tht wasn't very good. the waiter apologised for the time it took for the drinks to arrive and unfortunately they were both disappointing. So if you visit Trunk i recommend the food but i would match it with beer or wine and skip the cocktails here and go just down the road to 1806 and enjoy a cocktail there read more

The food was AMAZING! There were several vegetarian options! It was hard to decide what to snack on :) The suggestion by the waiter for my drink was terrible - but I gave it a try. I also waited a long time for the cocktail :( I would definitely go back and I definitely recommend but just stick to beer or wine. read more