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.

This lovely, petite wine bar is something you'd expect to find hidden down a Melbourne laneway. A…read morereal find for Geelong. An excellent place to spend part (or all) of a winter's Saturday afternoon while enjoying a friendly Shiraz. The bar snacks are also super. Jamon freshly shaved to order, a French cheese selection and beautiful house breads make this venue as much about the food as the wine. Check out the bottle shop next store too. It forms part of the business. Ask about selecting a bottle and enjoying it in the wine bar. Definitely will keep that in mind for next time.

My favorite spot in Australia so far! Wonderful knowledgeable staff. My friend and I had a great…read moreexperience. We told the server what we were looking for in a wine and he did not disappoint with a delicious Vino Rosso Lamoresca. We also split the assorted charcuterie and we're in heaven

A delightful find on the Great Ocean Road. The four of us shared three starters -- chicken liver…read morepate, beef satay and cold smoked seafood -- and three small plates -- BBQ calamari, lamb rump and duck spring rolls -- and found each dish to be interesting, flavorful and very good. The service was attentive and pleasant. There was a nice outdoor dining area but we chose to eat inside since we arrived at sunset.

Hit the Cuda Bar for a post-film opening party. (Went by much earlier for dinner; alas, we were…read moreturned out due to the party prep.) This bar/restaurant abuts the Lorne Theatre, so it's convenience for the after-movie crowd is perfect. The Cuda Bar is setback of a few tiered front decks (no doubt great for lounging and chit-chat on fine sunny days), with glass sliding doors which act as entry to the establishment. Being that I attended Cuda Bar on an event night, I can't say what the usual layout normally would be. What I can say is that the post-film party was dynamite -- the champagne and drinks flowed, the hors d'oeuvres kept on coming by the trays, the conversational noise level was high, and the DJ spinning the tunes was jammin'! Based upon my one-time experience at Cuda Bar, I'll have to say I'm a fan, for sure...! :)

A wonderful range of interesting wines by the glass and bottle, perfectly serviced by two very…read moreknowledgeable and friendly women and their helpers who really know their stuff. What more could you ask for? Well, how about we throw in a good range of craft beers, some excellent cheese, smallgoods, and other snacky type things for sale, and very tasty shareplates that match the gorgeous wines perfectly. This place is a real survivor in an area where businesses turn over on a regular basis; all you need to do is go in, grab a glass and a shareplate and you'll know why. To make an evening of it, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and snack here, then grab a bottle or two and head next door to Sisco's for some excellent pizza and pasta. This is as good a wine bar as you'll find anywhere.

From the owner: Focusing on small producers doing interesting things, booth locally and internationally. Take home…read morea bottle with our cheese and charcuterie selection, or enjoy instore with one of our platters.

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.

Basically this is a wine bar, so if you know what wine bars are like, you are going to be pretty…read morespot on when it comes to this place. Mind you, I'm one of those people that will end up drinking beer at a wine bar, and that is certainly something that I ended up doing here. Actually, their beer selection was pretty good as well, something that I also quite appreciated. It was rather packed, but then again it was a Friday night, but the service was pretty good nonetheless.

A full house for a Saturday afternoon shows that this addition to Geelong's gastro repertoire does…read morehit the mark. An excellent local wine bar. For me, the enjoyment was almost as much in the well restored historic shopfront and interior as in the locally sourced wine. Well, almost. The Banks Road Shiraz (Bellarine Peninsula) was rich and fruity. The Barossa counterpart (in case you wish to escape from Geelong) was an exceptional alternative too. Be sure to order a cheese and or a charcuterie platter, or both, to enjoy with your Winter warmer (or Summer spritz). I'm excited that the Geelong social scene is coming of age.

Don't be deceived by the term "bar". Popped in here for a quick lunch and the $10 flatbread lunch…read moredeal has to be the best value in town. They are like a pizza, but better and lighter, and very substantial for lunch. And the staff are lovely and service is quick. Highly recommended.

Hidden gem on edge of Geelong. Friendly staff, nice wine, good food. Set amongst vines and native…read moregarden. Hard to believe there is a city and freeway nearby.

If I could give 10 stars I would, what a find, not only wow factor as I drove in and must say only…read morefound it thanks to Yelp but greeted by Kathryn who was outstanding! Great knowledge, friendly and she went above and beyond, rare in hospitality in Australia. You feel like it's home here, amazing 2006 St Regis Shiraz, great share platter great outlook and amazing amenities! I will be back!