State of Grace - Cellar Door

477 Collins Street

http://www.stateofgracemelbourne.com.au/

2015 finalist for cocktail bar of the year

Conveniently located approx 100 meters from a tram stop the State of Grace restaurant and bar was very easy to find however, if you're looking for the Cellar door that is a different story. What we did know was, apparently the cellar door was hidden away downstairs behind a secret bookcase entrance. What could be more Melbourne right ?? Unfortunately our excitement about this challenge was short lived as when we arrived the lovely hostess took us straight to the 'secret' door and showed us through. Quite amusing I thought.

Walking down the stairs to the bar the first thing I noticed was the decor. It was rather confusing and not sure what they were trying to do... There were all sorts of things hanging of the walls - half deers, pairs of legs, fish, tennis rackets, and records to name few... It was kinda like walking into a country tavern but then there was a piano, a grand chandelier over the bar, and beautiful 1920's styling.

The cocktail list was impressive and included a great range of old time favourites to their newest signature drinks.. For those of you not so keen on the cocktails there was plenty of wines, champagne and beers to choose from.. Prices was also pretty standard as was the presentation of the drinks - nothing we hadn't seen before. 

The Aviation

The service was a bit hit and miss. We had a lovely waitress who was quick to offer us table service. But no time for chit chat though it was all business.... On the plus side, we couldn't help but notice the great beards on the waiters behind the bar.

Final verdict - definitely worth checking out to see it for yourself.

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited. 

Romeo Lane

1A Crossley Street

romeolane.com.au

Conveniently located in lane way just off Bourke St, Romeo Lane is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink by an open fire and in an intimate setting. The friendly staff made us feel right at home, offering to take our wet brolleys and place them in a stand out of the way and offered us some water and menus. A beautiful long wooden table (perfect for a group like ours) took pride and place in the middle of the room along with equally lovely high stools.... The table even had hooks along it for us to hang our bags or coats. 

With a fire place tucked away in the corner, dim lighting, and sounds of gentle jazz in the background the ambience quickly created a relaxing environment taking us back to the 1920s, where it was easy to forget about the crazy world outside.. 

The staff were very attentive and helped us choose our drinks wisely.  Whilst the menu seemed limited there was enough variety to keep everyone happy, plus the staff were happy to make up the classics or anything we wanted. When they presented us with the drinks, we were most impressed. 1920s style real crystal glass and coasters - wow wee!!   There was a little bit of quirkiness too with metal straws and ice blocks big enough to sink the Titanic. Cocktail prices were also pretty standard with most around the $20, but the best thing is - they split bills... 

So the final verdict - it's a big fat YES from us especially if u like the more cosy intimate type of bar. Although there did seem to be a bit of debate around whether the 1920s had been done before and it's time for something new. 

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited.   

Union Electric

13 Heffernan Lane 

http://unionelectric.com.au

Once you find the large green doors and walk inside this little beauty you'll be rewarded with a superb use of space that's so typically Melbourne you'll be bragging about it to your friends.

We were greeted by some very friendly and dare I say attractive bartenders, who were quick to offer us our seats, menus etc and made us feel right at home. The eclectic music, candles and dim lighting defiantly set the mood and we knew we were gonna be there a while. 

There was plenty of variety on the cocktail menu as well as your great classics. The bartenders were very knowledgeable in helping us choose the right one and were quite happy to create or adjust any to our taste. Prices were also very reasonable ranging from $11- $22 and presented with finesse. 

Apart from their cocktails, there was a great selection of whiskeys to choose from (including my favourite) but unfortunately the rest of the menu was quite limiting. Just a couple of whites or reds to choose from and a handful of beers / ciders.. 

There's also no kitchen at Union Electric but it's all good as they have developed a unique relationship with the yum cha restaurant next door so you can order your dumplings or peking duck pancakes and have them delivered right to your table. What more could you want ??

So the final verdict - YES YES YES - if you haven't figured it out yet we loved this place and can't wait to visit again.

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited.   

Mary Fortune Cocktail and Wine Lounge

91-93 Flinders Lane
http://maryfortune.com.au/

Another bar in a secret alley way - so very Melbourne. But as we walked into tthis one, it was a bit of the old deja vu...  We'd been here before and it had just been renamed. I guess when the list of bars we've visited is as long as the one we have, its bound to happen sooner or later and that's what barhoppers is all about. 

Aside from that, we stuck around and it felt like we walked into the 1920's. There was plenty of marble and chandeliers as well as hooks on the walls for you coats or brolley.  It was just a shame the music didn't quite hit the same mark, however we did enjoy bopping away to some classic 90s.  

The lighting was soft and flattering, but the stools we sat on around the table were a miss. Some of them kept sinking as you sat on them, others screeched and they were just uncomfortable. But ladies, make sure you visit the bathroom - black tiles and floral pink wall paper - FANCY!

Onto the important bit... The Cocktail list had a good mix and they were also pretty happy to make anything up for us. Martini's were ok, but we'd had better. Prices were your average $20, with wines from $10-$20. Unfortunately, there was only one bartender so service was a little slow at times but he was very attentive and offered plenty of gin options instead of their standard house.

Again, we were disappointed that there were no chips or much to offer on the snack menu. But there was a selection of cured meats hanging from butchers hooks in a display cabinet which was a superb pretentious touch and quite impressive. 

So the final verdict - if you're after quiet night out with a date, then Mary Fortunes is worth a visit. Would be interested to go back and try dining in their restaurant. 

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited.  

1000 £ Bend

361 Little Lonsdale Street

http://thousandpoundbend.com.au/

If you love your beer and burgers then 1000 pound bend is the place for you!! Now, think hipster, grungy, retro and op shop..  It's mismatched vintage furniture, retro TVs and radio's with random light fixtures and comfy lounges was welcoming and totally Melbourne!

However, wines were limited and pretty average. Each time we went to the bar we seemed to get charged differently depending which waiter served us. So yeah - our advice - Forget the wines and stick to the Beers and you'll be right..

The menu was also pretty simple too. Not many share platters but the biggest disappointment of all was no chips. I mean really ??? How can you offer burgers but no chips.. GRRRRR 

Oh and did I mention there was only 1 toilet in the whole place. One tiny little uni sex toilet - but lots of good graffiti / reading on the walls - hmmmm, just saying!! 

The staff were friendly and the free Wifi was a bonus, but sadly, we won't be rushing back. 

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited.  

Arbory Bar

http://arbory.com.au/

Flinders Walk

 

What to do with an abandoned platform and shipping container at an iconic Melbourne Train Station? Let's turn it into a bar someone said, and that's exactly what's happened.

Apart from the odd screeching of trains pulling up next to us, there's lots to like about the Arbory bar.. It's conveniently located at Flinders Street Train Station and easy to find via the Elizabeth Street underpass. It's new decking and alfresco dining with views across the Yarra make it very inviting and there's also plenty of seats and tables for large groups...

 

The all important drinks menu offered local smaller craft beers and ciders as well as impressive list of wines from Australia to China, Argentina & Italy.... The only downer was that most were by the bottle and there weren't to many to choose from if you just wanted a glass. Unfortunately no cocktails on offer, but rumour has it they're coming soon. We were also impressed that the waiter asked if we would like to taste the wine first before we decided on our purchase.

Food wise, it was very eclectic. A very interesting mix of innovative dishes and classics.. Think chorizo corn dog vs steak tartar. Something to please to everyone!

Service on the other hand was a bit hit and miss. There seemed to be plenty of staff on deck but no table service. Whilst it may have been quick and friendly, there were no smiles and most looked like they just didn't want be there. We even got a grunt from the waiter who we asked nicely if we could have the extra heater turned on. Perhaps a little less time should be spent on their hipster flannel look but rather on their customer service skills.

Overall, we enjoyed our evening at the Arbory. 

It's so typically Melbourne and why we love living in this great city.


Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited. 

El Coco

120 King Street, Melbourne

http://elcoco.com.au/

  

Finding El Coco was as easy as just looking for the big pub on corner. The colourful, tropical-themed fit-out was inviting but we couldn't help but reminisce about the good old days when it used be the Exchange Hotel. 

For a Thursday night it was surprisngly empty. This was good news for us, as it meant there was plenty of lounges or large group tables to choose from plus service was very quick. The bartenders were quite friendly with good knowledge and recommendations. Very pedestrian we thought.

The Caribbean inspired menu was appropriate but limited in choice..  In saying that, we would definitely recommend the chicken sliders and pulled beef nachos which were good value at $10... 

If you're lucky enough to be there during happy hour its worth trying their $5 Cuba Libre's. A Libre is basically a rum & coke with lime, but instead of using a lovely highball glass, they served it in metal cup. Not happy jan, we're not five! Still tasty though so I guess when they're only charging $5 they can do what like... 

Most of us were pretty happy with the $5 happy hour, however, apart from the Libre's, wine was average and there was only $5 schooners of boags. Soooo, if you don't like Boags, then bad luck... 

Overall we were pretty satisfied with our visit to El Coco so why not grab some friends and  

go see it for yourself!

Don't forget, you can click here to visit a full list of bars we've visited.