Your Guide to a Weekend Well Spent in Melbourne
From iconic rock venues and hidden cocktail gems to a far stretching food culture and enviable variety of record stores, there's always somewhere to be and something to do in Melbourne.
That super long weekend felt good. You want another, and suddenly you're aware of how much leave you've managed to accrue. Planning your next break? While we're all about the awesomeness that Sydney has to offer, we have plenty of time for our southern sister too.
From iconic rock venues and hidden cocktail gems to a far stretching food culture and enviable variety of record stores, there's always somewhere to be and something to do. Here's just a few of our top picks.
'Feed Me, Seymour.'
Sonido! 69 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy (Map)
Run by Santiago and Carolina Villamizar, a young Colombian couple, Sonido! is an awesome place to hang out. Naturally, the coffee is amazing and the food is even better. Get an empanada or the ropa vieja arepas and follow it up with a Brazilian cocada, or just sip an Inca Kola while you flick through the retro South American records stacked by the turntable. Swing by Chiquitica too, the new art space at Sonido!, dedicated to artworks that focus on South America.
Handsome Steve's House of Refreshment Abbotsford Convent (Map)
Steve Miller – Moodist, W.Minc co-founder and Geelong Cats fanatic – is a such a quintessentially Melbourne character, so it seems fitting that he'd set out to revive the quintessentially Melbourne 'wog bar', “where men played cards, smoked, watched TV and drank tiny cups of coffee or VB at quarter to nine in the morning.” The food's simple and tasty, the coffee's good and cheap and there's no bullshit to be had, nor would any be allowed. He'll seem sullen at first, but Steve's a sweetheart – more so if you're a Cats fan too. Head to the Convent then look around for the yellow umbrella. You'll find the place eventually.
White Rabbit Record Bar 176 Bellair St, Kensington (Map)
Decorated throughout in blue and white, the walls adorned with mirrors and lovely little ceramic rabbits, White Rabbit Record Bar has a vibe of casual elegance. While most of the space is dedicated to records, the main appeal here is in the gorgeous leafy courtyard. Share the antipasto plate with friends while you contemplate the intimidating cocktail list - the Mad Hatter (coriander vodka, wasabi, tomato juice and cucumber) could scare off any hangover. Or contribute to a new one.
Yellow Bird Cafe 22 Chapel St, Windsor (Map)
Owned by drummer Clint Hyndman, Yellow Bird's a great spot for a simple brunch or an evening beer. Get a spot inside to appreciate the rock 'n' roll blockmounted posters on sale (like Powder Monkeys, The Saints and Radio Birdman, from memory) while enjoying the Death Benedict - poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise on hash browns. Calorie counts are for sooks anyhow.
'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.'
The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood (Map)
So legendary is the Tote that when it closed its doors last year due to the pressures of restrictive licensing laws, thousands took to the street to protest. Though it looked unlikely at times, the Tote reopened under new management and continues to provide a home to both new and heritage acts. Step down into the pit before the stage or hang around in the front bar for a pot; just don't select Television's 'Marquee Moon' on the jukebox – the bar staff called a moratorium on it after too many plays.
Yah Yahs 99 Smith Street, Fitzroy (Map)
Entry to Yah Yahs is usually free, so it's handy if you're after a drink before dinner on one of Smith Street's bazillion restaurants, want to see the band, or just want to rage on after other places have closed. Score a booth seat as soon as one becomes available; they'll be hot property as the drinks continue to sink.
Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Corner of AC/DC Lane (Map)
What happens at Cherry Bar stays at Cherry Bar. Located in AC/DC Lane and owned by Bill Walsh of the Cosmic Psychos, Cherry Bar is a good, unpretentious rock bar with plenty of dark corners. See the bands then keep going until sunrise with a roster of local DJs. Don't request any Nickelback or you will be ejected.
New Gold Mountain Levels 1 & 2, 21 Liverpool St, Melbourne (Map)
If you can find New Gold Mountain it's a reward in itself – if you're beneath the bike on the wall, you're there. The drinks are identified only by number, which can make things tricky (read: fun surprises) after you've had a few of them, and they're talking points in themselves. We only wish we could remember the number of divine cocktail that came in two glasses, designed to be consumed in alternating sips, but by that point an entire algebra problem had been downed.
24 Moons End of AC/DC Lane, Melbourne (Map)
Owner Simon Digby decided the two year lease on the club at the end of AC/DC Lane would be enough, hence the name. Nothing of the interior is permanently attached (though we had to be told this – there's nothing slapdash in its appearance), and everything can be easily removed when the time comes. Be sure to get in soon – we forgot to ask how much of the lease had already elasped, and you'll want to try the Charlie Chaplin cocktail at least once before it's gone.
'Right Round, Baby. Right Round.'
Northside Records 236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy (Map)
It's not all rock 'n' roll, nor should it be. Head to Northside for the best range of jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, dub, disco and boogaloo in the whole city. Make sure you chat to Chris Gill, the enthusiastic and afroed owner, who's also behind Diggin' Melbourne: a Tour Guide for Vinyl Record Lovers, too. His passion is utterly contagious.
Pure Pop 221 Barkly Street, St Kilda (Map)
An indie music haven in sunny St Kilda, Pure Pop is the best place to spend a summer afternoon. Previously, you could wander through the store and bag some rare vinyl before grabbing a cider out the back for a live gig at the small outdoor stage. These days, the gigs are inside (hopefully temporarily), so y'know, don't make things worse by being a dick while entering and leaving. Say hi to owner Dave Stevens if you see him, too; he's one of nature's gentlemen.
Missing Link 405 Bourke Street, Melbourne (Map)
One of Melbourne's longest running independent music stores, Missing Link is an institution. Not only can you pore over the rarities or stock up on old punk singles, you can also grab the latest from independent and small scale local labels not available in most bricks and mortar stores. Remember to wear a watch or you could lose days in there, and make sure you pick up the latest issue of Stained Sheets, too.
Off the Hip 381 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (Map)
Both a store and label, Off the Hip promises the best in Australian garage, power pop and rock 'n' roll. With the label roster ranging from the Pink Fits (RIP) to Johnny Casino and the Secrets, Wrong Turn and The Frowning Clouds, the variety of the store's wares is unquestionable, and so too is the quality.
Cherry Bar pic by Carbie Warbie/Yellow Bird and Northside pics from their respective websites.
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