Bar Oussou

Any local knows the best Sunday night in town is the thriving, sweating, glorious mess that is Bar Oussou. Termed Africa's home away from home, this cosy bar on Sydney Road draws some of the finest jazz and world musicians to Melbourne's north.

For a break from the boog, sneak past the thriving dance floor, through the mood-lit cushion room and find yourself in the leafy courtyard hideaway. Cold nights are no match for the roaring fire that dances to one side — and to the other, where the Oussou kitchen, dishes up pizza and French Senegalese food such as thiuiou, a spicy red sauce lamb with vegetables and rice. For those looking to stretch their pipes, head in on Tuesdays for the open-mic night.