Gertie’s Bar and Lounge
She's our kind of lady.
Overview
Who is Gertie? Going by the ever-changing chalkboard messages out front of Gertie's Bar and Lounge in New Farm, she's a bit of a scallywag. The kind of gal who'd rather totter all night long in her high heels than opt for sensible flats, loves a healthy smattering of sequins, and can always be found with a dirty martini in one hand... and probably a Manhattan in the other. In other words, she's our kind of lady.
As for the bar itself? Well, it's our kind of place. Located on the corner of Brunswick and Barker Streets, the best seats in the house are at the open windows. From there you'll get a fantastic outlook over Brunswick, Barker and Annie Streets, and if you sit rather still and avoid loud noises, you might even spot some New Farmers in their natural habitat. With nearby neighbours including Chouquette, The Continental, Taj Mahal, Anise, Francie May's and the soon-to-open New Farm Cinemas, Gertie is in good company, and there's always plenty to see from the comfort of your barstool.
Turn your attention back inside and you'll find a relaxed, warm ambience thanks to lovely low lighting, plenty of polished wood furniture and music over which you can hold a conversation. Follow the stairs down and there's a sunken dining room, which is wallpapered with book pages and photos and is a great place to have a party.
If you’re too hardcore to take Mondays off drinking, then you’re in luck, because Monday is mussels night at Gertie’s. Get a bowl of mussels, chips and a glass of wine for $20 and kick off your week the right way. Pay a visit on a Tuesday night and reap the rewards of 2-4-1 tapas: choices include pork and beef meatballs with napoli sauce and ciabatta ($15), and chorizo with chickpeas ($15). The weekly specials don't stop there; keep an eye on the Gertie’s Facebook page to stay in the know.
Add the beers on tap and a cocktail list of over 45 concoctions, and we think Gertie's is the place to be just about any night of the week.