Kaiju Cantina

Much-loved brewery and cider producer Kaiju has opened its very own brewpub, beer hall and pizzeria, after close to a decade spent crafting award-winning drops.

The lofty 445-square-metre warehouse space rocks a fun fitout by We are Humble Architects, filled with bright pops of colour and large-scale hand-painted murals by Mikey Burton — the same US-based artist responsible for much of Kaiju's distinctive can art. It includes a playful, 12-metre work depicting the Melbourne city skyline complete with landmarks like the MCG and St Kilda Beach.

Kaiju Cantina's 16 taps are pouring house favourites like the Kaiju Krush tropical pale ale and Aftermath double IPA, alongside limited-edition and small-batch brews crafted on the site's own dedicated six-hectolitre brewing setup. Keep an eye out also for regular collaborations done with local emerging brew stars and brewing students.

A locally-focused lineup of booze-free options, wine and spirits is also on offer, including pours from the likes of Seaford's That Spirited Lot Gin and The Gospel Whiskey out of Brunswick.

Meanwhile, the food menu is all about beer's true BFF, pizza. Expect seasonal ingredients, hand-stretched bases and plenty of classic Italian flavours — think, a vegetarian combination of mushrooms, parmesan and truffle oil ($24); a classic capricciosa number topped with artichokes and olives ($26); and even a cheeseburger-inspired creation featuring American-style cheese, beef, pickles and mustard ($25).

And those midweek munchies are sorted with selected $20 pizzas — and $8 schooners — every Wednesday and Thursday.

Kim Jane Photography

Images: Kim Jane Photography