Overview
A group of mates who've worked at some of Melbourne's top hospitality spots — think: Supernormal, Lilac Wine Bar, The Kettle Black, Bluebonnet Barbecue and Blackhearts and Sparrows — have opened a new bar on Brunswick East's Lygon Street.
Unlike the Carlton end of Lygon Street (best known for its slew of Italian restaurants), this stretch of pavement covers a more eclectic group of places to eat and drink. Each spot also caters more to locals rather than uni students and travellers, so you can expect a proper community feel as well.
With this in mind, Maggie's Snacks and Liquor seems to be perfectly placed. This small bar is located within a Victorian-era building that's been totally gutted and decked out with mid-century modern furnishings. It has some vintage charm to it, with the fireplace and intimate courtyard out back simply adding to those cosy vibes.
Drinks-wise, the new Melbourne bar is focusing on seasonal cocktails that champion local ingredients. For summer, the team has done away with the Aperol and Campari, instead creating their own signature spritz — the rockmelon spritz — made with poached rockmelon, wax flowers, sparkling wine and Aussie-made Okar Tropic amaro. You'll also find a fruity vanilla slice milk punch that's been made with passionfruit, burnt vanilla, brioche, whisky and clarified milk.
The ten-page wine list is also a marvel in itself, championing small Australian and French winemakers while also featuring eight different magnum bottles for those celebrating big. A huge range of Aussie spirits, beers and ciders round out the extensive booze offerings.
Food at Maggie's is all about a farm-to-table ethos, led by Executive Chef Scott Blomfield, who is deeply passionate about creating produce-led menus that are a bit fun and experimental.
The dishes are mostly slanted towards the grazing side of dining, made for those days when a quick drink with a mate eventually rolls into a big night out without you even noticing.
Munch on a duck and pickle corn dog, fried bread with pickled mussels and chorizo, or a crispy chicken skin sanga before launching into larger share plates. These include everything from ceviche and lamb ribs to an epic snapper pie topped with scallop mousse and roasted bone cream.
These aren't your average bar snacks. And Maggie's doesn't seem like just your average neighbourhood bar, either.
Find Maggie's Snacks and Liquor at 98 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, operating 4pm–midnight Wednesday–Thursday, 12pm–1am Friday–Saturday and 12pm–midnight on Sundays. For more information, head to the venue's website.