The Best Bars In Brunswick, Melbourne

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The Brunswick Mess Hall is the perfect place to go with large groups, to eat or drink. The food is reasonably priced and delicious, the cocktails come in huge bowls, and you can buy beer in steins. The high ceiling, which is supported by dark wooden beams, and the indoor plants provide customers with a refreshing, spacious setting to revel in the Asian cuisine. The drinks menu has an enormous selection of beers and cocktails just waiting to be discovered.

Music Venue

Spotted Mallard is a triple threat. Its draft beer selection is constantly being updated with local and international beers, making it one of Brunswick’s top beer bars. It is also one of Brunswick’s premier performance venues for Melbourne’s music scene, with the stage being the main focal point among the cool, vintage decor. On top of that, Spotted Mallard offers a menu of classic bar snacks and larger meals, including their selection of burgers that show off seasonal flavors and the chef’s artistic flair.

Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary, $

Located on Lygon Street you’ll find this classy and traditional bar, Atticus Finch, where you will be able to find a fantastic choice of international and local wines that changes monthly, as well as four taps and a selection of bottled beer and cider. The bar takes its name from the wise father in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and the feel of place is certainly American. The decor is reminiscent of an early to mid 20th century restaurant and, although it’s primarily a bar, the food menu offers an exciting selection of incredibly flavorsome European inspired bar food.

Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria’s provincial wooden decor and low-key atmosphere makes it the best place to come for a few beers with some friends. Even if you weren’t hungry when you walked in, you’ll be hungry after about ten minutes when your eyes drift over to the blackboard; what’s written on there is sure to entice you. Try the tacos – at around five dollars a pop you might struggle to choose which one to try, and end up getting one of each.

Bar, Pub Grub, Australian, $

Offering its unique space as a performance and entertainment venue, Howler is one of Brunswick’s premier spots for art displays and to see up-and-coming musicians. This is in addition to being an extraordinary bar and garden lounge, and, of course, one of Melbourne’s greatest burger joints. The variety of burgers display flavors that hint at different cuisines from around the world. With all the art and music, quirky decor and brilliant bar food, you’ll just have to come back a couple more times to be sure that you’ve taken it all in.

Bridie O’Reilly’s is one of Sydney Road’s biggest and busiest bars, boasting an outdoor garden area where you can soak up the gorgeous south-east Australian rays over a beer with friends. This is also a great place to come at watch world-wide sporting events, whether it be Australian football or soccer. Also don’t forget to check out the fantastic weekly meal deals, so you can eat like royalty for a reasonable price.

Restaurant, Greek, $
Melbourne’s large Greek population is well represented by Hellenic Republic, which serves authentic Greek food fused with modern ideas. The decor pays homage to the flag of the Greek homeland by using white and blue among the austere wooden furnishings. The bar serves 16 different types of ouzo, a traditional Greek aperitif. If you’re in a group and feel like sharing, try one of the sharing menus that allow you to taste all the best seasonal Greek delights.

Bar, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Pub Grub, $

The Stonemill 347 is a food and wine bar that serves up authentic Italian cuisine using the best seasonal ingredients and their signature fresh pasta, hand-made every morning. Owner Salvo’s vision was to create a space that would show the passion and talent for Italian cooking that exists in Melbourne, and he does so with authentic Italian food and local Australian wine, as well as many different wines imported all the way from Italy. The Stonemill is also an excellent wine bar, and a great place to enjoy a relaxing evening.