The Best Bars In Williamstown, Melbourne

Williamstown has a lot to offer, but what it lacked was a wine bar. Thankfully, co-owners Joe and Angela Staropoli have recently filled that void with Lower West Side Wine Bar. With a modern fit-out courtesy of ex-Essendon player Jason Winderlich of Just Eco, this wine bar is open for brunch, lunch, snacks and a sneaky sip or two. Lower West Side Wine Bar holds local wines and beers, as well as international French and Italian varieties, and the kitchen serves up European comfort food including a charcuterie board, gorgonzola croquettes, gnocchi with beef and pork ragu, and vanilla creme brûlée.

For over 20 years, Atomic Bar has sat on Williamstown’s waterfront strip, and now new head chef Laura Attard is steering the bar and café into a new era. Open for breakfast until 3 pm, lunch and dinner, Atomic serves boozy brunch cocktails including a mimosa, bloody mary, espresso martini and the Morning Mule. The wine list features red, white and sparkling local and international varieties, and there’s a yummy list of 12 classic and specialty cocktails from which to choose. In addition, you’ll find The Chocolate Room, a sultry events space featuring a modern stone bar, fireplace, DJ booth and dance space.

The classically built Steam Packet Hotel has been a part of the Williamstown community since 1863, replacing the 1839 building, The Ship Inn. Located on the corner of Cole Street, the Packet is renowned for its range of craft beers such as Holgate, West City, 4 Pines, Coopers and Two Birds. The wine and cocktail menu is also worth the read with labels like Rockford, Rusden, Kooyong Estate, Shut the Gate and Jim Barry. There is also gin, single malts, cognac, and Armagnac. The Packet also serves lunch and dinner, and there is live music every Friday. http://instagram.com/p/gKc7_hA5M1/

With 12 craft beers on tap, the Prince Albert is a favourite amongst locals and caters towards all seasons with an eclectic beer garden and alfresco dining for the warmer months and three fireplaces that roar to life in the colder months. The Prince Albert Hotel dishes up classic and European-inspired pub meals for lunch and dinner and features specialty nights including steak nights on Mondays and burger nights on Tuesdays; there are also trivia competitions, and the venue can be booked for events.

Overlooking Commonwealth Reserve and Port Philip Bay is Custom House Hotel, featuring a range of craft beers and pub grub. Sit inside and catch the game or take advantage of the view with their outdoor seating. The menu has a modern Australian stance and is crafted to appeal to a wide range of diners with carnivorous, vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are dedicated steak and parma nights, and on Friday, Captain Spalding take the stage, while on Saturday, it’s your turn with karaoke.