Brunswick locals are well aware of the talented team of chefs bustling behind every kitchen, churning out orders and delivering some of the best food Melbourne has to offer, but the fun doesn’t stop there.
An abundance of bars and pubs fill the streets of Brunswick, each featuring their very own signature cocktails. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is knowing where to visit first.
Brunswick Bars & Wine Bars
Bouvier Bar
Bouvier Bar is a wine-focused bar with an exquisite menu to choose from, all thanks to renowned chef and owner Adrian Richardson. Owner of Carlton North’s La Luna and star of television series Good Chef Bad Chef.
The wine list is mostly comprised of Australian wines, though not all. There’s also beer on tap, a list of classic cocktails and a selection of whisky to choose from as well.
If you’re looking for a night out you won’t soon forget, then we recommend heading down to Bouvier Bar.
Howler Melbourne
Howler Melbourne is known for hosting the best and most eclectic musicians. Although we’re still a little way off enjoying live music, there’s still a great deal on offer at this stunning venue.
This industrial warehouse space consists of four separate rooms, perfect for hosting a large group of friends or an event. From the moment you enter you’re captivated by the conceptual steel tree placed in the centre of the room, towering above. This relaxed and unique space allows people to get together, have a drink, enjoy each other’s company, and eat high-class burgers and tacos while DJs set the mood from Wednesday to Sunday.
However, it’s the huge beer garden and wide selection of beers on tap that keeps people coming back.
The Howler Bar is slightly further out, however, it’s still only a 7-minute drive from East Brunswick Village, or 12-minute bike ride.
Bar Romantica
Bar Romantica mustn’t be overlooked. This stylish little bar made it onto the Australian Traveller, featured number one on their list as one of the best bars to visit in Melbourne.
Bar Romantica is committed to supporting local and buying sustainably. Their menu changes weekly to suit the season and availability of organic produce that they can source from local farmers.
Their detailed wine list won’t leave you short for choice, not to mention their long list of beer and cider on tap. If you haven’t tried this bar yet, we highly recommend the trip but be sure to book, as this popular little bar is in high-demand and is usually booked out a week prior.
Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch serves a wide range of unique and flavoursome signature cocktails, as well as boutique wines, craft beers and a small selection of cheese and charcuterie.
One of our favourites? A common go-to amongst many crowds, the Espresso Martini! A splash of aperol gives it a unique freshness and tang that many find difficult to master.
Atticus Finch works in conjunction with neighbouring restaurants, such as Bar Idda allowing customers to order their food through Uber Eats and have it delivered to the bar to enjoy along with their drinks.
The easing of COVID restrictions means that bars and restaurants have become inundated with bookings. Allowing customers to order from neighbouring restaurants is an incredible initiative that benefits not only the local restaurants but the entire community.
Noisy Ritual
Calling all wine lovers! This urban wine bar should be at the top of your list.
No matter your level of wine tasting expertise, Noisy Ritual will have you feeling comfortable in no time. These wine experts will teach you everything there is to know about creating and most importantly drinking a tasty selection of wine.
If you’re interested in getting your hands and feet dirty, then you’ll be delighted to know that Noisy also offers a winemaking workshop for you and your friends to enjoy. You’ll become an expert on all things grapes and the fermentation process of wine in no time at all.
These guys know how to have fun. They’re focused heavily on demystifying the winemaking process and bringing good people together to enjoy great wine, food and share their love of music.
Waxflower Wine & Vinyl
Welcoming the newest kid to the block, Waxflower Wine & Vinyl.
Upon entry, you’ll be taken aback by the grand selection of vinyl records that line the back wall of the restaurant. These have been collected over many years!
The interior brings a funky, mid-century feel to the space, with wooden fixtures, navy blue booths and wine bottles perched on shelves. This trendy new restaurant brings another level of soul to Lygon Street with their impressive soundbar and audiophile listening space, allowing customers to enjoy the music without detracting from a cosy, social and conversational bar ambiance.
Chef Damon Mclvor reviews fresh/in-season produce weekly to ensure the best possible quality of food, as well as sourcing high-quality produce from local farmers. This ever-changing menu allows you to indulge in something new each time you visit.
Old Palm Liquor
The brilliant minds behind much-loved wine bar Neighbourhood Wine, have done it again. Creating a sequel to their success known as Old Palm Liquor. This much-loved restaurant is located just off Lygon St, it’s classy yet comfortable feel is the perfect addition to the stretch of neighbouring restaurants that reside here.
Old Palm Liquor evokes feelings of a retro, rumpus styled room with a considerable amount of timber veneer showcased along their impressively large bar. Upon entry the lighting is dark and moody but as you make your way through the hallway into an expansive room you’re met with leafy foliage, natural light, and a large courtyard filled with tables and chairs.
The wine list is equally as outstanding, with an offering of around 300 different bottles of top quality, good value wine bottles, there’s even a home delivery service if you really fall in love with one of their bottles. They have 12 different types of tap beer and a delicious cocktail selection, just in case you were in the mood for something else.
As it goes, your initial feelings might have told you a glass of wine (or two) is enough, but we promise once you smell the food, you won’t be able to resist. You can start light, choosing a few entrees to enjoy with your wine or step it up to something larger. It’s always worth checking their menu before heading off, as it changes daily!
Bridge Road Brewery
There’s a new pop-up bar in town, and this one is more sustainable than usual! Bridge Road Brewers’ new pop-up bar is made of cardboard, and it is far more impressive than you may think. Trust us; you need to see how cool this is!
Don’t worry; the temporary Brunswick East neighbourhood bar may be 75 per cent recycled cardboard furniture, including stools, tables and bar tops but it is 100% sturdy and can even handle beer spills!
Hop into the pop-up to try some Beechworth brewery beers, Barking Owl Gin, and Sorrenberg wine paired nicely with food from Beatbox Kitchen, Pie Thief and various rotating food trucks on nominated days. There are also lots of fun events like trivia nights on the last Wednesday of every month, karaoke and games nights! Eventually, the pop-up will become a permanent brewery in EBV, and the bar’s cardboard will be repurposed, recycled or composted!
Whether you’re travelling to East Brunswick for the delicious food or looking to enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of live music venues and bars to choose from, Brunswick will surely impress. What’s more? These bars are only a stone’s throw away from East Brunswick Village.
Continue Reading
We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!
We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!
