Dr Morse
- 274 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- 9416 1005
If you’re not a stranger to Victoria Park Station, you need no introduction to one of our top picks Dr Morse. This Brick-lined cafe with an all-sustainable menu, enriched with Asian influences is a definite go-to.
Now that they’re home to Fists of Fury every Sunday, their Asian garden barbeque, drink specials and foot-stomping tunes will keep you going all night long – just another reason to chuck a Monday sickie.
Inspired by South-East Asian food stalls, you’ll be served food straight from the chefs who made it. The kitchen will relocate to the courtyard to serve up sweet, salty and sour flavours to make your mouth water.
The drink specials are comprised of bright and funky natural wines, along with rotating craft beers – sours, weisse, gose and the ultimate IPA collection. Keep an eye out for the seasonal cocktails whipped up by Dr Morse’ finest. The plates range from $6 to $20 so you can share with friends or try the lot.
The music has been curated by some of Melbourne’s best including Crown Ruler, Tongue & Chic and Tamo Junto Brazilian Party – giving this Sunday session a perfect blend of international flavours and local music.
Aviary Hotel
- 271 Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- (03) 9428 7727
In the heart of Abbotsford’s Little Saigon, you’ll find the Aviary Hotel and trust us when we say this place is your next go-to local.
The Aviary team built their pub with you in mind; creating an atmospheric spot to look out over the hustle of Victoria Street, along with specials that’ll keep you coming back for more. From Monday night Trivia and $12 burgers to their ridiculous 2 for 1 Espresso Martini Sundays – these legends have you covered.
With an epic beer garden and cocktail lounge, the Aviary Hotel can cater to casual drinks, dining and your special event needs. Happy Hour kicks off from 5pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with $3 pots and $6 pints of house beer/cider, as well as $5 glasses of house wine and weekly house cocktails their head bartender whips up for just $10.
The Aviary Hotel’s menu is inspired by local and fresh produce and offers quality pub food and specials that’ll make your head spin, including classics like their 250g grass-fed prime cut steak Tuesdays and award-winning Chicken Parma Wednesdays. If you’re looking for great music, weekend vibes and a straight-up bargain, the Aviary Hotel is where it is.
The Fox Hotel
- 351 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- 9416 4957
Living up to its name, this cunningly versatile hotel caters to Collingwood’s every need. The Fox maintains its old-school charm while presenting a modern take on its local food, beer and wine – it’s a classic with an Aussie twist.
Unique and cosy, the pub is designed to instantly make people feel at ease, with a cast of colourful clients highlighting their welcoming vibe.
The kitchen is open every night of the week, serving up mouth-watering meal deals including Sunday Roasts, Monday night Parma’s, Tuesday Steak night and Fish and Chip Wednesday’s, as well as boasting a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu. Group bookings and functions are welcomed.
Offering great weekly entertainment and boasting a rooftop deck that is arguably one of Melbourne’s best, the Fox Hotel offers something for everyone. Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday 3-6pm with $6 pints of house beer and glasses of house wine. To top off the end of your week, The Fox does a $15 jug special of Brunswick Bitter.
The Yarra Hotel
- 295 Johnston Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- (03) 9417 0005
Hidden down the “wrong” end of Johnston Street is an old gem called The Yarra Hotel. Under new management since 2016, The Yarra is run by musicians for musicians and is fast becoming a not-so-secret destination for live local music.
With a big beautiful beer garden, tasty local beers on tap, delicious food, a massive bespoke vinyl collection and live music five nights a week, they offer everything you want in a venue and more.
Priding themselves on showcasing some of the best bands from Melbourne and the world, highlights include legendary frontman of The Church Steve Kilbey, Shayne P. Carter of Straitjacket Fits, China’s Carsick Cars and a host of Melbourne’s finest talent. With a focus on emerging acts, there are plenty of bands who played their first shows at the Yarra now dominating the local scene, and who’ve found a safe and supportive space to perform here.
Good vibes are their philosophy and good music their lifeblood – whether you want to fill your belly, treat your eats or just have a bloody good time the Yazz has got you covered.
Fee Fee’s Bar
- 113 Johnston Street, Collingwood 3066
Sitting at the lower end of Johnston Street, FeeFee’s Bar is a new space for those who like their beers cold, their cocktails creative and their music rocking.
Drawing inspiration from legendary musical haunts such as The Rainbow in Hollywood and Crobar in London, FeeFee’s aims to bring a little taste of the heady days of the ‘70s and ‘80s when rock stars ruled and music was everything. It’s a warmly welcoming, shabbily glam, comfortable, cool as hell little rock’n’roll bar.
Bespoke cocktails line up alongside a rotating range of tap beers and a broad selection of cans, stubbies and spirits. Footpath seating and a cosy courtyard are perfect for outdoor shenanigans, with DJs, live acoustic sets and regular party events bringing the music.
FeeFee’s is a haven for music lovers and discerning drinkers, where denim and Converse play footsies with sequins and silver platforms. If you’re looking for amazing music, great people, lots of booze and a bit of old-school glam, FeeFee’s will be your new favourite bar in town.
Happy Hour runs from Wednesday to Friday night between 6-9pm, along with $10 Pina Coladas and Aperol Spritzes to keep your Sunday’s boozy.
Yorkshire Stingo
- 48 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- (03) 9417 3088
Situated in the heart of Abbotsford, the Yorkshire Hotel (Stingo) offers a selection of classic Australian pub meals, lounge, bar and an exceptional beer garden with live music. Set against the hustle of Victoria and Hoddle Street, this corner pub has definitely had its fair share of loud music and good times. Built in 1882, it’s furnished on vintage carpet, Australian wooden counter tops, cosy red brick interiors and an open green beer garden.
After changing hands and making renovations – the Stingo is back. While still making modern renovations and up keeping trendy pub feeds; it still remains a stronghold for fans of the classic Victorian local.
It may look like your classic pub, but inside it’s an all-Victorian party. Behind the bar you’ll find one of your favourite publicans, Tom or Greg, who’ll remember your name a year later and always have some banter waiting for you.
Whether you’re listening to music with friends, having a casual dinner with your family, or even stopping off for a drink after a long hard day of work, the friendly and family-based nature of this pub means you’ll always be welcomed in with open arms.
The Break Room
- 29 Budd Street, Collingwood 3066
- 0414 642 689
The Break Room is the latest phenomenon to arrive in the area and boy, is it the perfect stress reliever. Collingwood’s newest addition combines reckless abandon and some thumping tunes, leaving you feeling amazing. You’ll be given a baseball bat, some crockery and safety gear – the rest is completely up to you.
The Break Room is where you’re given permission to let loose and belt the crap out of a heap of crockery. They’ll even throw on some angry tunes to get you in the mood. Here you can dig deep, think about the last person who wronged you (or just go for the sake of it) and smash your way to relaxation.
It’s hard to go past The Break Room’s anthem, Limp Bizkit’s ‘Break Stuff’but classics like ‘Chop Suey’, and ‘Song 2’ round out a devastating playlist.
