Step into Nighthawks and you're instantly transported to a world where the jukebox never stops and the good times keep rollin'.
LIVE MUSIC: Bob your head to punk rock, lo-fi, and garage punk tunes. Nighthawks is well-known for bringing fresh Naarm-raised sounds to your ears, with a vibe that swings from rowdy to downbeat faster than you can say “encore”.
FAMOUS FOR: being the ideal spot for solo drinkers to unwind. Make your taste buds dance to Nighthawks’ whisky selection, or relax in the sprawling beer garden perfect for those balmy Melbourne nights. You can even turn strangers into drinking buddies with your mid-week chats here. It’s channelling that authentic US dive bar feel.
INFAMOUS FOR: the stairs leading to the band room that become an Olympic event after a few drinks. Some say Nighthawks has that “authentic” aroma that adds to the character. Plus bar staff who occasionally channel their inner New Yorker (folks, it’s all part of the charm).
This Collingwood gem is the brainchild of Leah Henry and Marcus Davies, two hospitality vets who’ve bottled the essence of American dive bars and Japanese drinking culture into one.
Named after Hopper’s iconic painting, this place is dripping with personality and taste. It’s giving adventurous nostalgia vibes. Every inch of wall space is a treasure trove of trinkets collected by the owners on their globe-trotting adventures, from vintage band stickers to boomboxes, neon signs to the odd taxidermy head. It’s like your cool uncle’s garage had a baby with a rock museum.
What sets Nighthawks apart is its commitment to creating a space where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep with your crew, there’s a spot for you here. Grab a stool at the bar for some quality banter with the staff, or head out to the spacious beer garden to soak up the Collingwood vibes.
And here’s a pro tip: while there’s no kitchen, you can order pizza from across the street. Remember, at Nighthawks, the golden rule is simple: be nice or leave.
WHERE: 136 JOHNSTON ST, COLLINGWOOD
OPEN: WED-SUN 4PM-1AM
