Great Venues For Birthdays & Get Togethers

Great Venues For Birthdays & Get Togethers They say that ‘two is company and three’s a crowd,’ but we reckon crowds are sometimes better. Although group get-togethers always seem to come along with the inevitable scenarios of being a few dollars short at the end because someone has forgotten to include their share of the service charge, or those few extra beers they drunkenly ordered, there is no denying they are a great way to socialise. From goodbye grub to birthday binges, here are some of our top places for group get-together meals and drinks in Melbourne.

Level One

Sometimes you just can’t do any better than a good Indian curry. It’s the UK’s most popular restaurant dish, and we Brits are never wrong, so trust us. Level One offers a great selection of Indian and Nepalese food, along with friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Here they’ve got everything from a simple chicken Korma right up to a ridiculously hot Vindaloo. And of course there are the Poppadoms for everyone to share.
Where: Level 1, 90 Queensberry Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 9077 0379
More info: www.levelonerestaurant.com.au

The Red Hummingbird

Sometimes you just have to spoil yourself and go all-out when there is cause for a real celebration, and The Red Hummingbird is a place to do just that. A classy, chic, sophisticated cocktail lounge bar, this place may be a little pricier than your usual average drinking spot, but it’s easy to see why with its beautiful décor and carefully crafted cocktails. There is also a great rooftop that looks out onto urban Melbourne, which is open and breezy in the summer but cosy in the winter. No beers on tap here though, just great cocktails, wines and spirits.
Where: 246 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9654 2192
More Info: www.theredhummingbird.com

Mamasita

These guys do things the Mexican way. Their menu is set out in way that encourages sharing, and they serve Authentic Mexican food – think Tostadas, Quesadillas and Tacos. They try to steer away from the stereotypical ‘Tex-Mex’ food, here you’ll find it just like it is in Mexico. That of course means you’ll also find plenty of Tequila. Get ready to knock ‘em back. Their food is also 100% gluten free.
Where: Level 1, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03)9650 3821
More info: www.mamasita.com.au

Young and Jackson

How about some great hearty food accompanied by some great hearty drink? Young and Jackson claim to be Australia’s most famous pub, situated in the beautifully restored iconic hotel and the perfect destination for all occasions. Think classic pub mixed with boutique bar, which also does generous helpings of great food. The ground floor bar offers you a choice of over 30 beers and ciders on tap, including both Australian and overseas brews. Chloe’s Rooms on the next floor is all about relaxation, with fine wines, cocktails and scenic views of Melbourne. Their rooftop is a cider bar, which has eight types on tap plus plenty more in bottle. Something here to suit every need.
Where: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: (03) 9650 3884
More info: www.youngandjacksons.com.au

Chin Chin

Great Venues For Birthdays & Get Togethers If Thai food is what you fancy then may we suggest popping into Chin Chin? If we could describe this place in three words, we would pick: fun, casual and swanky. This place is little pricier than your average Thai take-away, but the menu is made-up of an impressive array of Pan-Asian food, and the snack dishes make great sharing starters. They also have a pretty cheeky drinks menu with a whirlwind selection of cocktails and Australian wines to choose from. A perfect way to start off the night if you plan to make it a big one.
Where: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8663 2000
More info: www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au

Horse Bazaar

How about some great music to accompany your drinks and dinner? Horse Bazaar can sort this out for you, and for great prices at that. With a Japanese-inspired menu, the food here compliments the drinks whether you opt for a tap beer, bottled beer, cocktail, wine or sparkles. Happy hour is on every day from 5pm till 7pm and on Tuesdays from 6pm you can get a plate of delicious dumplings, a drink and a ten minute massage, all for just $20! Winning.
Where: 397 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: (03) 9670 2329
More info: www.horsebazaar.com.au

Mr Wolf

Great Venues For Birthdays & Get Togethers Mr Wolf does really good pizza. And we mean really good. These guys have invented some delicious combinations for you to try, on thin, crisp bases – just the way pizza should be. For those who would like something else, they also offer salads, steak and some variety of rotating braise, such as rabbit, veal or lamb. All this, in a sophisticated, ambient setting where cocktails and wine flow freely. This restaurant is always packed, so we suggest you and your pals book well in advance.
Where: 9-15 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, Melbourne 3182
Phone: (03) 9534 0255
More info: www.mrwolf.com.au

Hoo Haa Bar

This place is a great all-rounder and a bit of a hidden gem. Upstairs and tucked away on Chapel Street, these guys have modern-Italian dining and drinking down to a tee. Whether it’s a main meal pizza or pasta dish you’re after, or a small plate of nibbles, food is served till 2am on weekends, which is pretty damn good in our books. You can sip on your boutique beer or fine Italian wine in a private booth inside, or in their large outside courtyard, alfresco style. A definite winner if there’s a few of you and you wish to commandeer an area.
Where: Upstairs 105 Chapel Street, Windsor, Melbourne 3181
Phone: (03) 9529 6900
More info: www.hoohaa.net.au

Joe’s Bar

Great Venues For Birthdays & Get Togethers Got some stubborn eaters in your group and can’t decide which nation you want your meal to represent? Then go somewhere that does a bit of everything. Joe’s Bar has burgers, steaks, risottos, salads, fish, chicken, chips, sandwiches…we could go on. This place is said to have been one of Melbourne’s most iconic institution for over 30 years, and has also just had a makeover making it even more inviting than it was before. The portions here are generous too, be prepared to roll each other home.
Where: 64-66 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9525 3755
More info: www.joesbar.com.au

By Hannah Kurzawski