These guys know and love their music. Focuses on more independent and non mainstream artists. Huge amount of local(Melbourne based) and Australian bands, plus an equally huge array of every cool and interesting band you can possibly think of from anywhere in the Western world. Being a music loving mum with a pram, I have to warn you theres hardly enough space for breezy browsing. On a trivial note, this is a great place to go if you want to perve on spunky fey indie boys and girls! The service is fine. The vibe in there can make you feel like checking there is no spinach in your teeth, cos god forbid you do anything uncool in there. Oh it is also a great place to buy tickets for selected up coming gigs, and sometimes shows at bigger venues. Final word, JB Hifi may be cheaper but Polyester has stuff that you would not find there.

Approximate cost: $30

I used to visit this place on a regular basis. The staff were always friendly and happy. As well as a smashing cup of coffee, I have to say they make the most breathtaking peppermint slice. Another reason i always came back was because they were into good music. One day, Iron and Wine...the next Lucinda Williams, Sonic YOuth, always something great. Anyway, the last time I went there, two daggy ladies with sour faces were behind the counter, and they were playing The Eagles. They made me a crappy hot chocolate, and didn't respond well when I tried to politely tell them so. Anyway, I sincerely hope it has gone back to the earlier descriptions of the place.

Approximate cost: $10

Tucked away in one of Melbournes many arcades, sushi 10 does not need to advertise. You may find it difficult to locate, but this place is full of fans who know exactly where it is! It's always totally full, and often has a line of hungry city workers waiting outside even before it is open!! My favourtie dish is the Salmon don, which will knock your socks off..it is so tasty and satisfying. The service is very no nonsense... know what you want by the time you get to the counter or suffer the death stares of everyone who is waiting behind you!!! They also have this uncanny way of knowing how to find you once you have ordered and sat down. How do they do it? There are quite a few tables. I'm impressed.
You can get a takeaway pack of sushi or sashimi in the usual formats. This is a great place to take a sushi lovin friend, for a reasonably cheap but fantasic lunch.

Approximate cost: $10

I got the best haircut I've ever had, here a few years ago. I stopped going because the girl who cut my hair, went O/S. She was seriously talented. Also got many many excellent colour jobs here too. If you are prepared to leave it in their hands and not scared to go a bit off centre, they really love that, and you'll walk out feeling rad!
But frankly, in the end after 2 years of love, I could not justify the expense any longer. It has only crept up too, my last cut there (with a senior stylist) was a staggering $90. Too much for me these days. Having said all this, I would still reccomend Mieka if you want a spectacular haircut and a completely different look. they are very good at what they do. They can give you the bones of an excellent haircut and if you cant afford to keep going there, at least you can get someone else (cheaper) to maintain it. And if you have the cash to splash, well lucky you! just keep going there, cos they are ACE!

Approximate cost: $200(cut and colour)

This is a great place to take little kids...there is a huge area where they can run around and it is fenced off so you can relax a little while you have your coffee. If you are in a hurry this is not the place to go. Go with heaps of time up your sleeve and sit back to read the paper. Sometimes the service is slow, but it can get MEGA busy, especially on the weekends. But it's such a lovely place to be, on the tables outside, you can almost pretend you are in the country. Sit back and soak it up!

Approximate cost: $11

Great girls. Very friendly, relaxed and they have obvious style..a little bit punk, a little bit goth, and a little bit Betty Paige. There is also a tattooist- a guy, who seems very nice. I take my son there, for a bit of a rocking haircut that isn't the usual short back and sides for a 7 year old. He loves it. they prop him up on the chair with a couple of telephone books, and one day he wants to dye his hair purple. You don't have to belong to any of the above genre mentioned to get a good haircut here.

Approximate cost: $10(kids hair)

this place is heaven for anyone who loves fashion from the 40's to the 80's. It's like a gigantic high quality op shop (although not as cheap). Floors and levels all over the space..you could seriously spend 3 hours in here and not see everything. HUGE range of goods..old dress patterns, wool, retro fabrics, hats, shoes, accessories, old suits, dresses, kids stuff, buttons, toys, furniture, artwork..............could go on and on and on! A Thrilling shopping experience if you love vintage! Best place to go in Melbourne. Note to mums with prams. Don't. Too many stairs and levels.

Approximate cost: $40

Music- five stars..loads of awesome bands, local and interstate, plus O/S artists

Bar- Busy, staff- cool and armed with a 'no nonsense' attitude.

Security staff- Can be a bit quick to flex those oiled up muscles. Be very careful not to light up your joint in the beergarden. You WILL be ejected.

Food- Not great. Tough steaks. weird tasting chicken parm. Standard 'pub meals' should be hard to mess up, but they manage to bring out some seriously average food. However you cant go wrong with the giant wedges or good ol' bowl of chips.

Vibe- lots of indie kids who are into non mainstream music and clothes.
Older 'once were' indie kids, who now have their own kids!
Generally a peaceful vibe of a crowd with shared interests, but there can be a rough element that creeps in later in the night.. ie.. sleazy guys you would not take home to meet your parents!

Approximate cost: $15

This shop is so fun to visit. They are always playing cool, often local music, and I can always find something in my price range when looking for a present. FRom something small like a cute clip, to a wonderful big floppy sunhat. So much to look at you can spend ages in here..wallets, bags, hats, necklaces ear rings...all unique and made mostly in Melbourne, (or at least in Australia). This is the complete opposite to the generic accessories stores you see in the city. If you want something lovely and different, and beautifully made, this is a definite must see shop!!

Approximate cost: $35

I love the vibe here. It is relaxed and there is a fantastic garden out the back. Breakfast is a superb affair....try the granola with fresh fruit..eggs are good too. I like the service. It's not intrusive or over friendly. It can be brisk, but there's always a smile. I've never had a bad experience here.

Approximate cost: $11