This is my local cafe and thank goodness I chose to live in such a good street. I am spoiled for choice with arguably two of the best cafes in Brunswick right on my doorstep...This one wins every time for me.

The people here are young, energetic, engaging and just good fun! They do get very busy and sometimes there can be a wait but I can't think of a time when it wasn't worth it. The food is GREAT!! Simple, not fussy and decent portions all for a very affordable price and the coffee here is better than most "boutique" cafes in the area.

The building is a charming old bluestone cottage and they have a front and rear courtyard allowing you to catch the sun when it is out. In winter you can cosy up inside at a large share table and booth or tuck away in the back near the fire.
They have a small play area and a park next door so children are always welcome. When I take my niece she is always entertained by the staff constantly trying to busy her with colouring books, toys and hide and seek while I enjoy my meal. They really are a great bunch of people.

I can't go past a well priced B.L.A.T. or the Spaniard. Very affordable, reliable and always hits the spot!

Try this place, but prepare for a wait if it is peak period, it is well worth it.

Approximate cost: $15

This little bar tucked away perfectly above the bustle of Swanston St...most people don't know how to get in so you can always find a seat and maybe even space to catch the remaining sunlight on the balcony.

The service here is great, friendly and warm and their range of cocktails and tapas doesn't disappoint.

I personally can't go past a Miss Moneypenny, a blood orange martini, and for a quick delicious snack try the eggplant wedges...you will never go back to potato!

I had never been nor heard of this place but my brother had heard about their steak and they had no problems accommodating us for a group of 5 at late notice which was a nice change.

The decor was a little dark and dated but the service staff were friendly with greetings and smiles which brightened it up. The service started out a little shaky and they didn't really take control of the table but everyone got what they wanted and relatively quickly.

The steak was perfect! having eaten steak at many steakhouses across QLD and parts of WA at a cheaper price I was pleasantly surprised. Finally I know where to go to get my choice of cut and cook. When you need a good steak I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place. I will be back when I finally digest the monster you cooked me last night.

Approximate cost: $35

This place is very relaxed, easy going and not fussy. It is almost like someone's ultimate "rec" room except they have a kitchen...and what a kitchen!

The food here is all very cheap, ranging from $12-$16 for hearty mains and you get MORE than you pay for but responsible portion sizes. The food is modern contemporary ranging from asian fusion to deconstructed pub food like a chicken parma'ish (with a twist) and wagyu bangers and mash on the specials board. I have eaten almost everything on their menu in the many times I have been. If I am looking for good hearty meal and no hassle on Brunswick street this place is always my go to.

The staff are friendly and it's pretty low key. All ordering is done at the bar and then served to your table. Dress up, dress down, play pool, go for drinks...STAY for dinner. This place is clearly my go to for no muss, no fuss and big groups.

They have a small desert menu and I suggest the sticky fingers...although I rarely turn down sticky date pudding....anywhere :)

If you are strolling around Fitzroy with family or friends and want an easy meal without the "posing" give it a try. Kids welcome

Approximate cost: $16

We had a group booking for a friends birthday and arrived to find the area roped off and the tables marked. As requested it was near a TV so guests could watch the football. The host was GREAT, he explained the protocol for ordering, arranged for the game to be switched on at the appropriate time, was helpful with payment options and generally a friendly and accommodating person.

Meals came and went and they were as promised and with limited time between ordering. They were large serves, relatively fresh and as per the menu's description. Great pub food and affordable prices.

The only problem came when dealing with the doormen. Being inside a shopping center, I am unsure if these staff were employed directly by the pub or by the center. We had a group of 4 who had to leave the building to smoke. As we were there well into the night and over 6 hours in total, this happened repeatedly throughout the night. Earlier in the night this group left and returned with little trouble as the bar was not full. Each time the group said they would be right back as they were just going out for a cigarette. As the night progressed there were lines starting to form to gain entry. The group left again for a cig break, as the last person in the group left a doorman asked her if she was returning. She replied "Yes, we are all going for a cigarette and will be back shortly", he then gave her a stamp. Upon returning she walked straight in and avoided lines but the men were all sent to join the end of a forming line. When I queried why the men were not offered the stamp the doorman gave me a bunch of attitude and said "Well I didn't know you were coming back", I explained to him that we were simply doing what we had all night as a group...after all he was there the entire time and I had told him myself a couple of times that we would be right back.

A few of our guests noted issues upon entering and the rudeness of these doormen during the evening. A recent visitor from England even noted that in the UK that bouncers/doormen greet you, ask you how your night was, welcome you and tell you about what you can expect inside. This is not a hard interaction for people to manage and obviously on the higher end of the "doorman" experience.

The sooner that venues and doormen/bouncers/security realize that they too are a part of the "experience" the better. I like The Lion, bar service was easy and quick, the toilets and venue were clean and uncluttered, the staff were friendly and interacted with customers. We had a great night and the pub food was in line with what I expected. The host was friendly and helpful. These guys let this place down...I will look elsewhere next time...god knows we are lucky enough to be spoiled for choice. The sooner these guys realize that the better.

Approximate cost: $18

I took a bunch of family friends here for lunch when they visited Melbourne and seeing it from their perspective really made me see how great it was. I forget how spoiled we are until you see the surprise on the face of "out of towners" for the prices, friendly service and quality of the food and this place did not disappoint.

The food is cheap, fresh and tasty. Between us we tried the corn, all of the tacos, some salads and assorted soft drinks, beers and wines. All up we spent just over $80 to feed 4 people, a great shock to my friends when the bill came..."I can't believe how cheap it is for such good food here!" one of them declared.

As expected, the newest mexican place in town was busy at lunch on Friday but the staff were friendly and efficient in getting us seated as soon as possible, taking our orders and serving us. They were particularly friendly to my "out of towners" which made me very happy as I like when the staff really do create a good, interactive experience. They knew ingredients, availability and spent time making sure everyone was enjoying their meal.

I would recommend Touche Hombre for a relaxed casual dining experience, lunch is probably best. I can't wait until the crowds move away so we can get in without the wait but it was definitely worth it.