Republica, St Kilda

Location: 10-18 Jacka Blvd (St Kilda Sea Baths), St Kilda VIC 3182
Contact: (03) 8598 9055
Web: http://www.republica.net.au

Pros: Free entry, laid back atmosphere, great food

Cons: Can be difficult to get a table outside in Summer, no dancefloor
Good for: Relaxed afternoon drinks with a group of friends

Music:

Sat: live acoustic 3pm – 11pm

Sun: live acoustic 12pm – 11pm

Cover Charge: N/A

Cloak Room: N/A
Drink Prices: Standard

Drink Types: Wide range of local and imported beers, epic wine list, spirits. Full drink list available via the website http://www.republica.net.au/menu

Dress Code:
Boys & girls - laid back but trendy. No dress code here. Thongs are fine.

Layout:

• large open beer garden with a mixture of fixed wooden benches/tables and alfresco dining tables/chairs
• raised undercover area with high tables/stools
• cosy couch area next to second bar (have to get in quick for this one!)
• raised band stage overlooking garden
• large l-shaped seating area, right on the beach
• large cafe style restaurant overlooking St Kilda esplanade
• u-shaped bar accessible from both garden and restaurant foyer area

What We Thought: Perfect go-to for a cold beer on a hot day. This place reflects everything that's great about St Kilda. Trendy but eclectic crowd, without the pretentiousness of Chapel St. Not uncommon to find yourself in the company of sporting stars and other high profile Melbournites enjoying a cold bevvy (without the usual entourage).


Hints & Tips: 
Get there early if you have a big group on a nice day, as you can't reserve tables in the beer garden (you won't have this trouble in the cooler weather)
Try the pizzas - a bit exxy, but well worth it!

*image sourced from http://www.supersprint.com.au/events/

*for more photos, see website http://www.republica.net.au/gallery

The Mint, Melbourne

Location: Cnr La Trobe & William St, Melbourne 3000
Contact: (03) 9602 5622
Web: http://www.themint.com.au/

Pros: plenty of seating outdoors, cheap cocktails

Cons: no live music, small indoor bar area means it can take a while to get a drink when busy
Good for: after work drinks any night of the week


Music: unobtrusive background music, no live band or dj

Cover Charge: N/A

Cloak Room: N/A
Drink Prices: Standard

Drink Types: Extensive beer & wine lists, cocktails, spirits


Dress Code:
Boys & girls - mix of casual and business attire

Layout:

• large l-shaped beer garden filled with fixed wooden benches/tables, some covered, some open air
• small indoor bar with a few high tables
• small indoor dining area

What We Thought: Great place for casual after work drinks. Steady crowd most nights of the week in summer, especially on a Thurs/Fri night when it can get quite busy.


Hints & Tips: 
Check out the specials board next to the bar for some delicious cocktails (can't go past the $12 Sex on the Beach)!
Excellent parmas.

*image courtesy of http://www.themint.com.au