The Mess Hall

51 Bourke Street, Melbourne. (03) 9654 6800
This place actually does serve food, but I’ve decided to review it as a bar, because I’ve yet to have a meal there. But I love it.

This place is up the top of Bourke Street and while some of my favourite bars up this end of the city tend to fill up and get packed out (Meyer’s Place for example) this relatively unknown gem always seems to be able to fit us in.

They’ve got a full menu, but on our most recent visit we only sampled the polenta chips ($8.50), which were supremely tasty and very crunchy, gorgeous warm plump olives, served with some bread ($8.50) and hot, fresh, whitebait fries ($11.50).

There’s a very reasonable wine list; reasonable both because of the variety, prices and the fact that almost everything comes by the glass. They also have some local and Italian beers.

I really like this place. It’s comfortable, not loud, you can have a real conversation and it feels like you’re right at home.

Website: www.messhall.com.au