MILE END BAGELS
Owners Benjamin Vaughan and Michael Fee noticed a gap in the Melbourne food scene. For years we didn’t have a good bagel hook up but Mile End Bagels changed all that. Now offering around 15 different toppings for your New York-style bagel and coffee every way you could want it, Mile End makes for the perfect way to start your day. Website | Instagram | 14 Johnston St, Fitzroy
Frankie's Tortas & Tacos
Frankie's Tortas & Tacos start off in 2019 slinging excellent Mexican food from a food truck on Smith Street but since then they have stepped things up with a licensed restaurant on Johnston Street across the road from Casa Iberica. The tortas (Mexican sandwiches) are a must-try and you can always eat a taco or three. Walk-ins only. Happy Hours: Wednesday to Friday / 3 - 6PM / $12 for a pot and shot, $7 for a pint of Mexican Lager or house wine, and $6 for a Seltzer. Website | Instagram | 30 Johnston St, Fitzroy
CASA IBERICA
Casa Iberica roughly translates to the house of Spain and Portugal. Now, this deli/supermarket makes some of the world's best products accessible to us in Melbourne. If you like Mexican, Spanish or South American food you must visit this store. Selling tortilla presses, maize flour, queso fresco (Mexican cheese), every hot sauce under the sun, sausages, salami, Inca Kola, and much more. Be sure to try some tings form the deli section like an empanada or a bread roll with your selection of cold cuts and other deli items. Website | Instagram | 25 Johnston St, Fitzroy
Standard Hotel
Hard to find, easy to love is the Standard's motto and it is true. The Standard Hotel has been pouring beer since 1865 and the front bar still holds that authentic Fitzroy feel. Out the back, you will find the large leafy dog-friendly beer garden suited to all weather conditions which is one of the best places to spend your time. Enjoy the tasty pub food and the beer and wine lists are well worth working your way through. Book a table | Menu | Instagram | 293 Fitzroy St, Fitzroy
DAS AUTOMAT
At Das Automat, you can print your own image on a range of products mostly from AS Colour stock including t-shirts, tote bags, hoodies, and so on. If you are keen to get your design on some appeal best thing to do is hit their website. Website | Instagram | 152 Johnston St, Fitzroy
The Night Cat
The Night Cat’s central boxing ring-style stage makes it a uniquely special place to see a live band. This venue can hold around 500 people but standing all around the band creates a more intermit experience. The type of music you see at The Night Cat is quite diverse but the quality is premium. You can expect to find jazz, soul, disco, and electronic acts up on stage as well as world-class DJs. Gig guide | Instagram | 137-141 Johnston St, Fitzroy
MARQUIS OF LORNE
Very tasty beer here is half-price during happy hours but get in early to get a table/sit during happy hours because the Marquis of Lorne fills up fast with spots in the sun out the front or on the rooftop being the super hot spots. This classic Fitzroy pub has been standing for over 150 years and still serves ice-cold beers, wine, and food over all three levels. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / Half-price beer cans. Website | Instagram | Phone | 411 George St, Fitzroy
Bar Libety
Bar Liberty is renowned for its superb wine list, adventurous menu, and good times. Oh, and that sourdough flatbread. This is the place if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate something special or for a more chilled experience you could hit the garden out the back for a drink and a snack. Website | Instagram | 234 Johnston St, Fitzroy
Keith Haring’s Mural
In 1984 Keith Haring visited Melbourne to do commissioned work for the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). During that three-week period, he cut his teeth painting his first large scale mural at what was then the Collingwood Technical School. The mural is 30 meters wide and 11 meters high. In 2017 the mural was restored, as the years took their toll on Haring's paint but now the mural is back to its 1984 glory for us all the marvel at. Doco | 35 Johnston St, Collingwood
Collingwood Yards
Collingwood Yards offered affordable space to a diverse range of non-profit tenants in a bid to keep the arts community in Collingwood. Between these walls, you will find the home of the PBS community radio station, The Social Studio, Hope St Radio, Runner Up Rooftop Bar, Licorice Pie Record Store, Padre Coffee, and Bookshop by Uro. Website | Instagram | 35 Johnston St, Collingwood
Hope St Radio
Hope St Radio was frequently broadcasted from bars and restaurants before they landed their own spot at Collinwood Yards and what a spot it is, with space for everyone inside or out the front in the courtyard. Now with a focus on wine and food, Hope St has become a spot to take a break from inner-city life and celebrate the good times with your mates. Book a table | Listen | Website | Instagram | 35 Johnston St, Collingwood
Licorice Pie
Licorice Pie specialists in secondhand vinyl, so if you are up for a dig this is the place to be with fresh stock arriving from all corners of the globe regularly. You will find most genres in the crates and you can also buy vintage hi-fi equipment here. Website | Discogs | Instagram | Collingwood Yards
Jim’s Greek Tavern
Jim's Greek Tavern is a Melbourne institution. They have been serving up simple but delicious Greek food since 1967. No need for a menu in this place, you want the banquets which normally come with bread, dips, saganaki, fish, prawns, octopus, chicken, slow-cooked lamb, and more. Just chat with your waiter to work out the details and don't forget to bring beer and wine because the no corkage policy is something to take advantage of. Phone | 32 Johnston St, Collingwood
THE TOTE
The Tote is Melbourne's home of rock! The building itself has a colorful history as it was used as an illegal betting shop during the early 1900s, which has sparked rumours of underground tunnels leading to the other corners of the intersection the building is on. Since 1980 punters have been showing up to this venue to see some of Melbourne’s best musical moments. Some of the acts that have played here include The White Stripes, Courtney Barnett, The Drones, Mudhoney, Magic Dirt, King Gizzard, and the Lizard Wizard and more. See the gig guide on the website. Website | Instagram | 67-71 Johnston St, Collingwood
Everyday Coffee
Set amongst the warehouse on Sackville Street you find some of Melbourne's best coffee. Sit, relax, take your time and most of all enjoy your coffee. Everyday Coffee also sells a select range of equipment and beans, so you can try to recreate your perfect coffee at home. Website | Instagram | 36-38 Sackville St, Collingwood
Bodriggy
The Bodriggy Brewpub is an ideal stop for beer lovers with everything from easy-drinking lagers to the rich taste of double IPA and experimental dark beers. If you’re not into beer never fear because there is also a good selection of wines and cocktails. While you’re there grab some Mexican food, it is hard to go past the Fish Taco or the Ceviche and there are some good options for vegetarians too. Website | Instagram | 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford
DR. MORSE
Tucked under the Victoria Park train station you will find Dr. Morse - a cafe, restaurant, bar, and sometimes even a club that is why we love Dr. Morse. Get Coffee in the AM from Jr. Morse and try an Asian-inspired food menu and a long list of cocktails to get you feeling right for a good old party night in the open-air courtyard. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / $8 pints. Website | Instagram | 274 Johnston St, Abbotsford
ODE Collective
This carefully curated store is a hub for quality clothes, shoes, and accessories. Drop in for cult labels, including Melbourne designers FME Apparel and Post Sole Studio. www.postsole.com | www.fmeapparel.com.au | 342 Johnston St, Abbotsford
LULIE
This saloon-style bar plays great music and the vibe is always positive. The free pool table moves well so if you are keen stand around and wait for your turn. The burgers are pretty good too. Happy hours: Monday to Friday 4 - 6PM / Weekends 12 - 4PM. $12 Margs all day Sunday. Wednesday nights jugs are $15 and burgers are $12. Website | Instagram | 225 Johnston St, Abbotsford
RITA’S PIZZERIA
Three fellas started the burger show Bottle of Milk and Pizza Pizza down in Lorne. After much success da boyz took a punt on a place in Abbotsford and start Rita's Pizzeria with chef Daniel Spizzica formally from the Stokehouse in St. Kilda. Melburnians continuously bring up Rita's when debating the best pizza in the city and with gluten-free bases, salads, risotto, house-made pasta, beer on tap, and an excellent wine list what more could you want? Website | Instagram | Phone | 239 Johnston St, Abbotsford
Kelso's Sandwich Shoppe
Kelso's are your sandwich specialises and their housemade pickles are something you have to try. All the coffee is from Supreme and here it's brewed just right. If it's your first time we recommended the Chop Cheese which comes with grass-fed beef or fried tofu. Menu | Instagram | Phone | 271 Johnston St, Abbotsford
DUTCH VINYL
This place got its name because the owner Tam Patton and Mark Reuten brought thousands of records from Holland to Melbourne to start what is now Dutch Vinyl. The collection is eclectic and you can definitely find a bargain in these bins. These guys take pride in their vinyl, they clean and care for the wax, so that old records play like new. They will also buy your pre-loved records too. Website | Instagram | 269 Johnston St, Abbotsford
HUB 301
Hub 301 owner Greg Molinaro has spent years in Melbourne’s dance music scene and his knowledge and tastes shine through in his selections on the shelves. There are plenty of records from local heroes and the worldwide wax is banging. Even second-hand records can be top-shelf material and you should keep your eye out for an in-store vinyl release party at Hub, they are always a good time. Website | Instagram | 301 Johnston St, Abbotsford
House of Plants
House of Plants is the perfect place to take a break from the inner city grind with the combination of local drinks in a cool native nursery. Chill inside or out and take in the impressive collection of plants. Hopefully, there is a DJ spinning tunes and art shows are also common, check their Instagram for more details. Website | Instagram | 366 Johnston St, Abbotsford
ABBOTSFORD CONVENT
Abbotsford Convent is a not-for-profit social enterprise, and Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. The Australian National Heritage listed site features striking built and natural landscapes and is home to a creative community of artist studios, community events, a radio station (3MBS), live music events, exhibitions, theatre performance, markets, a bakery, a bar and a cafe. Website | Instagram | 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
CAM’S KIOSK
Cam's Kiosk can be found inside the Abbotsford Convent and once you find it you won't want to leave because the well-designed restaurant has a great interior ambiance and outside you can sit in the sun or under the arches. Relax and take your time to enjoy the wonderful drinks list and Italian food. Inside Cam's to your right, you will find the St Heliers Street Gallery which showcases work by the artists who rent space at the Convent and provides an affordable space for emerging artists to exhibit. Website | Menu | Book a table | Instagram | 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford