Smith Street is where Melbourne’s two coolest suburbs meet, one side of the road is Fitzroy and the other is Collingwood. 30 years ago, Smith Street was a bit of a dive but that has now all changed and the street hosts some of the city’s best restaurants, retail stores, bars, pubs, and live music venues. There is always something do to on Smith Street, early in the morning right through late into the night.

Searchers started as a bookstore back in 2012. The store is now owned by the bass guitarist of Melbourne band Architecture in Helsinki, Sam Perry, and his friend Jakob Schmitt who brought the business and started to push more vinyl. Now, the store is somewhat of a music library with floor-to-ceiling records of all genres. This could be the deepest crate in all of Melbourne, it is one of those record stores you will never walk out of empty-handed. Website | Instagram | 93 Smith St, Fitzroy

This is the original Huxtaburger and it really started something because now they have franchises all over Melbourne, Sydney, and WA, ay. It’s no wonder because their Californian In-and-Out style burger will have your mouth watering every time you think of them from here on out. Website | Instagram | 106 Smith St, Collingwood

The Darling Grace is an institute of the inner north. We recommended that you arrive just before happy hour starts at 4PM, because that way you can grab a half-price Coopers ($7 Pints) and enjoy it in the sun on Smith Street. With live music down in the basement (See gigs on their website) and food specials on most nights, everyone is sure to be happy after their visit to the Grace. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / $7 Coopers Pints. Website | Instagram | Phone | 114 Smith St, Collingwood

This Collingwood gay club is an institution and if you can get in you might find out why. With a pumping dance floor that is always a good time and free pool tables for those who are feeling lucky. The club is open Friday and Saturday from 10PM until 7PM and is also open before most public holidays. There is also an early bird happy hour from 10PM to 11PM every time the doors open. Website | 46 Peel St, Collingwood

Le Bon Ton is a New Orleans-inspired bar and smokehouse with a relaxed atmosphere. The slow-cooked meats are a real stand out on the menu and it's always a good place for an oyster or two. The American theme also flows out of the bar with classic cocktails and pitchers full of beer. Website | Instagram | 51 Gipps St, Collingwood 

Mat's Hot Shop is stocked with all natural small batch hot sauces that will knock your socks off. The team will help you find the perfect hot sauce for whatever you want to put it on. Whether you are looking for a mild option for that slow burn or a sauce that will make steam came from your ears, they have you covered. Shop now | Instagram | 204A Wellington St, Collingwood

The Union Club is on the corner of Fitzroy back streets, Gore and Webb. You will feel at home when you walk through their doors. With plenty of spots to sit, chat, and enjoy an ale or eat some pub grub. Play pool, chill in the lush beer garden or watch the footy on the TV next to the open fire in the winter. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 3 - 6PM / $8 pints of Coopers / And… on Sundays Coppers jugs are $15. Website | Instagram | Phone | 164 Gore St, Fitzroy

Set in the old Collingwood Post Office you will find some of Melbourne's best Mexican. Start things off with a Margarita or La Negra Michelada, then get stuck into the house-made tostadas, tacos, and ceviches. While there, be sure to check out the outstanding design work by James Brown from MASH Design in Adelaide. The interior is one of the coolest in the city. It features a central bar, hand-painted signage, some mighty fine tile work, and a beer can shrine just before you enter the baños - all creating some sense of your dream Mexican holiday. Website | Instagram | 174 Smith St, Collingwood

Shappere is a vintage clothing store where you will find a collection of both men’s and women’s wear, including shirts, tees, skirts, dresses, jackets, vests, shoes, boots, bags, hats, belts, sunglasses, jewelry, and more. Everything here is high quality and is sold for a fair price. 191 Smith St, Fitzroy

Somebuddy Loves You has been a pillar of Smith Street since 2003. Owned Lyndsey Spark has carefully curated a collection of local and international brands for her women’s boutique. Think patterns, colour, quality, and unique design. Website | Instagram | 193 Smith St, Fitzroy

Kent St is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Enjoy a drink and/or a jaffle, while you relax for a while on the vintage furniture that creates a good old share-house vibe. Local DJs spin records on weekends so get on down for a good time. Instagram | 201 Smith St, Fitzroy

Right in amongst it on Smith Street, you will find N. Lee Bakery slinging Banh Mi’s for a fair price. You can expect to line up during lunch hour, but it is well worth the wait. You can sit out the front and eat but most take it and run. 220 Smith St, Collingwood

The owner of Plug Seven, Ari Roze has been digging for over 20 years. Now, he has hauled tens of thousands of records from all over world into the Smith Street shop. Here you will find rare gems, classics and they always have some local heat too. Their weekly record drops are large and if your fast you will pick up some well sort after records. Their crates have a big selections of hip-hop, rap, soul, jazz, blues, disco, latin and all that funky shit. Website | Instagram | 313A Smith St, Fitzroy

Shop Ramen is the home of Do-Something's favourite Ramen and we highly recommend the pork belly! But everything on this menu is great, so sit down at a shared table, smile, and be sure to try a few things out. Hot tip order some warm sake. Website | Instagram | 329 Smith St, Fitzroy

Trang’s has formed a cult-like following in Collingwood and for good reason because their Banh Mi's are something special. There are plenty of options on the menu including vegan options. We recommend the special pork roll or the crispy pork roll. Here you can choose between a white or wholemeal roll, which will be generously filled with ingredients. The Vietnam iced coffee is also a winner at Trang. 382 Smith St, Collingwood