The city end of Lygon Street is famous for it’s food and the birth of Melbourne’s cafe culture but as you head North along the street and cross Brunswick Road you will enter Brunswick East an area we call Upper Lygon. Down this end of the street people are a little more relaxed and you will find cafes, restaurants, bars, radio stations and shops selling unique, quality products.

Waxflower is one of Melbourne’s best listening bars - a concept where music is the priority. The bar has two bespoke loudspeakers built in Tasmania by Pitt & Giblin, which fill the room with a glorious, warm sound. DJs only play vinyl through an Isonoe rotary mixer. Owner Jimmy Pham has a sick collection of records that DJs can play and you can buy on Discogs. Also, the food and drinks at Waxflower are outstanding. Highly recommend. Website | Instagram | 153 Weston St, Brunswick

It's easy to spend your time at Bar Romantica because they have done it right. Great drinks, Italian food, a classy fit-out, good music, and, many nice places to sit and chat. Website | Instagram | 54 Lygon St, Brunswick East

The Beast in Brunswick East has three main focuses Burgers, Booze, and Bands. Cocktails are named after musicians. There are beef, chicken, pork, and vegan burgers as well as vegan BBQ. Check the gig guide to see who is playing. Website | Instagram | Phone | 80 Lygon St, Brunswick East

There is a great feeling that hits you when you sit down at Bar Idda, if you are out the front that could be coming directly from the sun or it could be because you know you are in the perfect place for an authentic Sicilian meal. The wine selection will also bring a smile to your dial, so sit back and enjoy a perfect time at Bar Idda. Menu | Instagram | Phone | 32 Lygon St, Brunswick East

Stop by The Alderman for a drink and you will probably want to stick around for another and why not? Because you can make a night of it and order Sicilian food from neighbouring Bar Idda. Then you can enjoy more time in the leafy courtyard, upstairs on the deck, or by the cosy indoor fireplace. Website | Instagram | 134 Lygon St, Brunswick East

Old Palm Liquor is the sister bar of the beloved Neighbourhood Wine and these establishments have much in common: an unbelievable wine list, a great selection of music, and a delicious food menu. So, pop in for a drink and stay the whole night. Website | Instagram | Phone | 133B Lygon St, Brunswick East

Bahama Gold

Bahama Gold has an evolving drinks list featuring local wines and beers with minimal intervention but maximum flavour. Bahama has a killer record collection and sound system plus DJs often stop by to spin tunes. The bar doubles as a bottle shop and offers express delivery within the hour if you're less than 10km away, otherwise, it's the same day for those in Melbourne. Check out their range on their website. Website | Instagram | 135 Lygon St, Brunswick East

The Mankoushe kitchen is centred around their wood-fired oven, think pita, zaatar, garlic bread, halloumi pies and pizza. The food here has no borders and stretches from Iran to Morocco whilst working with the best ingredients Australia has to offer. The ‘From the kitchen’ menu is tapas style so best to share and look out for some super tasty Lebanese wine on the drink list. Website | Instagram | Phone | 323 Lygon St, Brunswick East