Thirteen places to Eat, Drink & Play in Windsor
Once the forgotten end of Chapel Street, Windsor is now something of a hot destination with cool bars and boutique restaurants taking up residence in long-deserted dwellings. Here are thirteen of our favourite places to eat, drink and play in the neighbourhood.
EAT
Sash
‘Sushizza’ is an odd fusion of sushi and pizza, and somehow Sash pull off this genius new food and one for the foodies. Traditionalists needn’t fear though; classic pizzas are served as well as some delicious sake cocktails that’ll have you returning to the bar more than once.
California Burgers
You’ll be California dreamin’ with the taste of these burgers that are straight outta L.A. Owner Theo and his wife swore they’d take the taste of Cali burgers back to Melbourne after their 2002 trip, and 15 years later they did. The new addition of California donuts is a bonus too.
Resto BoBo
Resto BoBo is the first restaurant in Australia to bring us the delightful and morish tarte flambee. While ‘tarte flambee’ sounds like a fancy French dish, in essence, it’s similar to pizza and you eat it with your hands. Order a glass or three of the French wines for an authentic taste of the Alsace region. C’est magnifique!
Tacocat
Mexican, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine influence the menu at Tacocat, with a selection of tacos that you won’t have tried before. If you’re feeling brave, order the chilli and garlic roasted grasshopper taco. And don’t leave without trying the deep fried tequila shot. What a time to be alive, hey?
Small Print Pizza
Socially conscious pizza that leaves a small print on the earth. Their use of locally and ethically sourced ingredients, recyclable pizza boxes and a menu that also accommodates vegans and the gluten intolerant is commendable. But all that aside, this is just seriously good pizza.
St Lucia
If the travel bug has bitten you, tuck into the taste of Cuba and the Caribbean at Saint Lucia, a tropical paradise in a laid-back lounge room that also serves delicious rum and tequila cocktails.
DRINK
Mr Miyagi
Pop into Mr Miyagi’s bar-next-door, the sassy Yukie’s Snack Bar, for delicious cocktails – hello Rumchata and Frangelico concoction with a salted Nutella foam. You can also tuck into tasty bar snacks and tongue-in-cheek fun.
The Woods of Windsor
With a speakeasy vibe, an impressive whisky list and a 1am license, The Woods of Windsor is the perfect place to swirl a glass of scotch to the sounds of swing music well into the wee small hours.
Fonda Rooftop Bar
Fonda’s ‘mi casa, su casa’ approach is at the forefront of its ethos. The chain of Mexican eateries now has seven cantinas in Melbourne with Windsor’s location having a standout rooftop bar serving up bar food and delightful drinks every night ‘til late!
Southside Central
Graffiti adorns the walls while ‘90s hip hop emanates from the speakers in this fun, two-story burger joint and bar. The cocktail list is as subtle as their food menu (try the Harlem burger) and the $12 espresso martinis are a good place to kick off the night. Head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a little bit of Snoop Dogg under the stars.
PLAY
The Astor Theatre
Just spitting distance away from Windsor station on the St Kilda side of Dandenong Road you’ll see the sign for the classic, single-screen, Art Deco Astor Theatre. Lovingly preserved in its original form, and with the recent addition of the Overlook bar which serves craft beer, signature cocktails and a small selection of local food, The Astor plays long-forgotten, cult and classic films plus the odd independent new release.
Barefoot Bowls
As Australia’s oldest bowls club, Melbourne Bowling Club is a little pocket of history tucked away behind Windsor Station, just off Chapel Street. Since opening in 1864, Barefoot Bowls has offered social bowls to newbies and novices as well as members, it’s a great place to hang out with friends in the summer over a bowl, a beer and even a barbecue.
Trivia Tuesdays, Windsor Castle
An icon of the Southside, the Windsor Castle and its famous pink elephants has a loyal crowd filling its beer garden in the summer and warming by the fireplace in the winter as DJs play the soundtrack to the night. But come rain or shine, host Kieran O’Sullivan pulls in a crowd every Tuesday night as teams gather for Trivia Tuesdays and try to outdo each other to be crowned the pub quiz winners. With drinks specials and a tasty pub menu to choose from, we’re all winners, really.