Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 11 . MELBOURNE
downing a pint you must try the traditional streamed mussels. In warmer
weather it’s a delight to sit in the park-like garden outside. 557 St. Kilda Rd., Melbourne.
& 03/9529 2899.
Bridie O’Reillys Bridie O’Reillys is one of Melbourne’s best Irish pubs, complete
with traditional dark wood decor and good beer. The two-level pub has 19
different beers on tap (seven of them Irish). There is live Irish music every night
from around 9pm. The place gets quite crowded on weekends. 62 Little Collins St.
(just off Exhibition St.), City. & 03/9650 0840.
The Cricketers Club Bar Locals come to this popular English-style pub in
this five-star hotel to lift a glass surrounded by the relics of Australia’s summer
passion. Glass cases are packed full of cricket bats, pads, and stumps, whereas the
plush green carpets and solid mahogany woodwork give the place a touch of
class. In the Windsor Hotel, 103 Spring St., City. & 03/9653 0653.
Jimmy Watson’s Wine Bar While probably not the place where a “pint” is
the go, Jimmy’s is somewhat of an institution and is one of Melbourne’s oldest
wine bars. The bar itself is a cozy affair where all types of people chat and sample
the vast range of wines available. In the attached dining area excellent food
is expertly teamed with the perfect wine. Come to chat or simply read the paper.
333 Lygon St., Carlton. & 03/9347 3985.
The Prince St. Kilda This pub is a legend among the locals. Though recently
refurbished, it retains its original rough-at-the-edges appearance. Bands play
most nights, some of them big names. 2 Acland St., St. Kilda. & 03/9536 1100.
Windsor Castle Up Chapel Street and through Prahran is Windsor, “the new
St. Kilda,” and its best kept secret the Windsor Castle Hotel, resplendent in its
new renovation and home for the local style-meisters. Serving some extremely
good pub food which can be enjoyed in the sunny courtyard (DJ’s and barbecue
on weekends) or in the plush interior areas, this pub is a perfect weekend meeting
place. Look for the giant pink elephants outside the pub. Albert and Upton sts.,
Windsor. & 03/9525 0239.
The Young and Jacksons Hotel After a major renovation, Melbourne’s oldest
(and arguably most famous) pub is a new-found pleasure whether for a drink
or a full dining experience in the stylish upstairs restaurant or bistro areas. Head
upstairs to see the naked Chloe. The famous painting was brought to Melbourne
for the Great Exhibition in 1880. The pub, which was built in 1853 and started
selling beer in 1861, has a few years on Chloe, who was painted in Paris in 1875.
She has a special place in the hearts of customers and has spawned hundreds of
copies that have found their way to far-flung places. At the corner of Flinders and
Swanston sts. & 03/9650 3884.
THE CASINO
Crown Casino Australia’s largest casino is a plush affair open 24 hours.
You’ll find all the usual roulette and blackjack tables and so on, as well as an
array of gaming machines. Believe me, you can lose big here. There are some
25 restaurants and 40 bars on the premises. Clarendon St., Southbank (& 03/
9292 6868).
While you’re here, have lunch at the Red Emperor. Its Cantonese yum cha
(tea lunch) is superb as is the service. There’s a great view of the Yarra River. 3
Southgate Ave., upper level Southgate. (& 03/9699 4170). Yum cha items from A$3.85–A$8.80
(US$2.50–US$5.70). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Sat noon–3pm; Sun 11am–4pm.