Going South on Chapel

It’s one of Melbourne’s best-known streets, but head towards the happening Windsor end for the best of its night-time options.

Eat, drink, be merry. That could the motto for the end of Chapel Street furthest from the city. Long the home of classic picture palace, Astor Theatre, it used to be a bit of a desert as far as restaurants and bars were concerned. While we can completely recommend catching a double feature at the Astor, make sure you leave enough time to tuck in.

Do you choose wagyu tataki, gyoza, pork belly bao or a big bowl of chicken ramen? At Tokyo Tina, where the décor is cute, the crowd fun and the Japanese street food absolutely delicious, just order all of them and share. If you want something that’s got a bit of the ‘special occasion’ about it, you might like Morris Jones. Located in a heritage warehouse, the chic restaurant offers a menu of shared plates that utilise the freshest, seasonal produce. Just a head’s up; if it’s your birthday join the online guest list and you’ll receive a complimentary four-course meal. It might be a good idea not to have dessert, because Pidapipo, the gelato bar in Carlton that serves its amazing hand-churned creations to long lines of punters, has recently opened another store at 85 Chapel Street, Windsor.

If it’s drinks you’re after you’re well covered. There are a lot of bars along here. If the sun is still out, take a seat on the deck at The Railway Hotel, where you can sip on a good selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Later in the evening, head to one of the neighbourhood’s more interesting places. Head into Boston Sub, which looks like a takeaway sandwich shop, and tell the person behind the counter you want to go to Jungle Boy. He or she will let you through the ‘cool-room door’ and you’ll find yourself in a tiny but lush oasis. It’s a bit like a tiki bar, with loads of greenery, and the theme flows through to the cocktails, which have a distinctly tropical flavour. If tequila is your jam, head upstairs from Fonda to find the cute and cosy Atico. There are plenty on offer, both in sipping form and cocktails, but you can also order a Mexican beer.

If you’ve got to the wee hours and want to keep on partying, there is only one option. Head back down the street and when you hit Prahran you’ll find Revolver. It’s been here since 1997 and hosts club nights, live music and people who don’t know when to go home. It doesn’t close on the weekend and many Melbournians have been shocked to find the sun high in the sky when they emerge after a particularly big night. There’s even a surprisingly excellent Thai restaurant called Colonel Tan’s located within if you need to refuel as the night wears on.