It’s that time of year again, September in Melbourne can only mean one thing, footy finals! Whether you’re a die hard supporter or just want to join in the festivities, here’s our round up of the best spots around Melbourne to load up pre-game, or see all the action, live and loud.
New Quarter
79-83 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Only a hop, skip and a jump from the ‘G, Swan Street’s New Quarter’s Midweeker menu, is perfect for those in search of sustenance pre game. The menu is embracing a new bistro style approach to the midweek lunch, with dishes that are fast, fiery and full of flavour, ideal for the solo diner or groups before heading to the game. Come Grand Final Day, New Quarter’s will be open from 10am, with its Weekend Mess menu available, allowing diners sample dishes from the Midweeker and more, with dishes such as lemongrass pork cutlets, roasted turmeric chicken, spicy XO mussels and Banh Hoi Noodles available. Add on the unlimited drinks package for $60pp, including fan favourites such as NQ House Margaritas, the NQ Bloody Mary or the seasonal NQ spritz, alongside wines, craft beers and sparkling, so you’ll be singing, Up There Gazely!
Terminus Hotel
492 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North, 3068
2023’s Overall Hotel of the Year & Best Presented Beer, Terminus Hotel is the perfect spot to watch the finals, particularly the big one, live and loud. Opt for a table booking or go all in with its Sports Bar VIP package where for $100pp you get three hours of bottomless beer, house wine and soft drinks, plus big screens to watch all the action on, footy snacks, VIP Bar access and half time spin and wins. Grab the $20 beer and burger combo as well, the perfect treat to watch all the action unfold.
Amphlett House
19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
With a Happy Hour from 4 – 6 daily, Amphlett House is the perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite before the game. Grab $5 schooners and $5 glasses of Prosecco and house red or white as well as its parmesan and truffle bonbons, lamb shoulder croquettes or scotch eggs. Amphlett House, an elevated taphouse in Melbourne’s CBD, located on the corner of Little Bourke Street and Amphlett Lane, opened in late 2022. The venue is spearheaded by two of Australia’s hospitality finest, Andrea Gualdi (Maybe Sammy founder, named ‘The Best Bar in Australasia 2021’ by ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’) and much-loved Melburnian and celebrated chef, Ian Curley.
Clifton Hotel
99 High Street, Kew VIC 3101
The latest venue from the Grossi team and Public, the restored Clifton Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy the game. With an Italian menu to boot, courtesy of Grossi’s restaurant, Puttanesca next door, guests can enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta, fabulous pizza and a glass of vino. Catch all the action and a dolci too!
