The Foxtrot

The Foxtrot opened back in 2011, and has steadily climbed its way to the top of the list of bars worth hitting north of the Bridge. It’d be easy to stroll past it, but keep your eyes peeled for a bricked white archway and trot on in. Entering, the first room on the right seems a little unused, like you’ve accidentally gone into someone’s house. But stroll into the main bar and you will know it wasn’t a mistake to wander through. The bartenders are gentlemen and their service follows suit. The wine list is skewed towards lighter Australian drops, and the boys are more than happy to recommend a good whiskey. Beers on tap include Grifter’s Edward pale ale and a brown ale new Melbourne micro-brewery, Cavalier. Classics come in Mason jars, lidded, shaken and served tall, complete with a paper parasol. The Plum’n’Rum is a punchy pisco number and the Espresso Jartini delivers a caffeine hit, smoothed out with tequila and rum. The pizza menu is short and simple, and though they don’t reinvent the wheel, the bases and toppings are both tasty. There’s an AstroTurfed indoor garden mezzanine, but make sure you make a beeline to the backroom. Here you’ll find couches so comfy we want to nick them (we resist). Home-style bars can sometimes just end up being creepy or too cutesy. Foxtrot, however, nails it and more importantly backs it up with welcoming service and drinks to boot.