My mate in…

In this Side Quest I ventured to Beneath Driver Lane, an underground bar at 3 Driver Lane in the Melbourne CBD. Highlights include:

• Live blues music
• Wide selection of whiskeys
• Candle-lit and lots of people around adding to the atmosphere.

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In this Side Quest I ventured to Belles, a Nashville inspired hot chicken diner, at 150 Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Highlights include:

• Nashville style hot chicken and sides (mac and cheese, loaded fries).
• Sweet iced tea with rye
• Atmosphere.

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I catch up with my mate Ann in Wagga. Ann tells me about a good bar for after work drinks with friends called Tilly’s at 109 Baylis Street. Highlights include:

• Thursday afternoon happy hour
• Good for groups and has cocktail jugs and nibbles to share
• Live music
• Heated balcony
• Music bingo

I catch up with my mate Claudia in Sydney. 

Claudia’s favourite café is called Pochito at 1021 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020. Highlights include:

• Authentic Chilean food
• Friendly staff that speak Spanish and English  
• Homely and cosy vibes 
• Good mix of vegetarian and meat options
• Sweet and savoury options

Claudia also gives a shout out to a bakery called The Tart Sisters at Unit 117/119 Holden St, Ashfield NSW 2131. Highlights include:

• Takeaway sweet and savoury options
• Mostly vegetarian
• Friendly staff that make good selection recommendations
• Close to a park that has good spots for kids and doggos

I catch up with my mate Nahisha in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne.

Nahisha’s favourite local café is Olivia Spring Café at 637 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, Vic. Highlights include:

• Vietnamese inspired food
• Everything is vegan
• Good breakfast and lunch options
• Family friendly

Nahisha also gives a shout out to Strange Lovers Wine Bar at 577 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, Vic. Highlights include:

• Intimate vibe
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Extensive wine list
• Cocktails

I catch up with my mate Tim in Northcote, Melbourne.

Tim's favourite local cafe is South Crescent at 31a South Cres, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include:

• coffee
• shakshuka
• people bringing their doggos.

Tim also gives a shout out to a local bar not far from South Crescent called Kelvin at 84 High St, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include:

• atmosphere
• cocktail list
• fire place in colder months.