Hearty, minimal fuss, carb and protein-loaded dishes, typically accompanied by pints of beer. Welcome to the world of dude food. Think parmas, burgers, cheesy pizzas, and a good old-fashioned steak with fries. Pubs have traditionally been the best places to go for these more masculine meal choices. But restaurants, cafes and eateries all over Melbourne have embraced the trend and are serving up original tried and tested pub classics, just the way guys (and girls) like them.
Here are some of our favourites:
1. Mrs Parmas
25 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Specialising in the “art of parmology”, Mrs Parmas features 10 different parmas, as well as daily specials and an impressive range of beers from local microbreweries.
2. Huxtaburger
106 Smith Street, Collingwood
Great range of American diner-style burgers are served with take-away cups of crinkle cut chips.
3. Vlado’s
61 Bridge Road, Richmond
Vlado Gregurek has been cooking meat for Melbournians since 1964 and has earnt his reputation as a globally renowned red meat specialist.
4. Andrew’s Burgers
144 Bridport Street West, Albert Park
This old-school burger joint has been going since 1939 and has got everything down pat, from the juicy burgers and caramalised onions to the crispy bacon and perfectly fried eggs.
5. Pope Joan
77–79 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick.
Try The Cuban or The Reuben sandwiches for lunch, they are superb.
6. Taco Truck and Beatbox Kitchen
Various locations (follow them on Facebook to find out where they’re headed next)
These mobile kitchens are fun, fast, friendly and the food is guaranteed to satisfy.
7. Steer Bar and Grill
637 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Specialty steak bistro on Chapel St, South Yarra, inspired by the popular New York steakhouses and boasting an impressively long wine list.
8. Strange Wolf
Strachan Lane, Melbourne
The Wagyu Deluxe Burger is a must-try.
9. O’Connell’s Centenary Hotel
Cnr Coventry and Montague Streets, South Melbourne
O’Connell’s is your classic “foodie pub”, as it has retained the comfort and informality of an old hotel and also offers award winning food and great service.
10. Rare Steakhouse
Two locations: 6/61 Little Collins Street and 42-44 King Street, Melbourne CBD.
Rare offers 15 different cuts of top quality pasture and grain fed beef and an extensive selection of sauces and sides.
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