Every suburb has its local, the place where you can hang out and feel comfortable to turn up in whatever you happen to be wearing and not feel like you're going to stand out. Lucky for the locals of Northcote...

There's so much beer you'll never go thirsty. Hop lovers rejoice, it's time to play at Hopscotch Melbourne!

From the moment you walk down the stairs and past the painting by local artist Steen Jones you know you're in a very Melbourne basement.

Lazerpig is unique. It’s a pizza place, a bar, a restaurant, a late night space to listen to sweet tunes and have a dance, plus you can even order takeaway or get home delivery.

Smoked meats, Texan style BBQ and Southern themed dishes have taken their place in Melbourne's food scene and show no sign of disappearing anytime soon, which is great for Tonino Cordisco and his great venue The Gem Bar in Collingwood, since that's the food he serves here.

Let the northerly breeze guide you across the road to your salvation, like a mirage in the desert, you'll find a place known simply as The Botanical.

First birthday parties are always special, it's the time you celebrate the fact you survived a whole year and didn't sell your child into slavery or kill yourself. Copious amounts of alcohol will generally do the trick and most parents' saving grace.

Like any other fox, Rupert sleeps by day and comes alive as the sun begins to fade, welcoming hungry and thirsty people into his lair.

Dark, brooding and equally majestic stands The Emerald Peacock on Lonsdale Street, silently and gently wooing Melburnians into his sanctuary, calling to them seductively to climb the stairs and be embraced by his warmth.

High above Smith Street, overlooking the treetops and the old buildings, Panama Dining blends 70's class with a touch of grunge to give patrons a relaxed...

How lucky are the people who live in Fitzroy to have the Rochester Hotel as their local neighbourhood rock 'n' roll pub with great beers on tap, quality cocktails on offer and the nicest staff to boot!

Ever wanted to go missing and not be found? Head down Chapel Street, duck into Jane Doe Bar, sink into the retro velvet couches and disappear from view in this dimly lit and intimate space.

You may not expect it, but prepare to be looked after by staff who actually care, and believe it when we tell you that you'll come back again and again, trying to discover what's so wrong with this place that makes it so right. XX

Usually when there's a bolt of lightning you're guaranteed of mass destruction. However when this one hit Heffernan Lane a new watering hole magically appeared called Union Electric Bar.

Back in 2004 I Carusi II opened on Barkly Street St Kilda bringing authentic Italian pizza to the strip. Nearly ten years later in 2013 the owners took over a little space around the corner in Blessington Street and called it Sorsi e Morsi which means Sips & Nibbles.

Melbourne is a melting pot of so many cultures, filled with people who appreciate fine food and hunger for new and interesting cuisines. Dean and Jeanelle Mariani have done our city a little favour and taken inspiration from their travels within Africa to create Polēpolē Bar in Little Collins Street.