Fourth of July festivities around Melbourne
With Independence Day this Friday, here's where to get a fix of po'boys and chicken wings around town this weekend.
Le Bon Ton
Enjoy a big ol' honky tonk buffet at Le Bon Ton, Collingwood's New Orleans-themed drinking den. Head for the hot rods parked out front and swing-dance to Dixieland brass bands Shirazz and The Horns of Leroy on Sunday afternoon.The all-you-can-eat Americana feast includes a trio of Southern-style smoked meats, chicken wings and classic sides like mashed 'taters' salad. Tickets are $75 each.
Sunday, July 6, 2pm-9pm, Le Bon Ton, 51 Gipps Street, Collingwood, 9416 4341, lebonton.com.au
Nieuw Amsterdam
City bar-restaurant Nieuw Amsterdam is marking the occasion with a themed cocktail. The fizzy Bottle Rocket is inspired by the tradition of setting off fireworks in the States on the date and includes Kentucky bourbon McKenna, absinthe, lime and grenadine.
The New York City-style bar and restaurant serves up mighty meat trays by day, and modern American dishes by night. DJs will be playing all-American playlists from 5pm all weekend, and costumes are encouraged on Friday.
Nieuw Amsterdam, 106-112 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, 9602 2111, nieuwamsterdam.com.au
Po'Boy Quarter and Huey Long's
Po'Boy Quarter and Huey Long's bar (at rear) are bringing out the stars and stripes this weekend. Friday night features 'jello' shots and sparklers, and they'll be flying the flag with coloured cocktails all weekend, putting a blue-tinged twist on fresh mint Grasshoppers.
On Sunday, they'll serve a boozy brunch from 11am, with fried chicken and waffles for $10. If hair of the dog is your medicine, take the edge off with classic Prohibition era cocktails for a tenner, including Ramos Gin Fizz and Corpse Reviver.
Po'Boy Quarter, 295 Smith Street, Fitzroy, 9419 2130, gumbokitchen.com.au
Rockwell & Sons
American chef Casey Wall is harking back to his home state with a "Carolina Classic" burger special. The regional cheeseburger features mustard, onions, coleslaw, hotdog chilli and a patty.
Rockwell & Sons, 288 Smith Street, Collingwood, 8415 0700, rockwellandsons.com.au
Big Huey's Diner
"Elvis" will be in the building at Big Huey's Diner on Friday night from 8pm. Throughout the weekend, tuck into an Independence day combo special – NYC-style meatball melt plus a Bridgeport IPA (from Portland, Oregon) or a Miss Foster's banana and rum 'shake ($22).
Big Huey's Diner, 315 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, 9686 1122, bighueysdiner.com.au
Eureka 89 pop-up bar
The Eureka 89 space is usually reserved for swanky functions and degustation dinners, but on Friday, July 4, the high-altitude venue will open as a pop-up bar. Located on the 297-metre tower’s 89th floor, the pop-up takes the TGIF tipple to new heights. The $25 ticket includes an American Independence Day-inspired cocktail or a glass of French champagne on arrival.
Friday, July 4, 5.30pm-late, Eureka 89, Level 89 Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, 9693 8889, eureka89.com.au, bookings recommended.
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