Mechanical bulls & moon dog brews

The first thing that grabs your attention upon entering the soon-to-open Moon Dog Wild West is the mechanical bull—imported from Pennsylvania and strictly 18+. It’s the centerpiece of this sprawling, 800-capacity venue inside Footscray’s iconic Franco Cozzo building.

Around it, a vast mural by Scenic Studios sets the desert scene, backed by saloon-inspired décor: wagon wheels, cowhides, and even a taxidermy cobra in mid-battle with a mongoose.

Wild west, upstairs & out

Downstairs, you’ll find horseshoe-shaped booths, a 10-seat private dining room, and a “kid’s ranch” with a playground and arcade. Follow the neon upstairs to a dive-bar-style space with pool tables, a smoking area, and a Bob’s Country Bunker-inspired stage.

On the rooftop, things shift into a pastel-hued “desert dream” zone with cacti, faux boulders, and a shipping-container cantina serving taco trays and sizzling fajitas.

100+ taps & cowboy shots

On the menu: pub classics and American barbecue-inspired eats, like Santa Fe salad, Creole-style smothered chicken, and a daily pie with whipped cream. Drinks-wise, there are over 100 taps of Moon Dog brews, plus slushies, classic cocktails, wines, and signature drinks like the Catfish Blues—tequila, mezcal, lime, passionfruit, blue curaçao, and soda.

You’ll also find “Cowboy Shots”—served in boot-shaped glasses, naturally.

Though originally slated to open in April, Moon Dog Wild West is currently working with Maribyrnong City Council to lock in a new date.