Local favourite Hardout Bar opened in late 2022, after owners Dusty Reid and Mercedes Zanker (both ex-The Raccoon Club)won the iconic bar (formerly Hard Rubbish Bar) for free. The neighbourhood haunt serves up classic drinks and nibbles, which you can enjoy at the outdoor tables or inside surrounded by splashes of local art.
Drinks-wise, there’s around five taps of beer with a standard Bodriggy draught around which IPAs, pales and red ales rotate. Wine is equally easy, with a handful of lighter options like Range Life fiano and Fin Wines pét-nat, while cocktails are house specials like the Agrin, which blends Kurdish arak from Bandesh Wine and Spirits with Marionette apricot brandy.
Pickled veg (for snacking and to top Bloody Marys) comes specially made from friends at Dog Creek Growers in Wandin, while a huge jar of mixed, spiced pretzels and Nutri-Grain is Zanker’s mum’s recipe.
Drink or snack in hand, stake out a spot in the outdoor area and browse the small selection of books from Black Spark Cultural Centre or, if you’re there a little later, catch a set by local DJs spinning vinyl in the front window.
