Unmarked hole-in-the-wall bars are no surprise in the CBD. But in Camberwell? The only indication that you’re about to discover this haven of craft beers is the empty kegs clogging the stairs of a suburban office building.
East of Everything has been running above sister venue Bar None for almost a year. In that time, the signature cocktail alchemy from below has filtered up top along with a little of the Art Deco décor. But forget hard liquor. You’re here for some of the rarest brews you could ever hope to get a run at.
The five taps host a constant turnover of robust, oddball brews – Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black IPA; Brooklyn Brewery’s Grand Cru – which you can try by the schooner, pint or litre. Hungry? Co-owner Michael Cotter also owns Melbourne’s favourite Cajun food truck, Gumbo Kitchen, and so snacks run to po’boys, macaroni, and even a little TexMex. Shredded iceberg contrasts lightly battered hunks of catfish on white rolls; quesadillas melt across the plate.
Your choice of hangouts range between the couch-corner, a scattering of tables in the main open-concept space and a verandah for smokin’ off to the side. Backed by the sweet sounds of Motown, old-school rock and hip hop, the vibe here is as much house party as bar. Half-cut Tuesdays see one craft brew going for half price.