Melbourne might not have ever have experienced prohibition but it feels otherwise at Father’s Office. The unassuming bar and speakeasy on Little Lonsdale Street greets you with a peephole and the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution (ie the no-alcohol amendment) at the door.
Once you’re inside Father’s Office the 1920s prohibition vibes only get stronger. Vintage Americana meets vintage Melbourne with the details like Art Deco decor, mosaic, copper beer taps and tin roof all adding to the atmosphere. See if you can spot the original old Swanston Street sign while sipping Father’s Office’s signature cocktail like Anna’s Margarita (Olmec Tequila, lime and lavender syrup).
Like the design, the menu channels Americana: burgers, wings and fries feature prominently. Four good-sized arancini are also on the the menu with fillings like beef and pork meatballs, roasted pumpkin, mushrooms with truffle oil and of course plenty of mozzarella.
Prefer your drinks simple? Father’s Office have a large range of beers available on tap as well as cider and wine. Pennypinchers, happy hour runs 5-7pm Monday to Saturday and 8-10pm on Sunday, with selected cocktails dropping to $12. For some cheap eats grab a $15 lunch from Father’s Office Monday to Wednesday. You won’t be returning to work hungry with options like fried chicken burritos, black Angus steaks and zucchini and macadamia burgers plus a schooner or glass of wine.
