1. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  2. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  3. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  4. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  5. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  6. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  7. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  8. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  9. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  10. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  11. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  12. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  13. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  14. Photograph: Graham Denholm
    Photograph: Graham Denholm
  • Bars | Craft beer
  • price 1 of 4
  • South Melbourne
  • Recommended

Review

Hats and Tatts

3 out of 5 stars

Rowdy becomes your middle name when you walk through the doors of this (not quite a) frat bar in South Melbourne

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Time Out says

It’s a misnomer to label Hats and Tatts just a frat bar. That’s what they’d like you to think they are. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a whisky collection more than 100 deep, some of the best cocktail making in Melbourne, and taps that pour a lot more than just beer.

Hats and Tatts doesn’t fit the mould of being a steak-driven South Melbourne pub. It isn’t a place where the ladies go to lunch or be seen. But somehow it manages to grab the attention of both, as well as the youth, south of the river. Come 4pm, and you’ll see groups of tradies sitting outside sinking pints in their hi-vis alongside suits sipping on Jack-Hattens (a kind-of Manhattan) from tap, women in designer clothes propped up at the bar under the blue neon glow that reads ‘derelicte my balls’ (thank you, Zoolander) while the kids smoke ciggies in the courtyard with local craft tinnies in hand.

Things aren’t always so sensible, though. Once the sun goes down, it serves as the extended break room to the dancers and bouncers from Kittens strip club. Some brave souls may try their luck on the girls who are just hoping for a breather, but Chan makes it known that it is all respect, all the time, unless you want to get hosed down (literally). Cross the line and you’re out. Frat Sundays are a thing, and to keep things in check, it’s all over by 10pm. A wise move, when Colonial tins and shots of Jack are $5 a piece and beer pong has become a weekly tradition.

To soak up the fun and games, the kitchen brings you a slice of Americana. Order up a whole fried chicken to share with your crew, or dive into a no-nonsense Wagyu cheeseburger (which we think is one of the best around), guaranteed to fill the gap. The brave have been seen to order two artery-hardening mac ’n’ cheese waffles, sandwiching a bacon weave (it is exactly what it sounds like). It’s an amazing feat if you don’t fall into a food coma afterwards.

With Hats and Tatts, Chan has created something unique to South Melbourne. It’s not always classy, it’s not always sensible, it’s not quite a fraternity, but a new kind of community. Frat bar by reputation, but not by nature.

Details

Address
78 Cecil St
South Melbourne
Melbourne
3205
Opening hours:
Wed-Sat 4pm-1am; Sun 2-10pm
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