26 April 2024 update: Yee-haw, cowboys! After several unexpected delays, Moondog Wild West has finally thrown its saloon doors open on April 26. Go to the website to make a booking.
Saddle up, partner. Moon Dog Wild West has stormed into the old Franco Cozzo building in Footscray with plans to be the biggest beer lover's venue in Melbourne's west.
At an impressive twice the size of Preston's Moon Dog World, the venue spans three levels with more than 100 taps and enough space for a merry flock of up to 800 patrons. We haven't been this excited about a new beer venue since, well, the last opening from the Moon Dog crew. After all, these guys sure know how to put on a good time – and the Wild West outpost is the biggest and most ambitious booze-soaked wonderland of the lot.
You can anticipate a fun Wild West theme throughout, with swinging saloon doors, a bucking bull, horseshoe booths, a games arcade, a ranch-themed kids' play area and a barrel ageing room. But that's only the first floor, with the fun continuing upstairs.
Head to the second floor and you'll discover a honky tonk bar and live music stage, with pool tables, a jukebox and a balcony lounge. There's even a secret 'pianola bar' to swill a tipple of bourbon with others in the know. In good news for those who prefer their cocktails to their beers, Moon Dog has revealed that three-time Australian Bartender of the Year, Chris Hysted-Adams has swooped in to curate a special drinks list.
To line your belly for all the liquor, there'll be a menu of American barbecue bites, plus Tex Mex on the rooftop (yes, there's a rooftop!) and Moon Dog's crowd-pleasing gastropub classics. Think jalapeno poppers, buffalo chicken ribs, Mexican-style prawn cocktails and monster barbecue bacon burgers. Of course, you can chase all that down with a Pickleback shot!
"With a venue of this size, we know we could achieve something that hasn't been seen before and really go bigger than we ever have," said Joshua Uljans, Moon Dog CEO and co-founder. "We're hoping to create somewhere for people to enjoy the outrageousness of it all!"
Keen to test out your cowboy skills? Then you'll want to join Moon Dog Wild West's Western Bull Riders Club, an exclusive bucking bull riding league. Sign up as a foundation member now to snag a loot of goodies valued at $150 and a range of additional, tasty perks.
As a member of the Bull Riding League, you'll also get your name on the 'Bull Riders' board, a record of all scores, regular competitions nights and entry to the annual Western Bull Riders Championship. If you were looking for a new hobby in 2024, this could be it.
It's shaping up to be a huge year for Moon Dog, with the local brewery also in plans to open two more venues: Doglands at Marvel Stadium (with room for more than 1,500 patrons) and a new Frankston venue by the sea. Watch this space for more details.
For more info and to book a table, head to website.
