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Pub Guide: Aviary Hotel
Aviary Hotel
271 Victoria St
Abbotsford VIC 3067
The Aviary Hotel has been around for a while now, providing a solid anchor between the bars further east on Victoria St and those west in Fitzroy.
It’s the closest pub to North Richmond train station and was recently joined in its immediate locale by The Vic, a project by the same owners aimed firmly at the trendy crowd, and Two Hands Bar, a goofy backpacker-inspired trans-Asia micropub. Even so the Aviary is singular in being the most classic, modern – dare I say mainstream – pub in the vicinity. I used to live spitting distance to this Melbourne stalwart and have enjoyed its simple, humble pleasures on many an occasion.
The Aviary’s fit-out was inspired during the mid-2000s style of open-air pubs, with a few tables on the street, a nice street-level veranda perfect for tram and people-watching, wood-fire and plentiful stool and table seating. A long primary bar (no bar seating usually) leads towards a small outdoor courtyard with timber furniture. The Aviary doesn’t position itself as a craft beer destination but it usually has some appreciable local beers in-bottle. On tap you can expect always-fresh Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, Boag’s Draught and a Japanese lager or two. There is also plenty of wine including mulled wine in winter.
Food is cheap and good - $10 for the cheapest burger, up to $13 for the southern fried chicken burger, which is excellent. The portions aren’t huge but they fill you up enough without interfering with stomach space needed for beer. There is a wide range of small and share plates, including the usual chips, breads and olives but with some unique offerings too – think goat shank, ox tongue, garlic mussels, steak tartare and water chestnut cabbage rolls.
If you’re ever in the Abbotsford or North Richmond area consider checking out the Aviary. Its biggest selling point is the food menu, but it does nothing wrong. It’s a classic modern Melbourne pub that is a good introduction to the city’s bar scene for visitors and provides something for everybody if you’re a local.
To end on a common refrain: it could benefit from better beer on tap – but you can’t have it all.