MELBOURNE | I’ve been a fan of Lulie Tavern ever since they first popped up down the road from their current location in 2014. When owners Brendan Kennedy and Jon-Lee Farrell moved Lulie to the current location in 2018, they managed to retain what made the venue special. Great drinks, fantastic service, and an unpretentious vibe wth live rock music and an Americana vibe.
Today the team opens their new rooftop bar, much delayed after the decision to do it was made just before the pandemic hit. Attending the launch event last night, I can say it was worth the wait.
Named after Tom Petty’s 1989 album, Full Moon Fever, the rooftop bar looks to Southern California. More specifically one of Brendan and Jon-Lee’s favourite Mojave Desert bars and live music venues, Pappy & Harriet’s.
The bar has the vibe down pat, with sunset hues, stone walls, and cacti. There’s a retractable roof and a fire to keep things rolling during winter, booths, and sunbeds. There’s a DJ booth in the corner for live music, which skews classic rock with a more chill feel than downstairs.
To drink, it’s SoCal themes cocktails with a focus on mezcal and tequila. There’s also interesting wines and a tap and can list or crafty and not so crafty beers. To eat, it’s eight different burgers, fried chicken, wings, and thick cut chips. Vegan options are available too.
Full Moon Fever
225 Johnston Street
Abbotsford
Victoria 3067
Australia
Telephone: 0437 626 885
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Thu: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 1:00am
Sun: 12:00pm to 11:00pm