MELBOURNE | It seems like only yesterday that Moon Dog was just a small, grungy brewery in the back streets of Abbotsford, little known outside craft beer circles. A brewery that produced some of the best and most interesting beers in town. You’d always wonder how they made any money (who can forget all of that saffron), and what the next step was.
Owners and founders Jake and Josh Uljans and their friend Karl van Buuren, thought the same thing. The trio quit their day jobs, committed to taking Moon Dog to the next level, did things like developing a core range and implementing quality control measures, and getting onto beer taps around town, significantly increasing their profile.
A few years later, they opened Moon Dog World in Preston, and the rest is history. After a few well publicised hiccups, their latest venue, Moon Dog Wild West, opened last month. Housed in the old Franco Cozzo building in Footscray, it’s a massive US Wild West themed spot housed over three levels, with capacity for 800 people. On the ground floor, it’s a “John Wayne golden age of Hollywood vibe”. There’s horseshoe booths, a bucking bull that patrons can ride, a gaming arcade, and a huge sunset desert mural. Multiple zones with their own quirks and sub-themes encourage exploring.
Move upstairs, and it’s more of a honky-tonk dive bar vibe. Pool tables, a Blues Brothers inspired stage for live music, and a pianola bar. Above this, you’ve got the rooftop. Here you’ll find fake cacti and rocks, desert hued outdoor furniture, and a couple of container bars.
There’s over 100 taps in Moon Dog Wild West, serving their full range of core and limited beers, and seltzers. You can grab wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and house creations. To eat, its pub classics with an American BBQ and Tex Mex touch. Think chicken parmas, burgers, and double stacked soft and hard shell tacos, along with options for all dietaries.
Moon Dog Wild West
54 Hopkins Street
Footscray
Victoria 3011
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9428 2307
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 8:00am to 2:30pm