Handle Bar — Restaurant in Bendigo

A true community-owned bar (this place is the brainchild of several like-minded locals/shareholders), there are few better places for a tipple in Bendigo. Handle Bar has an excellent selection of craft beers – both bottled and on tap – which makes for interesting outings and tends to keep the clientele more... cultured. You can bring your own food to enjoy, but local businesses will occasionally be present selling their specialities (paella, pork buns, etc). You're more likely to catch one of the many eclectic musical acts, though, with live bands and DJ's (the two balding guys are particularly good 😉) performing on most evenings and sometimes through the day on weekends. Handle Bar is an outdoor bar, so dress warm if...

I used to love this place. But I recently returned to The Handlebar after some years away, and I was shocked at how much it’s gone downhill. Apart from feeling unsafe (I was one of the only women there), I couldn’t get over how grotty and sticky it was. The toilets were so disgusting. Seats covered in excrement. It made me gag. The bar tender was full of himself, and the thuggish male crowd (including a “charming” dude wearing a MAGA hat) spoiled this once awesome little hangout. I’ve also spoken to others in the music scene who confess that its reputation is sinking. Why has its...

Been to a few cool pubs on my journey, but this place is a absolute gem. On a 30° Saturday it should be more busy than it was.. but maybe thats why it was soo good. Great bar staff, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and what a great range of beers. The venue itself is hidden down a hallway but when you get out to the beer garden, which is all it really is, you are relaxed and I dont want to leave. 10/10 If you enjoy beer, good music, great service, and relaxation this is a must visit if your...