Blackcat Fitzroy — Restaurant in Melbourne

Editing review as I've been coming here since I was 7yrs old. 4yrs ago - (Always the same, great friendly staff, cheap drinks, comfy seats, good atmosphere.)

Current review- I felt targeted tonight by a certain female staff member berating us for every action (despite other patrons doing the same), nothing I could do was right, no sitting no drinking ... I understand the rules of venues but the abrasive nature was shocking and made us feel very unwelcome. Not only was this happening to us but others around us, this particular staff member clearly shouldn't work in customer service as she clearly does not like people.

Ordering drinks was a trial and felt judged/tested on what I was ordering - martini is pretty basic and the two I ordered were significantly different sizes - second round of drinks only had one olive? Would love a refund on that garnish.

Clearly underaged guests at the venue...

Still peeved at the staffs unwelcoming nature (it's not the hottest place obviously but it's a shame to taint a great establishment)

Waste of a night cap Ruined the vibe of great service at other venues on...

Aside from how expensive it is, the service is terrible. We received an unusual amount of attention from the bar manager herself; among the many times she called us out, I can mention the time she unpleasantly rushed us at the bar to order (it wasn’t even busy) and then asked us not to drink WATER while standing on the sidewalk next to the bar. I don’t know if the girl was having a bad day or simply judged our appearance (not hipster or Australian enough) or accent, because neither I nor my friends are from this country, nor do we look like someone from this neighborhood. I don't know what other theory to propose considering the kind treatment she did offer to the other customers. This supposedly more open and less elitist alternative atmosphere of the northern area is definitely not well represented in this place, where it seems you have to dress a certain way to be...

Blackcat isn’t just a bar – it’s a Fitzroy institution. Nestled on Brunswick Street, it strikes that perfect balance between alternative and accessible. Whether you’re a long-time local or just wandering in, there’s an instant sense of welcome and character.

The vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard – eclectic decor, great lighting, and a mix of people that reflect the creative soul of the neighborhood. The music is always on point, with a carefully curated selection and live bands or DJs that bring serious energy to the space without overpowering it.

Whether you’re after a casual drink, a deep conversation, or a night out soaking up some of Fitzroy’s best live sounds, Blackcat delivers. It truly feels like the heart of the suburb – a place that captures the past and present spirit of Melbourne’s most...