Howler — Restaurant in Melbourne

Well, let me paint you a picture. The food? It was fine. For the price, at least. $14 for a couple of small fried chicken pieces sounds absurd, but hey, at least the chips were good. So, I guess I’m supposed to be happy about that, right?

Now, here's the fun part—the online menu. Ever seen a menu that almost matches the one in front of you? Yeah, that’s the vibe here. I’m scrolling through the online menu, dreaming of chicken tacos and souvlaki (because, you know, that’s what was on the online menu) only to arrive and find... fish tacos and no souvlaki in sight. Oh, and curry dishes that aren’t even listed online. It’s like playing food roulette, except instead of winning, you just get a disappointing “sorry, not available” and end up with something you didn’t actually want. Who knew choosing a meal would feel like a game of chance?

Moving on—let's talk atmosphere. It had potential. Beautiful venue, great vibe, until a certain someone decided to turn our experience into an exercise in how-not-to-handle-customers.

Here’s the scenario: my friend and I are enjoying the ambiance, looking at the menu, and sipping what’s left of our boba tea (which we didn’t really know we couldn’t bring in because, surprise! There were no signs outside — only inside that you wouldn’t see until you turned around and looked very closely at… as it was rather small sign for such an important issue, normally you wouldn’t expect to go on a hunt for such things — no warnings even from the security, nothing). But apparently, the beverage police was lurking nearby. This lady comes up to us with all the charm of a brick wall and says, "Actually, you can’t have outside drinks in a licensed restaurant." Then, without missing a beat, she snatches the drink out of our hands like she’s collecting evidence for a crime scene.

Listen, I get it—rules are rules. But a little courtesy wouldn’t kill you. A simple, “Hey, just so you know, you can’t have outside drinks here. Would you mind disposing of that?” would’ve sufficed. Instead, we got a full-on snatch-and-grab with zero warmth. You know, because nothing says hospitality like feeling like you’ve been scolded by someone who clearly didn’t wake up on the right side of the bed.

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there. Later, when my friends and I were standing in the bar area (because, surprise again, there were no available tables—shocking, right?), Miss Sunshine comes back, this time telling us to move. So we move more out of that way and then here’s the kicker… she comes back again but not like a reasonable human being. No, no. She tells us, "I’m only going to ask you one more time, can you move, stop waiting for the concert, I’ll call when it’s time and go sit down?" Well, lady, I would love to move—except there are no tables. So, unless you want me to stand on my head, I’m not sure what else you want me to do. Are we supposed to levitate?

And just to add some extra spice to this lovely experience, we overheard her completely dismissing someone else who missed out on the VIP section of the concert, waiting for it to be called when it already had ages ago, except there was no announcement and especially none for the other half of the restaurant, furthest away from the concert. The lady showed no empathy, no help, just a flat “oh no” and a cold shoulder. No explanation, no assistance. That’s the hospitality gold standard, right there.

Look, the concert itself was amazing, and the rest of the staff seemed pretty chill. But this one staff member? Total vibe killer. If there’s one thing you should know about hospitality, it’s this: treating your customers like they’re a nuisance is a quick way to lose their business. I honestly don’t care if she was having a bad day, there’s no excuse for treating people like that.

So, all things considered, the place gets a solid “meh” from me. The food’s okay, the concert was great, but I’m not sure I’ll be back just to risk running into the human embodiment of a bad attitude again. If I could give negative stars, I’d hit them with a -5. Do better,...

The place is big and beautiful, they have a good selection beers, they serve food as burger, chips, etc We tried the chips classic one and sweet potato both nice and hot, good portion we shared two portion between three of us and there were plenty for everybody, the beer was nice too specially the pale ale. They used to have table tennis but the last time we went there there was not :( I hope they gonna set it up back as it was very fun to play and drink some beer with friends while playing also they have a lot of table games if you want are free to use, very nice of them. The place is really beautiful as I said is very close to Brunswick station and has a free and big parking outside. I think they do live music or some kind of music events, also they have an outside area that is also very nice most of the people sit outside actually, inside is always quieter so if you prefer a bit of extra tranquility where you can chat I would suggest to seat inside, outside is more for music lovers I think, the staff was very polite, and very fast taking order, also they let us try some beers and give us some advise of what to drink, the price are reasonable I think the same as everywhere else, I did not paid attention to the price. The music was really good with a DJ playing some smooth jazz and RNB that I enjoyed it, usually other place they have music very loud were barely you can talk but not her the music was enough to enjoyed it but not too loud.

Overall really nice place where you can Drink, eat good food with good atmosphere, and very...

Howler, Melbourne - A Hidden Gem for Live Music Lovers

If you're in Melbourne and looking for a unique spot to catch some live music or enjoy a relaxed drink with friends, Howler is a must-visit. Located in Brunswick, this venue perfectly blends art, music, and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.

From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a funky, industrial vibe that gives off an edgy yet welcoming feel. The space is thoughtfully designed, with an intimate main room that brings you up close to the stage, ensuring an immersive experience for any show. The lighting is spot-on, setting the perfect mood for everything from rock gigs to electronic sets.

What stands out about Howler is its lineup. The venue is known for showcasing a diverse range of local and international talent. Whether you're into indie, punk, electronic, or experimental music, Howler always seems to have something exciting on the calendar. Plus, the acoustics are impressive, ensuring that even the most complex live sets sound crisp and clear.

When it comes to drinks, Howler doesn't disappoint either. The bar offers a great selection of craft beers, local wines, and creative cocktails, so there's something for everyone. Plus, the friendly staff makes sure you feel right at home while you sip your drink and enjoy the vibe.

Overall, Howler is more than just a venue—it’s a community space that celebrates Melbourne's vibrant arts and music scene. If you’re into discovering new music in a cool, unpretentious setting, this is the...