The Gem Bar and Dining
The Gem Bar and Dining things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
We chose the Gem given a few local recommendations based on their service level and quality of food. We ordered around 8pm and received our drinks shortly afterwards. It wasn't until an hour had passed that we realised that our meals had yet to arrive at our table. Upon querying this with our waiter, she promptly apologized and offered to look into it for us. She came back saying that the meals would be delivered shortly. Another half hour passed and we questioned her again. She came back, apologized, noted that the kitchen was overwhelmed and offered another round of beverages as way of apology. Approximately fifteen minutes later, our meals arrived. Now, I should mention that our meal was just as delicious as our recommendation had explained, and the service failings in the end were counteracted by great food, beverages and empathetic staff who actually cared for their patrons. We will definitely be returning to give them another try
Andrew d[-_-]bAndrew d[-_-]b
00
Sigh... Read quite a few reviews that this place is great, the meats are good and everything. What a let down and a disappointment of a Sunday lunch. Booked this place with 18 people for a birthday lunch, the place asked for preorder meal as they need to prepare any of the smoked meats (totally understand about that, it does take quite a long time to smoked brisket etc).. so 12 out of 18 of us pre-ordered the set menu. That photo you saw in this review, we got 2 trays of it, plus 3 racks of ribs (we paid extra for them, well there is another issue there), along with Mac & Cheese, and Carolina Slaw. So let's me tell you the problem with the food. The brisket is dry and doesn't have much meat tastes inside. The pork belly is okay, think the chicken is the best of the lot. Ribs.. there are not enough to share and that's from 2.5 rack up to 3. It is not falling off the bone soft and quite stingy too. Guess the bit that really set me off with one star, they charged us extra 120 bux for that half a rack increased. Already paying 45 bux a head for the meal. The slaw later I found out, it was not mixed properly. The one I had, it has the celery, green apple and cabbage. But the bowl at the other end of the table, only cabbage. I don't know why people say this place is good. Service is horrible. There were only 2 staffs on for the Sunday and there are other customers there. Just no services... Oh have I mentioned this place charge 22 bux for a pint of Little Creatures ale? Seriously they know how to charge you but boy the meal and drinks are all disappointed. I don't know why anyone would come here while there are many better place around.
Jenny KwongJenny Kwong
00
On the recommendations of many before me, we came here to try out the American BBQ style pub meals. Those with a good appetite will find it hard to resist the Pitmasters' Plate, choosing from 4 meats and 3 sides. There's a good selection of individual meats, seafood and vegetarians are really well catered for here too. I started having eyes too big for stomach disease when my pork belly dish came out but was soon holding my own belly. Succulent, tasty pieces of fat belly paired with absolutely delicious green chile grits. My friends loved their Pitmasters' Plate, Mac 'n Cheese and grilled snapper. Downstairs doesn't look much different from the old school pubs but upstairs caters for the diners. We were lucky to have a room for our group of 10 and were so well looked after all evening by the friendly, helpful staff. Now I'll be adding to the many voices that recommend this place - it's definitely worth trying out.
J LJ L
10
The Gem used to be a super trendy place to bend an elbow and pig out on American inspired fare. Alas, COVID has killed The Gem. My friends were the only people in the entire venue other than a single staff member who must have been bored as hell. Cocktails on the specials menu were not available and the menu presented little interest. I ordered the Corn Ribs which helped confirm that I won't be back to this place I used to love. Very sad.
BiancaBianca
00
Great food, service and music. It’s really happening here for live music, mostly local and some interstate and international bands play here. Very eclectic mix (it used to be country). It’s a floor show venue and can get tight and in your face. Great country and rock vibe, not quite dive bar. You may be lucky to see a Collingwood Cowboy. Food is great by Sonny’s. Can recommend the fried chicken but my go to is the Cheese Burger.
Greg TippettGreg Tippett
40
Came here for a drink and a bite and was an enjoyable experience. Decent beer selection, although the only lager available was the Sapporro at $14 but that's fairly common these days. We had the brisket and pork tacos which were really good, tasty and fresh. Was expecting more in the way of BBQ meat which wasn't available at all but the menu may have changed recently. Friendly staff and a good old fashioned pub feel to it.
Josh MorrisonJosh Morrison
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Gem Bar and Dining
Sense Of Self (SOS)
The Mystery Rooms - Melbourne
Hinoki Japanese Pantry
Darling Gardens
Fitzroy Market
Lost and Found Market
Localing Private Tours Australia
FITZROY PAINTING
Centre for Contemporary Photography
Vintage Garage

Sense Of Self (SOS)
4.8
(593)Click for details

The Mystery Rooms - Melbourne
4.9
(575)Click for details

Hinoki Japanese Pantry
4.7
(445)Click for details

Darling Gardens
4.6
(306)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Gem Bar and Dining
Hecho en Mexico Fitzroy
Naked For Satan
El Camino Cantina Fitzroy
Lune Croissanterie Fitzroy
Vegie Bar
Easey's
Le Bon Ton
Industry Beans Fitzroy
The Provincial Hotel
Rice Paper Scissors

Hecho en Mexico Fitzroy
4.7
(3K)Click for details

Naked For Satan
4.4
(2.6K)Click for details

El Camino Cantina Fitzroy
4.5
(2.1K)$$
Click for details

Lune Croissanterie Fitzroy
4.5
(2.2K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
289 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Map
Phone
+61 3 9419 5170
Call
Website
thegembar.com.au
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(372 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Eclectic venue dishing up American BBQ classics and tasting plates in a quirky space.
attractions: Sense Of Self (SOS), The Mystery Rooms - Melbourne, Hinoki Japanese Pantry, Darling Gardens, Fitzroy Market, Lost and Found Market, Localing Private Tours Australia, FITZROY PAINTING, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Vintage Garage, restaurants: Hecho en Mexico Fitzroy, Naked For Satan, El Camino Cantina Fitzroy, Lune Croissanterie Fitzroy, Vegie Bar, Easey's, Le Bon Ton, Industry Beans Fitzroy, The Provincial Hotel, Rice Paper Scissors

- Please manually select your location for better experience