Whitehart Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Hard Pass. I do not recommend this place.

I used to come here many years ago when they first opened, but the service seems to have dropped significantly. Bottom line is that the bar staff are extremely rude - or in this case the specific lady that was working at the bar.

I was here for a mid-day business catch up, we were both wearing business attire. First thing the bartender asked us was if we had ID. No hello, no welcome. Her lack of courteousness is not my main complaint, but I did find it a tad aggressive for someone who worked the "service industry".

Anyway, I had my ID but my the person I was with did not have her ID. The bar tender refused to serve us! We weren't even going to get an alcoholic beverage, we were going to get a coke but she was just extremely dismissive and rude. We are both non-white, and early-30s. I would hate to think that race played a part in this. Reading some of the other reviews, I think a common complaint is the lack of staff training and staff rudeness.

The fact that she refused to serve us non-alcoholic drinks in the middle of the day (was a Thursday I believe) when the place was empty was baffling. Especially considering I had my ID and I was well over 30. If she thought my friend (in business attire) was a minor, then she still could have served a non-alcoholic beverage or just water. She did not have to ask us to leave, as per the VIC Gov which has provided guidance that licensed premises can serve water or non-alcoholic beverages to all patrons regardless of age.

With staff like that, this place is a hard-pass.

Edit - Response to Jacob: Jacob - did you even read the link you sent me? It clearly states that minors can be on a licensed premise if they are accompanied by an adult (someone over 18). If your staff member thought my friend in business attire was a minor, she was accompanied by me - an adult, well over 30. And as I said previously, we weren't there to drink alcohol - which we tried to make clear to the bartender. She didn't seem interested in listening to us. Maybe you and your team should do a refresh on the states legislation.

I am all for businesses following legislation. But I think some basic judgment and customer service is lacking here. Or alternatively, the staff member was just lazy and didn't want to serve any patrons (the place was empty). I know hospitality is a fixed cost business, so why you would say no to an easy +$20 for some soda...

Whitehart Bar – Cool Spot, but Best for Early Arrivals or Smaller Groups

We visited Whitehart Bar on a busy Friday night after 8pm and found the place to be buzzing with energy. The dimly lit, industrial-style space has plenty of character and lots of seating options, but it was pretty packed by the time we arrived, and there were limited spots for a group of five. That said, there's comfortable standing room, and the atmosphere was lively without feeling chaotic.

Drinks: The bar has a great selection of wines, beers, and spirits, with something for everyone. The service was efficient, even with the crowd, and we didn’t wait long to be served.

Food: There’s no in-house kitchen, but they do offer pizza sourced from a local spot nearby. We actually saw a staff member pick them up and bring them in, so the pizzas were fresh and warm. The only downside was the price point, which felt a little steep considering they’re pre-purchased and served quite casually. We might have been a bit picky, but for what it was, it didn’t quite match the price tag.

Other Notes: A small heads-up—be careful walking down Whitehart Lane, especially after rain. My poor friend stepped right into a puddle in heels, which nearly ruined her shoes. The area could definitely use a bit of extra drainage or lighting to help with that.

Overall: Whitehart has a great vibe, good drinks, and is worth a visit—especially if you arrive earlier or in a smaller group. The open-air setting and cool crowd make it fun, but there’s room for improvement when it comes to seating...

Whitehart Bar is one of those hidden gems that truly captures the spirit of Melbourne. Tucked away in a laneway in the heart of the city, it offers a cool, industrial-chic vibe with an open-air layout that makes it feel both laid-back and buzzing with energy.

The drinks menu is solid, with a nice selection of craft beers, a few classic cocktails, and a rotating lineup that keeps things interesting. Whether you're after a crisp lager, a refreshing spritz, or something a bit stronger, there’s something for every palate. Their pizza menu is a great addition too – simple, tasty and perfect for sharing with a group over drinks.

It does get super busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so I always recommend booking a table in advance, particularly if you're going with a bigger group. The space fills up quickly, and it’s one of those places that really comes alive when the crowd is in.

What makes Whitehart even more special is the live music. Depending on the day, you might catch someone playing live piano or a DJ spinning great tracks, adding a lively and creative touch to the atmosphere. It’s these unexpected moments that make the experience memorable.

Whether you're out for after-work drinks, catching up with friends, or planning a casual night out with a fun vibe, Whitehart Bar is always a great choice. Relaxed yet energetic, stylish yet unpretentious – it’s a true...