The Oleander Club — Restaurant in Melbourne

Been wanting to try this, given it was Father's Day Weekend, my son suggested we give this place a try, glad I did...

Kinda fun that you have to knock on the door to get it, it has that prohibition-feel to it, and once you walk in you become transported back to the early years of the previous century. High tops mostly for tables, and one small section of leather couches and chairs, along with a small bar, makes up the very small but cozy insides.

Drink-wise, I cannot complain - our bartender made our drinks potent - and I do mean potent. We are rum drinkers so we had the two rum selections on their main menu - the one I can't recall but the other was a Flaming Mai Tai - both were delicious.

I had researched the place and was under the impression that you could order pizza from the neighboring pizza parlor you can get too (especially if you have to use the bathroom.) Sadly, you can't, but you can get some finger foods - we had the goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, as well as the buffalo spiced rolls - it was supremely delicious.

Overall, it was a very relaxing vibe, I would say that they should probably consider having two bartenders on staff as the gal that was taking care of us was working the room hard - but she still did a great job. Anyway, it's definitely a place to try if you're in the area...

Worst experience ever. Contacted them in advance to get info on dress code, if food is served, and if reservations were needed. Got a reply over 4 days later- dress code of smart casual, bites served, and no mention of reservations. Arrived at the place and found the entrance door locked with no one answering. Serval other people around wondering what was going on and sweating in the heat (dress code smart casual). Luckily there was a couple there who had reservations (would have been nice to know) who were past due. No sign or information much less someone there informing potential customers of anything. Pretty sure locking the entrance door is a fire hazard and illegal. Don’t worry, pretty soon you won’t have to lock the door as there will be no one waiting to go in because with customer service like this, there...

Decent cocktails, but everything else was rough.

Friday night. 1 bartender 1 “bites menu” shared among all patrons. 2 cocktails menus also shared 30 minute wait to get 1 cocktail. 1 hour total from seating to paying. Still 1 cocktail.

Never have I ever been to a bar that takes customer experience remotely serious where they had one bartender on a Friday night. It was obviously more than the this bartender could handle. I inquired about the situation and the bartender said this is the normal operating procedure. So take that into consideration if you’re looking at a busier night.

Obviously More into the “oh the door is locked and they look interesting” than actually putting effort and consideration into their clientele’s experience.

Good luck to you, I hope they aren’t busy, or they at least have more than 1...