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Lulie Tavern

225 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Phone: 0437 626885

VENUE:

What a neat surprise this venue is.

Pub/Tavern/Saloon, the Lulie Tavern, basically alongside the rail bridge over Johnston St, Victoria Park station within 20 metres, has cleverly set itself apart from packed leisure options available in this stretch to set itself up as a people/price/pet friendly place to socialise over a drink or free (yes) game of pool with great music filling the air, be it recorded or live.

Over two storeys, it looks like every wild west bar we’ve seen in the movies. (Swing doors onto Johnston St aside). Timber everywhere, the walls adorned with various bits of Americana and bottles of booze surrounding the perimeter, the ‘nothings too much trouble vibe from the staff’ is the thing that hits you first.

You have come to the right place.

Second floor is the Full Moon Fever Rooftop, looking out towards the spiritual home of the ‘Pies and to the north beyond. Own bar, music again (not overly loud), this is a great spot for a function. (Kept thinking of the 60s’ Lovin’ Spoonful classic Summer in the City up there).

And for those who are challenged by stairs, fear not. A lift is available , a gift for all ages.

Pokies: No
Tab: No.

The food is split into 2 parts – Bites and Burgers. Typically, the bites offer Buffalo Wings (6/$13) or Fish Tacos, Flathead or Jackfruit Tacos, both 2/$15. Chips with various sauces and that’s about it.

The food is made to drink beer too, and with a number of independents on ever changing taps e.g., Bodriggy/Young Henrys, TLT doesn’t overthink things: Come in, Order up, Enjoy.

Mains are summed up thus: Burgers. Cheese (14), Double Cheesey, (19), Meatlovers, (19), Vegan Beef/Chicken (18) Dead Ringer (Chicken (18). Add $4 for Fries or Onion Rings.

And the kicker? Wednesdays, Local Nights, all burgers $12. All Jugs $18.

Can confirm the highlights were Jalapeno Poppers (cream cheese, cheddar, ranch sauce (!4 were a bowlful of sweet, spicy joy. The $12 burger Wednesday Burger chosen was the Meatlovers, w/double cheese, bacon, onion, jalapenos. Good eating all round.

And so it is that with cost of living pressures rampant, there are some nights out that can be great value by comparison.

The Lulie Tavern is one such. May it continue on this path for years.

SCORE: 13.5