Joe’s Garage

Remember Greasy Joe’s? Me neither. I have a vague recollection of a few backpackers loitering outside a fairly standard St Kilda cafe, probably serving watery local beer at massively inflated prices and… I don’t know… burgers?

Whatever it was, it’s not that anymore. It’s had a makeover. Touting top-notch cocktails and a new crowd-pleasing American-style menu, Joe’s is positioning itself for the summer Sunday beach & beers crowd.

Head for the simpler dishes on the menu if you want to ensure a winner. The Southern-style fried chicken, served with a hot chipotle sauce, is spicy, crunchy, fried protein perfection. A serve of onion rings is a little greasy, bringing back memories of Joe senior, but salty enough to hit the spot, and nudge the boozing along to the next level. Pork ribs are slow cooked for six hours, and come served with a house-made barbeque sauce and slaw. Ribs are messy. But ribs are also delicious.

The cocktails here are pretty decent. Of particular note is the Prairie Cup, a delicately balanced bourbon, peach and apple number, and the Jug O Tommy’s, a simple assembly of tequila, lime & agave syrup. Can’t go wrong really.

Check out Joe’s over summer for some good value specials, like their ‘Sunday Summer Sliders’, $40 for a cocktail jug and four sliders, or a burger & beer for $15 on weekdays from 4:30-6:30pm.

JOE’S BAR AND DINING HALL
64-66 Acland St, St Kilda
9525 3755
Summer hours
Mon – Wed 4pm – 12am
Thurs – Sun 12pm till late
joesbar.com.au