KAIJU! Cantina

Melbourne’s South East just got a little more modish with the opening of KAIJU! Cantina, a new, lively, bold and jamming 16-tap beer hall and pizzeria. Since establishing its brand in 2013, KAIJU! has moved from strength to strength, garnering a loyal base of die-hard beer enthusiasts along the way. Now, the hop masters are serving up a serious game of bevs, banter and biters at their permanent base in Huntingdale.

Fun fact: KAIJU! means ‘strange creature’ in Japanese. Known for their distinct and loud tinnie design, the brand are equally known for their delicious and unique flavours – and for some of my favourite beers Krush! Tropical Pale Ale and Aftermath Double IPA. The award-winning brewery is the brainchild of self-professed ‘nerdy beer scientists’ Nat and Callum Reeves. The brothers envisioned a space where the ‘tribe of kaijus’ can physically live, and that place is KAIJU! Cantina.

‘Huntingdale might not seem like the most obvious place for a beer hall, but it makes sense when you get to know our background. Nat and I grew up in Melbourne’s South East, and ever since Nat started home brewing at his place in Dandenong, we’ve dreamed of having a taproom in the area,’ says Callum. Adding, ‘We love going to explore and experience the inner north, but we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring a new type of venue to this part of town. It really means a lot to us.’

Milk Bar checked out Cantina one weeknight and was immediately taken with its vibrant and playful ambience. The converted warehouse has been brought to life by a series of vibrant, hand-painted murals and bright orange booths. A blue 1960s Toyota Coaster Bus is stationed beside the 12-metre panorama of Melbourne’s city skyline and the city’s landmarks.

Moving to the food. All credit is due to Head Chef and Chief Pizza Monster Jay Jafari, who is a master of stretching dough and serving up excellent pizzas. First things first, order the Cheeseburger pizza – you simply won’t regret it. The memorable pizza is topped with Sam Marzano tomato, a generous amount of American cheese, red onion, ground beef, pickles and mustard. Second and third place are allotted to the Potato pizza – caramelised onion, semi sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, provolone and rosemary – and the Tropical (Hawaiian).

In rivalling other beer halls in the inner north, KAIJU! Cantina succeeds. Punters can sample some of KAIJU!’s excellent range while pondering the Kaijupocalypse with mates or a date. It’s the type of relaxed and fun-loving venue where the vibe is intoxicating.

KAIJU! Cantina
27 Hume Street, Huntingdale, 3166
Open Wednesday to Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm–late, Friday to Sunday, 12pm–late
kaijubeer.com.au/cantina

Images: Kim Jane Photography