Uncle Joe's

Gustavo Gonzalez and Sebastian Butler, the owners of Northcote institution Joe’s Shoe Store, replicated their simple but effective formula at Uncle Joe’s at the start of 2017.

Gonzalez and Butler were lucky enough to find a spot next door to Brunswick wood-fired pizza spot Mankoushe, allowing them to continue the Shoe Store routine of delivering hot slabs of dough and cheese from a friendly neighbour.

The bar is cosy and well suited for a catch up with a close friend. However there is a more substantial booth should you want to bring a larger group along.

Cocktails are kept simple and classic. Think perfectly diluted Martinis and Negronis, although they aren’t averse to a twist. The Espresso Martini incorporates a house-made Lebanese date syrup.

There’s a rotating tap for beer, supported by tinnies from Exit, Pirate Life and Sample breweries. The concise but thoughtful wine list has a nice selection of natural and skin-contact wines alongside local and European imports from Germany to Spain. Butler is also hoping to expand the list to include some Lebanese wine.