Leonard’s House of Love

Leonard’s is a ’70s-inspired log cabin and bar, complete with lounge room and pool table, by the team from The Sweetwater Inn. The place is kitted out with log stools, a double-sided stone fireplace, timber-panelled walls and a picket fence outside. There’s a license and DJs until 3am on the weekends. Otherwise, the soundtrack will probably be grunge or rock.

There’s no formal dining area, no bookings, no table service. Instead it’s straight-up burger boxes, plastic baskets, bulk serviettes and the occasional fork. Choose from burgers (including vegan and vegetarian iterations); fried chicken; loaded fries; and three types of nachos. If you're into this kind of food, take note that Leonard's is one of the best at it in Melbourne.

The beer taps keeps the house-party theme going, pouring Leonard's "Bathtub" lager, Brooklyn lager and Young Henrys Newtowner lager – easy-drinkers that you can have a few of without too much thought. There's also fruity cocktail jugs and a small wine list that balances classic, accessible picks with skin-contact whites and other weirdness.