Felix

There's no doubt about it, a sunny Sunday spent in St Kilda can cure all that ails you. Whether that's from laughing heartily at the flotsam and jetsam that make their way along Fitzroy street at regular intervals, or from simply getting your fix of vitamin D as you soak up a cool beer, you can't deny the attraction. Which is where the recently reopened Felix comes in. With an enviable location and never-ending stream of punters (be they locals or backpackers), Felix is a constant hive of activity.

Open early and closing late, Felix is decked out with lounging firmly in mind. While there's plenty of space to cut some rug to one of the many DJs on offer, you'll have to choose between the lounge, dining area or outdoor courtyard in which to socially lubricate yourself. And if you've got the dosh or a caring sugar daddy, the upstairs function space makes private soirees a dream. Heavy on red and black aesthetics, Felix speaks to the devil inside.

Appropriately, there are enough options on the drink list to appeal to any taste. Beer aficionados will find a few locals and imports on tap, while the fridge looks a little further afield - Kronnenburg, Macs Hoprocker, St. Arnou Pilsner and Grolsh numbering among the notable brews. The staff can mix a classic cocktail anytime, but prefer to throw one of the house mixes together. Belt a few St Kilda Sea Breezes (with passionfruit and bitters) and you'll be slurring like a local in no time. And if you're in for a meal the wine list proudly leaps the Tasman to combine the best Australian and New Zealand varietals, with a few French champagnes thrown in for good measure.

Sure, it may be packed during the Grand Prix with the usual ratpack of characters, and weekends in St Kilda bars never really change from one venue to the next, but Felix has the right attitude to make it worth your first port of call.