Houndstooth

Houndstooth is the very definition of cheap and cheerful. Housed in a Johnston street shop front, this bar/restaurant offers unbeatable value for money. With simple but hearty mains starting at $15 for two courses and then going up in $5 increments for each additional dish, it's popular with both students and the many artist/boho types that haunt Fitzroy. The decor fits this low-key and comfortable approach with whitewashed brick walls, long communal tables, upholstered bench seating, hand-written menus on blackboards and plenty of op shop brick-a-brac. Nothing amazing, but it is bright and breezy; the floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to look out onto the always entertaining Johnston Street as you get through your wine and lamb shanks.

Like the rest of the venue, the alcohol selection is modest but reasonably priced. There's Heineken on tap for cheap and a nice mix of local microbrews. The wine list isn't huge but, yes, they're all pretty cheap - just the thing if you're sporting a beer wallet and a champagne mouth. If you're in the area and looking for a low-key but atmospheric place to drop in for a drink, Houndstooth has plenty of Fitzroy charm.