Gerald’s Bar

Pretty darn Ace! A huge wine list; long and varied, with some great labels– some of Australia and the rest of the world’s best labels. Some really good varieties, not just the usual stock standard favourites. They will have a few wines open at any one time, which makes practical sense, so be sure to ask, what’s on the current rotation, you’re sure to find something that works for you. Elsewise, sit at the bar, and enjoy some antipasto. Of course all your favorite usual beverages, and cocktails will be avaiable here. Highly recommend for a post dinner tipple and thier respective selection for such.

Terrific wine bar. Gerald’s is famous for it’s rustic atmosphere, eclectic vinyl collection and friendly-​yet-​brusque service (I miss Bruce, who departed a couple of years ago).
Any by famous, I mean it. Gerald’s is one of those institutions that feels part of the fabric of Melbourne. A bit like Pellegrini.
To give you an idea of the feel of Gerald’s– this was Gourmet Traveller’s Bar of the Year in 2010. I recall the customers and staff being pleased, but mildly miffed about it — why miffed? Because they are a local bar, they are a hospo bar and quite proud of it.
Gerald’s has a constant rotation of Reds and Whites open. I always go for these — they’re not the high-​margin plonk that you get in some wine bars. They are genuinely interesting and varied.
The food is Trattoria style — the menu hangs from butcher’s paper that is draped over a ladder. Want to see the menu? The ladder slides your way. Order the charcuterie or some other sliced meat and you’ll get to see the hand-​cranked meat slicer in action. May sound odd, but it’s a beautiful machine to watch.
Unpretentious, quirky and interesting. Can see what Gourmet Traveller were on about. Can see why locals were grimacing about them shouting about it.

Could this be the best wine bar in Melbourne? I’m going to say yes. I absolutely love it here. I had been here years ago when I used to live in the area and frankly I don’t know why I hadn’t returned earlier.
Sitting at the bar would have to be the best spot in the house. The staff are friendly and attentive noticing all the oddities on the bar and walls definitely makes for some interesting talk.
We ordered the mixed cured meats plate as well as the broccoli, burrata and almonds to go with our wines. I could not fault anything. The meats were absolutely divine (this coming from someone that rarely eats meats!) and the broccoli was the perfect compliment.
The vibe in here is like you are at someone’s house. Everyone seems to be jovial in here and it just makes you want to be friends with all of them.
I’m definitely going to not wait years again before I return!

I had the pleasure of experiencing Bastille Day at Gerald’s Bar with some of the rowdiest French people on the planet. As you can imagine they were in high spirits and wanted to party the night away.
The staff at Gerald’s (3 or 4 guys who collectively must have worked in the hospitality industry for 100s of years) were so much fun and did everything in their powers to ensure the Frenchies — and other peeps who got involved — had the night they wanted. By the end of the night a rather well oiled crowd was mesmerized by one of the staff singing La Marseillaise in perfect pitch to rapturous applause.
Great hospitality. I wish I lived closer!

Who would have thought that Gourmet Traveller’s Bar of the Year 2010 would be nestled in Rathdowne Village? Unpretentious, warm, welcoming, and with an openness to wine that is hard to find at other wine bars, it’s a great place to relax with friends.
What I particularly like is the pay by the glass policy. With about 50 wines on their list, this means you can potentially taste something different each day. Glasses are determined by what is ordered first. I think this is a great idea that should be copied by other wine bars and restaurants.
Although Gerald’s Bar is definitely offers a unique wine experience compared to the busier venues in the CBD, my experience was average. When I arrived on a Saturday evening around 9.30, the place was packed and the decibel level was high. We ordered an amazing bottle of Rioja ($ 55), but were informed that this was our last drink of the night because the place was about to close. It was 9.30pm?! One bottle of wine between 5 people, surely we’d finish that in half an hour and have time for another bottle. Apparently not.
I’ve heard great things about this place and want to love it, but I guess I have to wait another day for the full enjoyable service. At least I did taste an amazing bottle of wine…
P. S. They don’t accept cards. For a wine bar that serves bottles on the average of $ 50-​$ 60, that’s slightly ridiculous.

If I opened a bar in my house, I’d want it to be just like Gerald’s. It feels a bit like an intimate, cozy speakeasy in someone’s house. There’s classic cinema paraphernalia spattered around the bar and touches of kitsch here and there.
The food is simple and tasty, the wine list is outstanding and the noise levels are just right. Most nights you’ll find Gerald himself behind the bar. He mixes a perfect G&T and will help you pick a wine if you’re stuck.
The crowd is a nicely balanced mix of people aged from their twenties through to sixties, which I think is one of the best indicators of a relaxed venue that people are drawn to because of its quality rather than popularity.
Take your mum or take a date — just don’t miss the cheese platter.