Spudbar

As the name states, this is, indeed, a «spuds» bar: Anything potato or sweet potato, topped with assorted choices of meats and/​or veggies. Located in a prime business and residential area, just off St Kilda Road on Commercial, this little hole-​in-​the-​wall is a popular «fast-​food» spot for the masses who work in the surrounding office buildings. It’s a pretty tight interior set-​up, with a stand-​up eating counter, as well as a few tables inside and out. I had the pulled-​pork over on a regular potato ($ 12), which they topped with shredded cheese, peas, corn, spinach, jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream, with a sprinkle of green onions (or spring onions, as they call it Down Under). The preparation of the potato (served in a bowl) was interesting in that they break-​up/​mash-​up the potato (skin and all) with a pair of metal salad tongs, as opposed to slicing it down the middle and pinching it open, then add the variety of toppings. For an American, a 12-​buck potato is pretty steep price-​wise; however, this is Melbourne, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world… And, it did fill me up, despite its smallish appearance. I can’t really say that I’m a «fan» just yet, so I’m giving this joint 3−½ stars to start… :)

This place is soon becoming one of my favourite last minute dinner establishments. The sweet potato, grains and feta salad is my favourite! The sweet potato and quinoa make it a substantial meal and the spinach and other bits make is tasty and healthy. If I’m feeling really hungry, I get the slow cooked lamb spud which is delish! I’d much rather go here than Subway or other fast food places. They’re just as quick and much healthier.

A little on the expensive side here. These aren’t your typical enormous potatoes like you get at some other baked potato places, no, just regular-​sized potatoes. Prices begin at ~$ 8 and go up from there. Do not, under any circumstances, order a Hawaiian sweet potato. Trust me. Worst combo ever.

This place is exactly what it sounds like. A bar for baked, topped potatoes. Scrumptious!
Serving three kinds of potato — regular, baby (for the kids) and sweet potatoes (at an extra cost), this Spudbar really can’t be faulted. Like your favourite sandwich shop, there are a variety of topping combinations you can choose from or you can go the creative route and choose from the vast range of options in front of you. We’re talking everything from your usual suspects like sour cream, cheese and tomato to beetroot, baby spinach and pineapple.
My only issue is that it can get seriously busy. But you can’t really blame a place for being popular, can you?
Fast, cheap (under $ 10), healthy and satisfying. What more do you want?