Although necessary, capacity limits have well and truly sucked the spontaneity out of weekends, and if you didn’t make a booking at your favourite restaurant, pub or dive bar back when restrictions were eased, you’re probably not getting one until at least next month. The slacker in us all will however rejoice with this considered, yet honourable list of venues taking walk-ins.
Pro tip: get there early.
Capitano
Carlton
All of Capitano’s outdoor seating is reserved for those without reservations. Nice one.
Leonard’s House of Love
South Yarra
Try your luck at getting your hands on one of Melbourne’s best burgers in one of the city’s best courtyards, because Leonard’s House of Love are doing walk-ins only
Leonardo's Pizza Palace
Carlton
Carlton stalwart, Leonardo's is reserving its al fresco seating for the spontaneous types. Get yourself there stat.
B. East
Brunswick East
Burgers, beers and plenty of seats for those who out the front for those who failed to make plants in advance, find all of the above at the B. East.
The Builders Arms
Collingwood
The Bulders Arms has reserved their charming Gertrude Street courtyard for walk-ins. Get there early, as this one’s expectedly popular.
Paradise Alley
Collingwood
Everyone’s favourite motorcycle workshop turned dive bar, Paradise Alley, is offering up their outdoor courtyard to walk-ins only.
Arbory Afloat and Arbory Bar and Eatery
CBD
Both Arbory Afloat and Arbory Bar and Eatery are offering bookings should you prefer to plan ahead, but they’re also accepting walk-ins. With two venues just a short stroll from each other, you’re bound to have some luck.
Heartbreaker
CBD
A late-night favourite, the CBD’s Heartbreaker is taking bookings and walk-ins.
Embla
CBD
Embla is making sure there are a few seats available to wanderers and walk-ins in the afternoons. Cross your fingers for an evening spot, but don’t bet on it.
The Everleigh
Fitzroy
Anyone who’s visited The Everleigh before would be no stranger to booking in advance, and you can definitely still do so, or, try your luck with several outdoor seats that they’ve kept aside for wanderers and walk-ins.
Black Cat
Fitzroy
Black Cat, the old faithful, is staying faithful to its roots as a casual bar and doing walk-ins only. Drop in for a beer and a yarn with the locals.
Bar Margaux
CBD
Like many, Bar Margaux is in the final stages of getting their al fresco dining area set up, and once they do, they’ll be saving a few spots for walk-ins. Legends.
Windsor Castle
Prahran
The southside oasis, Windsor Castle, is accepting walk-ins as well as bookings. Get there early to avoid disappointment.
The Wine Corner
Carlton
The friendly cellars and wine bar, The Wine Corner, is taking walk-ins. Swing past for an impromptu vino along with a selection of paired snacks and casual share meals.
Planning ahead? Make a booking at one of the many venues reopening around Melbourne.
Image credit: Michelle Jarni