Opening Thursday 18 April in Foot-s-cray is a three-storey beer haven from the gang behind Moon Dog. Not shy of a theme, Moon Dog this time are opting for a wild west aesthetic with the saloon doors swinging open in March—and it’s going to be twice the size of Preston’s Moon Dog World (AKA massive).
“With a venue of this size, we knew we could achieve something that hasn’t been seen before and really go bigger than we ever have,” says Joshua Uljans, Moon Dog co-founder and chief executive officer.
“We’re hoping to create somewhere for people to enjoy the outrageousness of it all.”
Let’s start with the mechanical bull—punters can expect a full-throttle bucking bull, just like you’ve seen in the movies. If you’re game, jump on and have a crack for some serious fun and clout by the bar. Aspiring bull-rides can consider joining the pros with Moon Dog’s Western Bull Riders Club.
Among the theatrics, also find a western arcade, several pool tables, a funky jukebox, plus a secret Pianola bar and sun-soaked rooftop (don’t touch the cacti).
On the food front, it’s everything Tex-Mex from jalapeno poppers stuffed with cheese, buffalo chicken ribs, a whopping one-kilo T-Bone steak, Western BBQ bacon burger, and some beer-friendly sides like deep fried cheesy mash. There’ll also be the classic gastropub choices if all you’re after is a killer chicken parma.
And, of course, the beer? Plenty of it. There will be 100 taps pouring Moon Dog classics as well as specialties to keep up to 800 people smiling with a brew in hand. Expect the usual suspects across wine, spirits and non-alco options.
The cocktail menu is nothing of the ordinary, crafted by three-time Australian Bartender of the Year winner, Chris Hysterd-Adams. The team are slinging boozy slushies, huge group-serving bevs like a hard iced tea, and themed-shots served in cowboy boot shot glasses.
It might take a few visits to experience every element of this desert dream. Moon Dog Wild West is located at 54 Hopkins Street in Footscray.
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Image credit: Moon Dog Wild West | Sam Schultz