The Silverlake Social

The Verdict

The Silverlake Social, a nod to the LA suburb that shares its name, is appropriately fitted out like a glorified West Coast American bar. Complete with a winding bar top, cosy stools, television (permanently displaying US sports) and neon lights—it's authentically American and yet somehow feels more Melbourne than most spots along Chapel Street.

There’s a pool table in one corner if a game tickles your fancy, or head to the banquette seating area of tables spanning across one side of the venue (don’t worry, you can see the telly from pretty much anywhere in the venue). 

There’s an obvious focus on American craft beer (in particular West Coast breweries) with 14 craft beer taps, including eight rotating taps on any day. Yes, the team is a little (read: a lot) committed to craft beer. The Silverlake Social also offer creative cocktails, region appropriate wines (the Mondavi Zinfandel from California is a must) and US craft spirits that are hard to find in Melbourne.

Californian-style maize & tarragon tacos and broccoli jalapeno mac ‘n cheese (there are three types of cheese, yes please) are a must—particularly if you’re watching the game (NBA, NHL, MLB or NFL only, thanks). For lovers of the classics, they offer burgers, hot dogs and tasty buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese ranch sauce.

Dessert is a non-negotiable, particularly if you’re on your second or third stop for the night. Traditional cherry pie is served steaming hot, a combo of pitted cherries, ground cinnamon and house-made pastry. The red velvet cheesecake and choc peppermint whoopie are also strong contenders for an order.    

Image Credit: Griffin Simm for The Urban List