Wife & I are heading to Melbourne for the World Cup final this weekend - couple of important questions:
(1) best pubs to have a beer at before the game
(2) venue for live music on Saturday night
Fingers crossed we beat India on Thursday!!
Saffas V Kiwis is on TV in the in office - not sure how much work I will get done today
Chin Chin in flinders lane is best food in Melbourne.
for pubs Bridie O'reilly's in chapel St Young & Jackson in Flinders St Elephant & Wheelbarrow in Bourke St
best place to get coffee and feel the melbourne cafe vibe is flinders lane just down from young & jacko's
some great pubs in Richmond and Fitzroy enjoy…
place to stay clear of …Docklands.
have fun
I find myself having to agree with Cobra for a change 
Chin Chin is indeed one of the best feeds going around. Love that place. Make sure you go the short beef rib - ask Vanders - its now his fav item on the menu ! I also love the chicken shredded coleslaw. But to be honest I have never not enjoyed every dish out of that place. Make sure you go early as you can not book and it gets pretty busy by 6:30pm. Meatballs just 100m down the road is also a good spot for a feast.
Pretty much every pub in Melb is great! I really like the Pinnacle in Fitzroy. It has several delicious brews on tap, does nice food and have some great music out the back in the arvo's on the weekend.
www.fitzroypinnacle.com.au/
In fact my friends band is playing there this Sunday from 4-7pm - a 6 to 7 (depending how many show up) piece jazz band.
Just seen the score and it looks like we need to get danger man ADB out or we will not be there
Select to expand quoteCobra said..
Chin Chin in flinders lane is best food in Melbourne.
for pubs Bridie O'reilly's in chapel St Young & Jackson in Flinders St Elephant & Wheelbarrow in Bourke St
best place to get coffee and feel the melbourne cafe vibe is flinders lane just down from young & jacko's
some great pubs in Richmond and Fitzroy enjoy…
place to stay clear of …Docklands.
have fun
Hit the nail on the head with all the above options Cobra!
Chin Chin is the bomb! Awesome menu for food and drinks, really cool vibe and the staff are something else 
Hearing the names of those places brings back memories of a surprise birthday trip a couple of years ago, got flown over for Hawks/Cats game.
Thanks gents - just need to get past India tomorrow.
Great finish to last nights game
Have I mentioned I'm going to the World Cup Final?
Can't wait, day off work today to get the home front sorted, in-laws down tonight to look after groms, 7am flight from Cooly tomorrow.
After putting up 327 last night I was happy, thought we may be 20 runs short however I remembered when we played Sri Lanka at the SCG , a stat came up that there had not been a successful run chase over 275 to win a game.
Then getting Kohli out for 1 I thought we had sealed it, as India have lost 60% of games since 2011 when Kohli scores under 20 outside of the sub-continent. (stat from the TV coverage as well).
All batman have scored runs at some time during the tournament, all bowlers have taken wickets at crucial times and the fielding is getting better.
I've packed the special outfit for Sunday and will post photos next week - trust me it is special!!
Hey Dazzler,
If you want a good bar close to the G check out HolliAva (its right opposite Richmond Station), or if you are in the city and fancy something a bit different you could try The Croft Institute, Madame Brussels (the wife will love this place), Section8 or one of my favourites for food and beer.......... Hophaus Bier Bar & Grill on Southbank.
Not sure about live music but generally if I am looking for a new bar or restaurant I have a look at www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne as it has some great reviews and suggestions for new joints.
Have a great time in the best city in the world 
The Swan Hotel in richmond is good for pub food and cover bands
Hofebrauhous in southbank is good for German food and half litre steins for 10 bucks
College lawn in Pahran is good for a sunday session
Cricketers Arms in South melbourne is good for food and beer
The Palace Hotel in South Melbourne is a good "Gastro Pub"
Morris Jones in Pharan does the best food in Melbourne hands down...the chef their was Gordon Ramsays go to guy in LA and Vegas and he did his apprenticship at Veu De monde
