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So, you’ve got salt in your hair and thongs on your feet but you want to make your way to a bar and soak up the warm summer afternoon or night? Sick of those silly dress codes ruining your spontaneous summer plans? Here are 6 of the best bars to retire to after a day of sand and sun.
Starting the count down at number 1, is the Republica beach bar. This bar tends to outshine most other beach bars due to its prime location and amazing venue layout. You can literally step straight off the sand and into this bar as it is located directly off the St Kilda beach boardwalk.
If you’re not quite ready to leave the beach side just yet, the exterior area has swinging egg chairs, umbrellas and a second smaller caravan bar that looks directly out to the bay.
Dine inside at the restaurant or if you’re still rocking the bikinis under the dress look, take your order through to the middle of the venue to soak up the sun in the outdoor beer garden. This beer garden hosts live music from 6pm on weekdays, 1pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday.
Address: 18/10 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
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The venue making number 2 on our list is the funky ‘Abbey Road’, this retro venue is located right in the heart of buzzing Acland Street. Abbey Road offers inside seating of tables and couches or outdoor seating amongst all the action on the street.
If you’re wondering about the name… yes, this does set the tone for the entire venue. The walls are covered in artworks of different musical legends and the speakers play a range of classic music that adds to upbeat atmosphere.
Abbey Road offers a casual dining environment and is perfect for a spontaneous after beach bite or beverage.
Address: 129/131 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
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(3) VINEYARD RESTAURANT AND BAR:
If you’re looking to relax after your long day in the sun surrounded by quirky décor and funky furniture then our number 3 after beach bar would be the one for you. Just a short stroll up from St Kilda foreshore is the Vineyard Restaurant and bar. This venue taps into the more eccentric after beach kind of bars and caters for all kind of crowds.
The vineyard offers both indoor and outdoor seating, if you’ve had too much sun you can relax inside on one of the comfy couches or if you’d like to continue your tan with a drink in your hand you can unwind in the outdoor beer garden.
Address: 71a Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
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The Branch is perfect if you’re looking for that hearty pub style food and a cold beer after a day in the sun. If you and your friends have sandy feet and are all in thongs (we mean the ones of your feet, pants are always essential) just take a seat in the outside area and soak up the atmosphere of buzzing Acland Street.
The Branch’s on street seating makes it the perfect venue to retire to after a day of salty fun, with live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and a range of food specials, this venue will have you set this summer.
Address: 204 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
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If you’re wanting to have some drinks with a view, located directly across from the beach on the corner of Beach Road and Bay Street is The Sandringham Hotel. Everyone knows a day in the salty water tends to make you peckish, this beach front hotel offers a range of delicious dishes to fill your stomach and boost your energy.
The upstairs patio offers a relaxed and casual environment, perfect for you to retire to after a day in the sun. Have some drinks with friends and watch the stunning sun set over the bay in one of the locals most loved hotels.
Address: Beach Rd & Bay Rd, Sandringham VIC 3191, Australia
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Last but certainly not least is our number 6 after beach bar. If you’re looking for a more relaxed by the beach kind of drinks then the Sand Bar is a great option for you. This venue caters less for your rowdy 18 year olds and more for your sangria in the sun while the kids play on the foreshore kind of crowd.
The Sand Bar is located just metres from the water and the beachside deck boasts a breathtaking view of Port Phillip Bay. This venue is more family friendly, starting off as a café by the beach and beginning to serve drinks from 12pm onwards.
You can wander straight in from the beach have a relaxing afternoon with sand on your feet and a wine in your hand overlooking the bay.
Address: 175B Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park VIC 3206, Australia
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By Elizabeth Spicer
