Restaurant

Borsch Vodka & Tears

173 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia

Recommended by 47 people

Updated

Find Borsch Vodka & Tears

173 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 12:30 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Borsch Vodka & Tears

Windsor regulars thaw out inside this dim Chapel Street den over bowls of beet broth and handmade pierogi. The kitchen turns out Polish comfort—tender beef goulash, potato blintzes with salmon, and share plates spread across worn bench tables. Night owls flip straight past the beers to the twenty-page spirits list, pairing dumplings with house vodka tasting flights.

  • Vodka Tasting Flights: Explore custom spirit boards pouring traditional Polish varieties, herbal infusions, and regional fruit brandies from a 20-page drinks list.
  • Homestyle Polish Comfort: Generous portions of slow-cooked beef goulash, beetroot broth, and customizable dumpling combinations spanning cheese and potato to mushroom.
  • Inclusive Bohemian Setting: A dimly lit, bohemian dining room fitted with bench pews, offering extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free adaptations of classic recipes.

What's On at Borsch Vodka & Tears

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Borsch Vodka & Tears

From artisan vodka flights and handmade pierogi to moody bohemian charm, discover Windsor's definitive Eastern European haven—book your table today.

  • Curated Vodka Tasting Flights

    Sample regional spirits and rare infusions via specialized multi-flavor tasting trays drawn from an extensive spirits compendium.

    We tried the vodka tasting tray (highly recommend to explore the different flavours) and the food was sublime.

    Jo NZ
  • Hearty, Soul-Warming Polish Fare

    Thaw out with deeply satisfying Eastern European classics, including rich borscht and comforting homestyle dishes built for brisk Melbourne days.

    Definitely recommend this to anyone needing a polish fix or wanting a warm / hearty winter meal.

    Olivia
  • Dietary-Inclusive Comfort Classics

    Enjoy complete dining flexibility with broad plant-based, vegetarian, and gluten-free adaptations that never compromise on authentic depth.

    easily enough variety to feed a mix of requirements, vegetarian, gluten free, a plain eater, all 5 of us were happy and satisfied!

    Bec Dell
  • Mix-and-Match Pierogi Selections

    Customize your plate across savory cheeses, potatoes, mushrooms, and seasonal fillings to try multiple authentic flavor profiles in one sitting.

    Love that you can mix the pierogis.

    Yung Porcelain
  • Intimate Bohemian Evening Setting

    Relax into dimly lit, moody dining rooms designed for unhurried dinners and warm, lingering conversations.

    I love how dimmed lights create an awesome atmosphere for warm conversations with loved ones.

    Nur Sarikaya
  • Vibrant Night Out with Friends

    Gather around shared zakuski platters and late-night drinks backed by multi-page drink menus in a vibrant Windsor staple.

    An amazing bistro bar for Friday night with friends.

    Kaia Geller

Other favorites

Lesser-known desserts, cocktails, specialty spirits, and fresh sides that complement the main comfort classics.

  • Ice Cream Sandwich

    the ice cream sandwich was amazing (definitely save room for dessert!).

    Olivia
  • Magarita Pikantny

    I especially love the magarita pikantny, but everything we've tried has been good.

    M T
  • Broccolini Salad with Romesco Sauce

    Highly recommend the broccolini salad with romesco sauce - had a great balance of flavour, freshness and texture.

    Yung Porcelain
  • Slivovitz

    They have an impressive range of Slivovitz a slav plum brandy so we sipped a few shots.

    Ninjazu Zu

Beyond the menu

Memorable hospitality nuances and tailored Eastern European traditions—reserve your table to experience them firsthand.

  • Curated Vodka Tasting Flights

    Guests can sample curated spirit trays, including rotating daily flights pairing hazelnut and cherry infusions alongside the venue's premier tasting selections.

  • Customizable Pierogi Platters

    Diners are welcome to mix and match dumpling fillings on a single platter, combining cheese and potato, mushroom, and spicy jalapeño varieties.

  • Inclusive Dietary Craft

    Traditional Eastern European staples are thoughtfully adapted for diverse diets, including dedicated vegan borscht and spiced cauliflower chicken.

  • Traditional Polish Crockery

    Warm broths and comforting dishes are presented in authentic Polish ceramic crockery, adding a tactile, nostalgic touch to table service.

Before you head over

Practical guidance on transport, table pacing, and ordering to ensure a seamless dining experience. Book your table ahead to secure an intimate spot.

  • Opt for the Tram or Scout Side Streets

    Street parking along Chapel Street is tight and often requires circling nearby side streets, but the tram stops directly outside the front door for effortless arrival.

  • Request Staggered Food Courses

    Kitchen service is remarkably prompt; if you want to settle in and explore the 20-plus page drinks compendium, ask your server to space out dishes between courses.

  • Mix Pierogi Styles and Dietary Plates

    You do not have to settle on one filling—take advantage of mixing and matching pierogi flavours to sample traditional cheese and potato alongside vegan and vegetarian fillings.

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