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Restaurant

Hold Bar & Eatery

87 Fletcher St, Essendon VIC 3040, Australia

Recommended by 61 people

Updated

Find Hold Bar & Eatery

87 Fletcher St, Essendon VIC 3040, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 400 163 954
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Hold Bar & Eatery

Essendon locals slip into this snug neighbourhood haunt for hearthside comfort, sharp wine picks, and plates built for sharing. Run by owners Bec and Belle on Fletcher Street, the room hums with warm, low-lit energy—perfect for unwinding over garlic focaccia, crumbed chicken with maple barbecue, and pillowy homemade gnocchi. The drinks list champions female-owned distilleries alongside smart cocktail pours. Regulars often aim for the fireplace corner, lingering over bowls of twice-cooked crispy potatoes.

  • Thursday Steak Night: A bundled $30 weekly deal serving steak, fries, salad, and an included beverage.
  • Distillery Showcases: Spirits and cocktail lists highlight female distillers alongside curated pours.
  • Fireside Seating: Cosy hearthside seating in the back for unhurried dinners and intimate group gatherings.
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What's On at Hold Bar & Eatery

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Hold Bar & Eatery

Discover why locals gather at Hold Bar & Eatery for intimate dinners, comforting drinks, and effortless celebrations.

  • Thoughtfully Sourced Sips & Dishes

    A curated drinks menu featuring female-owned distillers pairs with comforting dishes like slow-cooked brisket, homemade gnocchi, and labneh.

    The drinks are well priced and showcase some wonderful female owned distilleries

    Ben Sorensen

  • Thursday Steak Night Value

    Every Thursday, diners enjoy a complete dining package featuring steak, crisp fries, fresh salad, and a beverage for $30.

    Thursday Steak Night, which was $30 and included steak, fries, salad and a drink of your choice. The steak was pretty good with a decent portion, and overall, it was definitely worth the money.

    Karleen

  • Hearthside Warmth & Relaxation

    An authentic open fireplace and eclectic book shelves create a calm, lingering space to slow down and unwind.

    We started our evening off by enjoying happy hour by the fire place, alongside the eclectic assortment of books.

    Sydney Scott

  • Softly Lit, Comforting Atmosphere

    Intimate candlelight, soft lighting, and warm neighbourhood hospitality offer an unhurried backdrop for dinner dates and casual evenings.

    The setting strikes the perfect balance: softly lit and relaxed, yet full of life and energy.

    Silvano Brocca

  • Private Fireside Celebrations

    Dedicated semi-private space by the back fireplace lets birthday dinners and group celebrations unfold with attentive personal care.

    as requested, we were set up by the little fireplace at the back and more or less had that area to ourselves.

    bluedan1873

  • Affirming, Hands-on Hospitality

    Warm, attentive hosts ensure every guest feels recognized and accommodated, turning group milestones into effortless gatherings.

    They made what usually feels hard (birthdays), into an affirming, comfortable atmosphere where I felt truly catered for.

    Lil Desille

Customer Favorites & Signature Dishes

  • Thursday Steak Night

    We went for steak night, and both steaks were cooked perfectly, exactly how we ordered them.

    Amalia Carroll

  • Garlic Focaccia

    The garlic focaccia was absolutely unreal and easily one of the highlights of the meal

    Amalia Carroll

  • Beef Brisket

    We tried the beef brisket, which was tender and full of flavour

    Silvano Brocca

  • Homemade Gnocchi

    homemade gnocchi, light, fresh and full of personality.

    Silvano Brocca

Other favorites

Desserts & Specialty Drinks

  • Hot Chocolate Brownie

    We also ordered desserts, including the hot chocolate brownie and a salted caramel dessert (I can’t remember the exact name), and they were both so delicious!

    Karleen

  • Charcoal Donuts

    I tried their dessert the charcoal donuts and it was sooooo delicious

    Kloud Bahnas

  • Limoncello Spritz

    popped in for a quick Limoncello Spritz and was not disappointed, was on my own and couldn’t have been made felt more welcome!

    Ross Callanan

  • Elf Water

    highly recommend trying the Elf Water, spicy chorizo and pumpkin main!

    Shenelka Fernando

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality touches that elevate visits at Hold Bar & Eatery

  • Fireside Books & Board Games

    Guests can sit beside an indoor fireplace with an eclectic collection of books and board games while unwinding with drinks or waiting for meals.

  • Female-Owned Distillery Features

    The curated bar program intentionally champions bottles from female-owned distilleries alongside seasonal happy hour offerings.

  • Descriptive, Sensory-Considerate Menus

    Cocktail descriptions detail flavour profiles rather than merely listing ingredients, creating an accommodating, sensory-conscious atmosphere.

  • Dedicated Fireplace Celebration Nook

    Groups celebrating birthdays can reserve the dedicated back fireplace nook for personalized, attentive hosting and private gatherings.

Before you head over

Practical tips for timing your visit, seating by the fire, and dietary details.

  • Visit on Thursday for Steak Night

    Reserve for Thursday Steak Night to secure the $30 steak, fries, salad, and beverage special.

  • Request Seating by the Fireplace

    Request hearthside seating in advance, especially when organizing a celebration or group dinner.

  • Check Dietary & Pet Guidelines

    Note that most menu items contain dairy, and outdoor seating at the front is required if bringing a dog.

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