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Restaurant

The Gem Bar and Dining

289 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

Recommended by 46 people

Updated

Find The Gem Bar and Dining

289 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9419 5170
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Gem Bar and Dining

This classic Collingwood corner pub delivers unpretentious honky-tonk energy, cold craft beers, and live music that rattles the floorboards. Deceptively modest out front, the room opens into a labyrinth of cozy nooks, resident dogs hunting for head scratches, and a band room running afternoon gigs. Regulars crowd the counter for well-poured pints and hearty feeds without the customary gastro-pub markup. The kitchen dishes out hefty chicken burgers, crisp chips, and low-and-slow barbecue alongside steaks served straight off the grill with peppercorn sauce.

  • Live Local Gigs: Hosts local rock, country, and post-punk acts with intimate floor gigs and free afternoon sets.
  • Solid Craft Taps: Pours an evolving lineup of craft beers alongside straightforward cocktails in an unpretentious setting.
  • Generous Pub Feeds: Serves slow-smoked barbecue, thick cheeseburgers, and steaks with peppercorn sauce without gastropub markups.
  • Laid-Back Atmosphere: Down-to-earth bartenders and a dog-welcoming front bar give the multi-room venue a relaxed neighborhood feel.
RestaurantPub

What's On at The Gem Bar and Dining

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose The Gem Bar and Dining

What makes The Gem Bar and Dining an iconic Collingwood local

  • Live Bands and Afternoon Sessions

    Patrons enjoy high-energy gigs and daytime sets spanning country, rock, and post-punk right in the bar room.

    One of the most underrated venues in the city, which has predominantly free live shows in the afternoon of country and postpunk music.

    Tim Stew

  • Honky-Tonk Pub Energy

    The venue pairs eclectic vintage styling with a classic, vibrant inner-north honky-tonk atmosphere.

    Such a cool little bar, one of my favourites. Like Melbourne's own little honky tonk.

    Ellen Hookey

  • Hearty, High-Value Pub Dining

    Diners consistently highlight exceptional diner-style burgers and pub staples that represent serious value compared to neighboring spots.

    The cost of the burgers when compared to other options in the area was great value for money.

    Paul no

  • Accessible Dinner Pricing

    An honest kitchen offering generous portions and affordable mains without gastro-pub price inflation.

    So you really get a good deal, especially since you can't really score a full dinner at this price anywhere else.

    C S

  • Genuinely Dog-Friendly Gathering Spot

    The front outdoor area and bar welcomingly accommodate dogs, complete with treats and friendly attention from staff.

    Staff always so kind and welcoming :-) Gave Lily some chicken on a busy night.

    Lora Smith

  • Casual Local Knock-Off Drinks

    Down-to-earth bar staff and outdoor sidewalk seating create an easygoing environment for neighborhood catch-ups.

    It was a nice venue to catch up with some friends and enjoy the sunshine.

    Clare D

Hearty, unpretentious pub meals that deliver exceptional value and satisfaction

  • Cheese Burger

    my go to is the Cheese Burger

    Greg Tippett

  • Steak

    IT WAS THE BEST, IT WAS COOKED LIKE TOP TIER BETTER THAN IV HAD IN A A WHILE.. peppercorn sc slaw and perfect chips

    Shuva Bhakta

  • Chicken Burger

    the chicken burger came close. It was extremely rich. That said, it was also a bargain at 15 bucks!

    C S

  • Bacon Burger

    my friend wolfed down his bacon burger quick smart

    David Grainger

Before you head over

Helpful pointers on timing, gigs, and menus to make the most of your visit

  • Arrive early for live gigs

    Live sets and gigs in the front room can get intimate, loud, and tightly packed; arrive early if you want a clear sightline or a quieter table away from the floor show.

  • Check rotating kitchen offerings

    Kitchen residencies and menus rotate periodically—featuring items like Sonny's burgers and fried chicken or pasta pop-ups—so check the chalkboard or bar counter upon arrival.

  • Bring dogs during afternoon hours

    Drop in with your pup during quieter daylight hours or early afternoons to easily secure a sunny outdoor spot or a comfortable indoor table before band crowds arrive.

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