There's plenty of reasons for eating something as greasy as a souvlaki, but for the life of me I couldn't think of one that didn't include alcohol. For that end of the night food-binge, there's few that can hold a candle to the souvlakis from the King - fresh ingredients, great flavour and just the right amount of garlic sauce. And great service too! Local newspaper The Age rated it as one of the best in Melbourne.

Brunswick St, Fitzroy (not far from the corner of Johnston St)

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A decidedly different club down a dirty laneway, this is one of Melbourne's best kept nightlife secrets. Ascend the rickety old stairs and you enter a long space with all the charm you could want - organic design, forward thinking DJs and some great cocktails. It can be a bit exclusive on the door Fridays and Saturdays, so get there before 11 and you should be right.

Duckboard Place (off Flinders Lane, near Exhibition St), Melbourne; www.honkytonks.com.au

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A great all-rounder to finish off a day at the beach or Luna Park, the 'Espy' is bit of a Melbourne institution with a reputation for giving up and coming bands their chance - AC/DC played here when they first started and just about every other famous Aussie band has followed suit. Sit outside on the terrace overlooking the bay or find one of the many shady corners inside to watch the colour acts on the small stage until the big shows start in the main hall. Like most Aussie bars this one also has a slew of pool tables at the back, and serves top-notch food at in-house restaurant The Espy Kitchen.

Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

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The Espy (aka Esplanade Hotel) is a St Kilda institution. Great location, looking out over the bay and back to Melbourne city centre. Mostly known as a live music venue, but as well as the band rooms, there's a public bar, pool tables, good food availble and the best atmosphere of any Melbourne pub.

11 The Esplanade, St. Kilda

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Very good cocktails. The bars on Brunswick Street remind me of being in Hoxton, but without the attitude and fashion victims.

304 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy.

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Currently Bust-a-nut, DJ Kano's night Saturday night is a highlight.

393 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

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The biggest and most glamorous casino in Australia. It also has theatre and concerts and free live entertainment dotted around the complex. Great fun to wander around and admire the kitsch decorative style.

Tram Nos 12, 96 and 109 run past Crown; Flinders Street and Spencer Street Stations are within walking distance. Details at www.crowncasino.com.au/

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This was the coolest bar I went to on Brunswick Street. I couldn't believe the red velvet decor in this place - it could be a Paris salon transported to present-day Australia.

401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

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