Mietta's Review
The Pheonix is Lou Richards old pub, the legendary haunt of Herald Sun Journalists. Its facade is unassuming (read-easy to walk right past!!), but when inside this place is a safari of levels, booze and animal prints. With tiger print carpets on the first floor, zebra print on the mezzanine level, the second and basement levels are bit more staid, but just as funky. On weekends this place can get very wild, open late, it's the spot to end a very crazy night off, but during the week, it's a comfortable and convenient place to meet for a quite drink and some mezze style eating after work. The service is casual, friendly and accommodating, and the music is played at a volume that won't impede your conversation.

Other published opinions
Age Cheap Eats 2006

Age Cheap Eats 2005

theage (melbourne) magazine 4/12/04 Melinda Houston "For something a little funkier, this former pub is the perfect choice. Cheap and cheerful and with a retro-groovy (dare we say cheesy?) interior courtesy of the Six Degrees guys"

The Foodies' Guide 2004,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'A current hipsters' haunt,this re-worked pub offers a great bar feel as well as good food.The menu changes frequently and favours our preferred style of bar fare-fired and hearty.Try the calamari or the crumbed cheese-filled mushrooms.'

Age Cheap Eats 2004,Good Bar,Somewhere really special,'Zebra-print carpet,1960

Age, Epciure, 17/2/04, Melinda Houston

Cheap Eats 2003, Bar of the Year.

Age, Barfly Joe Clay, 4/3/02

Age $10, 28/8/01

Age, Epicure, Unexplored Territory, 9/7/02, Matt Preston

Age, Sunday Life, Eat Streets,3/8/03, John Lethlean