Published:
July 20, 2024
About Balaclava Hotel
Hearty pub grub, pool tables and open mikes in an easygoing, multiroom establishment with TV sports.
Dine in
Takeout
Delivery
Service Options
Highlights
Bar games
Live music
Live performances
Sports
Trivia night
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Hard liquor
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Planning
Accepts reservations
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Plenty of parking
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
Restroom
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Map
Balaclava Hotel Reviews
Whenever I visit the balaclava hotel, I always look out for Lisa in the gaming area. She is the loveliness and most nicest person that works there. Whenever I think about going to the pokies, I always choose this place because of her. Security can be a bit of a downer, but if they just lighten up a bit, they’d have less confrontations and customers numbers would increase.
- Adriana Brusi
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
What an incredible afternoon celebrating Divas Of The Round Table at an amazing roof top venue!! Lee you were sensational!! From conception to completion you accommodated everything we asked for with a level of customer service that I honestly is almost unheard of these days; and then to have it followed up on the day with your presence in person … Divine!!
What an incredible day for all of us … and thank you for showcasing and recommending this amazing venue Lee!! Didnt even know it existed … and with all the events I host .. you are totally my go to - thanks for making all of us look and feel amazing today. PS the food was amazing here - so shout out to the chefs xxx
- Kea Herewini
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
What a fab venue! Had a lovely evening there the other week, with our fantastic waitress Erin. She was fabulous, super engaged and welcoming! Would defiantly recommend to all. Her drinks were great.
- Chess Winter
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
What a fabulous and surprising rooftop venue atop the Balaclava Hotel!
We hosted a luncheon for a few dozen people on International Women’s Day for our Divas of the Round Table event and all our expectations were not only met, but truly exceeded - across the board.
We arrived up the lift and stepped out to a space that lends itself to the perfect private function away from the hotel vibe downstairs. I’d say its a bit of a hidden secret of Melbourne.
The menu options were perfect and the attention to 'food detail' for quite a large group of our women (with more then half a dozen who had rather particular dietary requirements) was perfect!
It was all so intuitively thought out for each individual. Your kitchen chefs and crew are to be thanked and praised for a wonderful selection and generous portions - no matter what the dietary requirement we had put forward.
I can honestly say that factor ended up being quite a conversation at our table at the time and there was not a person at our event who didnt comment on how pleased they were with the food and options on all three courses.
Also - we cannot thank Lee enough for his exceptional service from beginning to end for our event. It's not often we find someone who goes that extra mile these days, but the service factor we received definitely puts this rooftop venue and the team at Balaclava Hotel now at the top of our list for future options for further events.
Thank you to all the team - they all made the day perfect for our event.
Delighted is the perfect description...
Highly recommended for a private function on the rooftop.
- Sue Bird
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
We had a wonderful 21st celebration at the Balaclava rooftop venue. The staff, atmosphere and food were all wonderful. Parking was easy and free. So happy we chose the Balaclava. Thank you!🤩
- Beverley Stuart
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
We bought the function pack for an 80th birthday party at the Ruth garden and excellent venue free parking at the back a lift to get to the roof. Garden the food packages that we selected were excellent. So many comments on how good the food was. The staff were wonderful I’d recommend this place to anybody.
- Mitchel Fragey
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Was here recently for a function that was help upstairs, It was fabulous!
The venue itself is terrific and the staff are all delightful. Upstairs we had one Bartender who was on top of everything. If you visit and happen to be served by Panos; it may be the highlight of you day, like it was mine.
I also went downstairs for a while to get a proper meal because I ravenous. The food was cooked and presented well and tasted better than it looked. in the short time it took for the food to come I sat down for a few spins of the pokies and even managed to go home with over $100 more than arrived with!
Overall an absolutely marvelous time and highly recommend for work or personal functions or even just on a night that you don't want to cook for yourself.
- foodaholic
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
this place is in the heart of Balaclava with good seating arrangements. but the food and drinks were somewhat okay. it is a busy restaurant which has pokies too. we tried the parma and wings. would still visit the restaurant for occasional drinks.
- Josh Born
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
So we can’t have a cheer or a whistle whilst supporting a beloved afl game, we had a whistle and where told to not to cheer or whistle and by all means we where not being excessive we where trying to enjoy a game of pool and cheer on our team. So to all enjoy and have a great nite at this place as we where not welcome
- Armina
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Just recently moved to the area so trying out all the nearby pubs. Went for dinner with family.
Service was quick and staff were friendly. I had the salmon. Was delicious! Definitely will come back for food and drink.
- Ailsa Graham
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
I’ve lived in balaclava for 6 months now and never have I ever had such a crisp and seamless pint. Delicious. Joe went above and beyond to make the me the happiest and most hydrated girl in balaclava… 10/10 customer service. Would come back again and again (if joe is there).
- Daniel M. Pearn
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
I've been really enjoying hosting the open mic in the upstairs bar area!
- Jane Simonetha
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
I recently had dinner at the Balaclava Hotel with a friend. This is the second time I have attempted to leave a review. Unbelievably, my first one was not published. I ordered a Ceasar salad. It cost, including the chicken, $27. It was so disappointing. I did not receive any croutons, despite this being advertised on the menu, the poached egg was cold, the chicken portion paltry. The size of the salad for the amount I paid was price gouging at best. I have had some pretty amazing meals and some poor ones, and this is up there on poor. I will not be back.
- Julia Z
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
I had my 21st birthday here using the winter package and it was exceptional! Lee made sure everything was organised in advance so my day was as least stressful as possible (and it was). The food was amazing, drinks were spectacular and the rooftop venue was stunning! The staff on the day were incredibly on top of everything and so lovely! Additionally, incredibly accommodating to dietary requirements!
- Kelly Rockette
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Had my brother's birthday here and everyone was so impressed with everything, from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere.
Will be coming back!
- Lauren Davies
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Had a lovely Wednesday lunch, would highly recommend. Zucchini fritters were a great surprise. Erin and Oscar’s service made the arvo, definitely coming back.
- Katherine Stewart
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Had a function on the rooftop - it was excellent. Staff, service and venue all fantastic and even on a cold night the heaters kept everyone warm. Highly recommend!
- Megan Murray
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Great spot. We all enjoyed our meals - the service was quick and pleasant. Open fire nice in a cold night outside. We will be back
- john see
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Great spot for a beer.service is quick, great northern pints are 8 dollars all day everyday and a mid day Parma will set you back 15 dollars. Restrooms are suspicious, the pokies area draws an interesting crowd but look no further than the cheap beers and sky racing on every screen this place is awesome
- Suzanne Hamblin
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Great pub....really good music on a Sunday afternoon....just need better service as its a bit on the slow side when wanting a drink...its quicker to go downstairs
- K Louise
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Great food, thanks to Hayley for the great service and making our night go smoothly! Definitely will be coming back soon!
- Amanda Pain
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Food was poor. Service was ok. Was speaking to someone about the venue. Didn’t realise he was a supervisor as he was wearing a sports hoodie and no ID. Talk about being unprofessional! Wouldn’t recommend this to my worst enemy!
- Lucy Edwards
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Don't bother ordering the steak, asked for medium rare, got medium-well done. Told management, they refused to get me a new one and wouldn't even replace my drink.
EDIT: Later when the manager was out of sight I complained directly to the kitchen, who cooked me a new steak on their own volition. Therefore this negative review is only directed at the manager and their extremely poor attitude on that night 8/7/23.
- MegaasAlexandros
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Best tacos ive ever had, $15 jugs, quick and friendly service, plenty of seating and large screen to watch the footy. Faultless.
- Rusty Linzbichler
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Attended a function recently at the rooftop bar. Food was amazing, service was great. Oscar was incredibly accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure everyone's dietary requirements were catered to. Indigo and Erin were great behind the bar and super friendly. Couldn't recommend this venue more.
- Rus Ti
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
A surprise on Carlisle St!
We came in expecting a standard St Kilda pub environment, and after the rooftop dining was recommended, we made out way upstairs to an awesome rooftop dining area with a great chilled ambience!!
The staff were all excellent. Riley especially was great and made sure we had everthing we needed.
The food was served quick enough that we weren't waiting but not so fast that we felt rushed. Oh, and it tasted GREAT! The Veggies that came with the (yummy!) Parma were top quality. The garlic and cheese bread was superb and the Korean chicken appetisers were SO GOOD!
In short, the Balaclava Hotel didn't just exceed our expectations, it blew them away!
Definitely a diamond in the rough!
- Oriwia Northcroft
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Amazing roof top! Recently celebrated my brothers birthday, catered to everything. Perfect outdoor heaters, bathroom facilities and bar.
- Amy Whyte
20 Sat 2024 at 02.54 am
Absolutely love this pub! Food is delicious, and it has great cosy vibes during the winter. Perfect place for a pub feed and to watch the footy!
- Ashley Woods