It was a particularly warm day and I walked to a meeting in South Melbourne. Despite it being late in the afternoon, the notion of eating and drinking all day had escaped me and feeling especially parched, when I walked past Gasolina on South Wharf, not only was I a tad surprised as I did not even know that something had opened up in the vacant shed space but it also looked somewhat cool and inviting. Of course the sign advertising a pizza and beer for $19 on the pedestrian walkway is what sealed the deal.
The open space has its bar as the focal point in the centre of the property. Some lounges and tables are scattered near one of the windows where other more conventional bar-like tables dot the place and incidentally there is a considerable amount of space between the tables which I found novel. As there is direct access to the garage next to Gasolina which houses custom motorcycles and a few automobiles, the motoring theme spills over into the restaurant and bar. Besides the chopper with custom paint that was parked in between tables, most curiously were the addition of "Transformers" forms of art. Yes, you guessed it, replicas from the latest Michael Bay movie(s) where one stands in the corner staring at the guests and I spotted another smaller one outside. Very novel and amusing and they certainly lead to a bit of conversation in between pints of the wonderful Victorian 2 Brothers Kung Foo beer. This hydration was enjoyed after trying the "meat pizza" that was on offer along with a pot of Carlton Draught for $19. The taste of the pizza itself could have been enhanced with more meat but the crust was just fine and for the hungry and thirsty patron like myself that was looking for something cheap and cheerful, which evolved into a few pints after the fact enjoying the surrounds had his expectations met.
Although the venue doesn't have "water views" like its brothers and sisters on the other side of the footpath, for a bar that has a comprehensive menu it makes for an intriguing alternative to the Melbourne Public which is spitting distance away or any of the other properties within the South Wharf precinct where you may want a substitute for a "formal" experience. Live music which is scheduled on occasion is a welcome addition to the Wharf precinct and is worth a visit.
Gasolina
25 Dukes Walk, South Wharf VIC 3006
My Rating: 12.50/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3.25/5
Quality: 3.25/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
At the time of this post, 90% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon like Gasolina.
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