The Hack, a recently renovated old building, has a nice vibe, with an open main area at the front, an area behind the central bar, a function room, and of course, outside tables. We started with an Espresso martini, and a glass of Pinot Noir while deciding what to order. Jamie the barman suggested the “set menu” so we get to taste a variety from the menu.
Melbourniancritic (The Melbourne Experience)
+4
When on the hunt for a good pub in Melbourne, we came across ‘The Hack’, a well loved local modern pub located in the heart of Port Melbourne. After hearing so many great things about this local favourite we just couldn’t wait to go check it out for ourselves.
Solid beer list, friendly staff. Good live music when I was in on a Friday night as well. Was in with a group and there's plenty of tables to sit down and have a good chin wag and drink
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I've made a consistent effort to go to every single good place offering smoked BBQ, and the one that caught my eye (and stomach!) at the recent Melbourne BBQ Festival was Burn City Smokers. Hearing that the brains behind Hack learnt his craft and passion for low-and-slow with Burn City should tell you that this promises something special.
And boy, does it deliver. The food is simply a cut above all the established BBQ meat places in Melbourne - bar none. Going with 4 friends, we had the opportunity to try a little bit of almost everything - and the ensuring silence when the food came to the table was punctuated only by chewing, the occasional "Wow, you gotta try a bit of this!", and an exceptional old-school rock music playlist that sets the ambience of the place just right.
Staff were exceptionally attentive, and willing to accommodate inquiries about the food for allergy and preference without hesitation.
Open space dining, both inside and out, would accommodate any size of group coming in.
The beer tap selection here is also exceptional, with a wide variety to please any tastebuds, along with a range of bottles here if something tickles your fancy.
Recommendations for food for the first time would be the beef short rib, classic Limp Brisket burger, beer-battered pickles, and the mac-n-cheese balls.
An experience that you want to get in on quick, so you can recommend it to friends and take the credit!
I have been to most American BBQ places in Melbourne, and this one takes the brisket. Try the short rib, the fries are terrific and the hot wings with blue cheese sauce are worth your time. Limp Brisket burger was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had hands down. Food aside, atmosphere is gorgeous and relaxed and just to tick all my boxes the music was also a thumbs up. Sit near the kitchen for the full experience. Will be a regular
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I heard this place was super kid friendly and on a Sunday afternoon finding a pub/lunch venue that is suitable for kids is a mission. I can honestly say we were able to drink and eat with a 3 and 1 year old with no interruptions. There is lots of room very bright and spacious however, not many tables. The Scandinavian interior is what most places are aiming for these days and the minimalism is perfect with kids. Light timber tables, peach colored walls and a bright neon Blue artwork with The bar name HACK on the walls.
If you don’t like meat there is a huge issue. This is American BBQ and it is very hard to see the word lettuce on the menu. So prepare your self for lots of carbs and protein. The food was nice but as American BBQ is relatively new on the Melbourne scene I’m not very familiar and probably did not appreciate the cooking process and the style of food. To me the menu had fries, chicken wings and a burger and other meat options. It was tasty and the meat in the classic burger was super soft.
The bar staff were very friendly and super helpful. If American BBQ is now your thing this is the place
My key 3 Pointers
* Thank you for the LEGO’s you managed to occupy my kids for hours.
* I can see this venue as a family favorite and the pram space was awesome, if you could add a change table i could potentially pull a all nighter.
* I love meat but Melbourne also loves green and heathy. Would love to see something on the menu that is not going to make me feel like I need to work out for the next 10days.
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Such a great experience here! M and I went in for lunch on a Friday afternoon.
First impressions: What a beautiful space! Funky art work that works wonders for the ambience and so much natural light flooding in. Upon entering we were greeted warmly. We took a seat on the stools near the window and had the menu explained to us. The service was genuine and attentive. I especially appreciated the beer recommendations.
DRINKS!!
The Hack has a tailored range of craft beers, focusing on local and independent brewers. We were able to taste test before placing an order. It was a tough choice, but the Green Beacon won me over.
THE MENU! We were so spoilt for choice. Limp Brisket BBQ is currently running the kitchen and serves up some of THE best slow-cooked American BBQ in Melbourne! Poor M had to deal with my indecisiveness and patiently wait for me to choose what I wanted!
We ordered the following:
Mac & Cheese Croquettes w. Sriracha cream: As a lover of all things cheese, I may be a little biased, but these were incredible!! Crunchy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside. We almost ordered another plate but self-control took over, as mains were yet to come.
Smoked Hot Wings w. Blue cheese sauce: They had me at blue cheese! This may be an acquired taste for some, but M and I scraped the plate.
12 hour Smoked Brisket: Local grass fed, free-range meat, wood smoked from the pit! Deliciously tender and bursting with flavour. Meat lovers, this one is for you.
The Iron Jack: This is by far the most interesting vegan option I’ve seen on any menu. I’ve never tried it as a fruit let alone a savoury option. Truth be told, I couldn’t tell the difference between this and pulled pork! !
BEERMISU: Such a quirky take on tiramisu! This was the cherry on top. M and I shared because by this point we were full to the brim.
If I had a second stomach, I would have ordered a burger as well, but this just provides a good excuse to come back again ;) Thank you The Hack & Limp Brisket for a killer feast!!
Great new restaurant in Port Melbourne.
The service was great and the food even better!
The short ribs were amazing and the hot wings and blue cheese sauce were a hit.
It’s been our second visit in two weeks and we cannot wait to come back!
Great venue and the most delicious food. My husband and I really enjoyed eating here. Try the wings!!! OMGoodness they are amazing, as was all the food we tried.
Loved it. Service was awesome. Music was a little OTT but when asked, they isolated the speaker above our table. Burger was delicious, chips were A1
Food was decent, beer was cheap but the service was the best I've ever seen. Luca behind the bar was so accommodating. Let me alter the menu when the online ordering wasn't available and gave me the best drink recommendation. Thank you for a great experience!
I visited the Cornerstone with a few girlfriends. The meals were all so tasty and the service was exceptional. We had such a nice night, we will definitely be back. Thank you to the staff who went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our night.
Very happy with this place. It was the first pub I had been to since the easing of the restrictions. The lamb cutlets are pretty incredible and the signature pie is a must try. Friendly service and great range of tap beers. As for the price, some of the items are a little pricey for a pub feed but that shouldn't deter you from at least trying it out - they do have cheaper options on the menu also.
Stopped by for a beer after a looong lunch elsewhere.
Excellent service and we even got to participate in a quiz which is always fun and an added bonus.
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