Daniel Brooks
I have been coming here somewhat frequently over the last 2-3 months - probably much to the exasperation of the staff, haha - and have been given nothing less than the VIP treatment by the team, all whilst they consistently maintain a perfect grasp of professionalism that many other bars seem to be sorely lacking. They'll greet me by name when I wander in, they'll already be pouring my favourite beverage before I sit down and they'll always make sure I've bloody well checked in. This isn't aimed at a select few of the staff either, but the staff entire. I've no idea where you managed to get this fantastic collective of employees from, but I'll be honest with you, I've worked in a lot of bar and restaurants over the years and seeing a team work this well together is both incredibly rare and glorious to behold. Thanks guys.
Wineboyo
A small fairly hip bar with some not bad items on their menu.
Courtyard out the back which is pretty standard on high st.
Wines by the glass could be improved
Kit Shea
Great atmosphere - ordered broccoli pizza which was one of the best pizzas I've ever had (I'm a meat eater).
Ruby M
Love Joe's. Cute booths, tunes on vinyl, yummy drinks. Hits the perfect mark of trendy and homey. You can order in pizza from next door. I always feel welcome.
Jes Bate
Possibly the worst experiance Ive had since being back in Melbourne.I have PR and carry proof of my international vaccine history.The woman who i assume was the manager was so incredibly rude, and seemed put out when I said I couldnt checkin like everyone else.This used to be one of my favourite bars and I was a regular, but after this experiance i felt discriminated and wont be back!
Ben Barone-Nugent
Rock solid Melbourne bar. Good cocktails, super chill—what more could you want?
Hidden Creep
I come in there I order a pizza 45 minutes later I get a pizza not too long of a wait considering how busy it was but I look at my plate and I see this fuhgeddaboudit I wouldn't want to attend a christmas party with whoever made this pizza
Steph Luxmoore
Love this place. It's an institution in the area and you're always guaranteed a great cocktail and an intro to some new tunes. Bar seats are good or if you're lucky you can snag a booth + you can order pizza from next door and bring it in. Amazing wallpaper in the loo too!
Jason_Chen
pretentious/ugly staff that play the same tired records that skip constantly. <br/><br/>please leave your attitude and trust fund hipster cool in a damp spot somewhere under the bar and lift your service. <br/><br/>for a better experience go to kelvin, low key or the merri creek tavern. you won't find virtue signallers with a chip on their shoulder there!
Theleftofcentre
What’s not to love - it’s a cool bar on a cool strip, the lighting is always moody, the eclectic wine list is fantastic, staff know their stuff and they play vinyl. On the verge of Northcote institution status.
Justin Nancarrow
I have been coming here for many years. Great atmosphere, great staff and nice place to hang out in winter and summer. Keep up the good work guys.
Carla
This place is lovely, old school booths nice vinos and lovely staff very laid back vibe. Highly recommend for casual drinks, you can order pizzas from next door as well
Two Sheds
Good lighting. Nice mood mostly. Very good old fashioned service here. Our international guest, a hard man, thought it was a great spot. Great Negroni here as well. The only thing we didn’t like was that they’d played some bewilderingly awful music for about 20 minutes and it was hard to hear. Apart from that, we had a great time.
Adam.m.rando
I found the place different to other bars and enjoyable. One downside is the service, I had made an order and requested to change it, the bar tender was very rude and refused to change the request. It seemed as if I was bothering them with a change, I was very disappointed. I won't be going back.
Anthony Poppa
Service was rude and disrespectful. I asked to change my drink and staff refused and said "no, we can't do this". I was stuck with drinks that I didn't want.
Sarah Evans
One of my favourite little bars. Such a nice vibe, very relaxed and cosy. I love the simplicity of it. Staff are always very polite and helpful and open for a bit of a chat. The booze can be a little on the expensive side but it's worth it for some of my favourite imported craft beers I struggle to find elswhere
Bonsaisly
Amazing Espresso Martini's. A fantastic place to take a date when you want to sit close in dark nook and talk with perfect 80s turns playing in the background on vinyl.
Lizzie
I was here last night with a group of about 7 people. Overwhelmingly the one thing we all noticed was how rude the staff were. It genuinely felt like ordering a drink was a major inconvenience to them or as if you were disturbing them. Sometimes you get one rude staff member, it happens and maybe they are having a bad night, who knows. But ALL of the staff were rude. And they seemed particularly incensed by asking for a drinks menu. In the end I found myself just ordering as fast as I could so as not to piss them off, realised how ridiculous this was and we all decided to leave and go across the road. <br/>I think otherwise it probably has good potential but is just totally ruined by the snobby staff.<br/>
Christine Stephen
Amazing ambience. It's right there but you could walk past this bar and not notice it! Cozy location, good bar for a date! Used to be a shoe store now converted to a bar.
Molly Mckew
Ambience is welcoming but not offensively cheery. The beer garden is well heated and the ashtray changeover happens once per 2 cigarettes by average by the staff, who seem everywhere, yet no where. The small change on a saucer and insistence on beer coasters is frighteningly unnecessary, but reflective of the hands off, yet attentive, service.
The Tastebud
We popped in here for a couple of aperitifs prior to dinner at Estelle Bistro, a few doors down.<br/>We lounged at the bar and I thoroughly enjoyed watching my magnificent Espresso martini being created. We followed with a round of g&ts.<br/>Interior and ambience was great.<br/>Waitresses were lovely.<br/>We would return!
Starr
Great everything, except the mediocre service. Cmon guys... it's totally geared to be amazing, just you need to get on board ..............
C
While you can still get a decent cocktail at Joe's, you need to pick your moment (i.e. your staff member). <br/><br/>Has a decent drinks menu, and a good selection of spirits. For the most part drinks are handled deftly - for the most part.<br/><br/>Great decor inside, but the courtyard out the back could certainly do with some work. I'm all for low-key, but this is more don't-care-sharehouse-key.<br/><br/>Remains a good place for a drink on a street that has a few decent bars, especially after a meal. Closes earlier than a lot of bars in neighbouring suburbs.
Nick The Greek
Sneaky Bar ....low key from the street ....impressive once inside..great craft beers to choose from and nuts and pretzels. Beer garden hidden away out the back . Good choice for an above average night out.
Caffiend
A bar in a re-purposed shoe store! Whether it be snuggling up in a booth with a whisky on a winter's night, a Campari soda in the beer garden in summer, or a beer at the bar at any time of year, Joe's Shoe Store has all bases covered. A distinctive Deco vibe with the DJs spinning an eclectic and fun mix of vinyl. Pretty good.
Matthew Connolly
I used to deliberately bring friends here cos I thought it was good. Never again. <br/>Let me explain. <br/>Walked in with my wife and brother in law for a cheeky Sunday arvo beer.<br/>One woman behind the bar and two other customers at the bar. <br/>Stand at the bar catch her eye and wait for her to come over. <br/>First she turns away and slowly changes the vinyl record playing, glances up, sees me again, ignores me and then starts counting notes in the till.<br/>I go back to our seats quite perplexed and explain what happened to everyone's confusion. Decide to try one more time. <br/>Back to the bar get ignored. <br/>Say to the barmaid "excuse me, could I get three beers " and get a cool response of "I'm sorry I'm busy with other customers ".<br/>So we left and won't be back.
Hipster Douchebag
Used to be good but gone downhill. Staff are obnoxious. Full of posers. Drinks are half full. There are plenty of better options nearby like woolies carpark and a box of wine.
Beau James
Good beers and good food. The beers are good, and the pizza's from next door are awesome too ... Joe's Shoe Store is a standard favourite for those close to High Street. The only issue is getting a seat as there really isn't much room. You've been warned.
The Melbourne Local
This is a great place to kick back, listen to some vinyl and enjoy the little things in life.
KYYL
The atmosphere was buzzing at Joe’s Shoe Store, with patrons packed into both the bar, as well as lining up out the back for ribs and brisket. We hunkered down in the dark at the end of the queue with hot toddies to keep us warm as we inched towards the light at the end of the courtyard. By the time we’d reached the service counter, ribs were unfortunately sold out, so we ordered a bit of the pulled pork and brisket, with BBQ sauce, potato salad, coleslaw and brasserie bread rolls. To be honest, the food was disappointing. Missing was the amazing aroma of spices and wood smoke that filled the restaurant at Goode Company, replaced by the smell and bitter taste of butane. The meat was dry and there was also quite a bit of gristle in the brisket. On the bright side, loved the drinks and set up at Joe’s Shoe S
Nic Cril
Someone called Joe will no longer sell you lace-up brogues but this dark, groovy drinking hole keeps the Northcote cool kids well wined and beered. Has backyard seating, and you can order pizza from next-door.
Maxi
Cool vibe. Joe's shoe store is such a cool retro place without the attitude although sometimes the music selection doesn't suit the mood of the place. Most of the staff are friendly and deliver good service and can mix a decent cocktail. Sometimes when it gets very busy then both the service and the drinks can miss the mark. Overall this is a great place with a nice outdoor courtyard area and they don't even mind well behaved kids. You can order pizzas from Meine Leibe next door but always best to ask how long the wait is before you put your order in. Great selection of cocktails, beers and wine and you can buy a bowl of nuts or pretzels to accompany your drink. Some quality olives would be a great addition.
Mike
The staff here are the epitamy of hipster douchebaggery. And for christs sake serve a latte. It ain't any different to a flat white. Idiots.
Moreplease
Great atmosphere. The atmosphere of this place is great. Very cool and comfortable, especially the outdoor area. Service was average. But thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon enjoying a drink with family.
Dunb0022
MacD. I never post bad reviews but it's not often you have a bad dining experience in Melbourne. We ordered 4 pizzas and waited an hour for their arrival. On asking for an update we were advised there was a 45 minute wait, which was the first time we were told. We waited another 15 minutes and then told staff we had a friend's show to be at and just could not wait any longer. Staff refused to provide a refund for pizza that took 1.15 hours to arrive, blaming the restaurant next door that cooks the pizza and taking no ownership whatsoever for the situation. We agreed to take one for the road (starving by this stage) and collect the rest, which would be kept warm on top of the pizza oven, at the end of the show. On collection only one was in contact with the top of the oven so the other two were cold. Not good enough guys.
Jane Park Drive
Always liked this place until tonight when I had to wait 5 mins for bartender to serve me even though I was the ONLY one waiting. So snobby, so Northcote
Chickenchippyz
Best Bar in Northcote. I come to Joe's Shoe Store often and really enjoy the atmosphere. There are new beers to try on tap each visit and a solid list of cocktail favourites. The staff are always friendly and make an effort to have a chat with the customers. A welcoming atmosphere!!! The only downside is that the DJ's can be rather miscelaneous one week to the next and the courtyard is a bit on the dark side - but will definitely be coming back with friends soon! Thanks Joes!
Jjsoupman99
Pretty good. Two guys on the bar seemed pretty friendly, much nicer than the female bartender that was behind the bar the first time I went to this place. Good atmosphere, good music, all around pretty cool vibe. Will definitely be back.
Sabrina Foenander
Always great - however tonight a new bartender was loud, and irritating. She was ridiculing the alcohol choices of those ordering to her friend who was sitting at the bar. Was really annoying. We left promptly. Was left a bit sad by the whole experience. Saying this we love the place.
Doggers
Great boozer. Has recently become my local. Great great pub.
K
Perfect bar. Great drinks, friendly staff, perfect atmosphere. I love going for a beer and nuts, or a wine with pizza ordered over the fence from Meine Leibe.<br/>Love love love it
Hell Boy
What a place the hot Latin bar man made the best cock tail and the skinny guy with the glasses what a hunk cant the best night of my life
Mel
Relaxed, yet lively. We went for the first time last night. The boys raved about the beer and the wine selection and espresso martinis were great.<br/><br/>Very dimly lit and the music selection was rather eclectic, though a great atmosphere which was lively and friendly.
Josh
Relaxed atmosphere, good range of drinks and real vinyl playing on the stereo
Gin
Dimly lit, spartan decor, microbrewed beer, beardy boys. Typical inner urban pub. Only variation is the capacity to order pizzas from next door and have them delivered to your table in the pub.
David IRE
Staff have little idea on customer service. Don't order a pizza from next door unless your free to the middle of next week.
Angie
Was disappointed with the service here a few weeks back. Had been previously and really enjoyed the place but second time around was a different story. One particular bar man was completely full of himself and actually rolled his eyes and scoffed at me when I ordered a particular drink (don't order chambord or you'll get the same response) Adding to the fact it was my 30th birthday I was totally unimpressed. As like the other unsatisied reviewer they really best be trying harder to please their customers with other alternatives across the road. I get the feeling some Northcote establishments are getting to be too big for their boots.
Pablo Sultan
Joe's Shoes Stink. Really disappointing visit to Joe's. After arriving (friend and I) in great spirits from a nearby gig, we were greeted by the bar man yelling out over patrons heads (seemingly sitting comfortably at the bar) that they were too busy and didn't want to serve any more people. A little bit bemusing given there was plenty of space to enjoy a drink in. (pretty sure the kind folk sitting at the bar didn't like what they saw either).<br/><br/>With this kind of service and with the Wesley Ann and Peacock over the road, Joe's might wanna start to sell shoes again.
Peppi
Wonderful staff, wonderful pizza, great atmosphere - the best bar ever!
Ell Spiteri
Staff..... Great place, looks amazing etc. But the young blonde, female staff member is so bizarrely rude/ unpleasant. She seemed to go out of the way to be nasty to us (have heard the same about her from friends). Why??<br/>Shame, because this place is very cool.
Bec
My wannabe local. This is my wannabe local bar/food joint.<br/><br/>Ecentric staff that are great fun, they serve pizza from next door at Pizza mine liebe, which is good pizza!<br/>Drink menu is really good, a range of ciders, cocktails (Espresso maritini!), and unique beers on tap.<br/><br/>Not very big, but in summer the bocce and beer garden are perfect for dinner and drinks.<br/><br/>Put in requests with the DJ and he might just play what you want - good music too!
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