St Kilda. A mix of locals, travellers, and bars—some iconic, some forgettable. But Chronicles? It’s the real deal. No frills, no bullshit—just exceptional drinks, sharp banter, and a crowd that feels like old mates, even if you just met them. Warm, welcoming, and effortlessly social. Think a modern-day bohemian Cheer, if Sam Malone had a decent wine list and Norm was a French bulldog named Kevin. No velvet ropes, no pretentious gimmicks—just bartenders who know their spirits and regulars who won’t hesitate to chime in. A dog-friendly cocktail bar in St Kilda worth your time.
Cocktails, Craft Beers & Solid Pours
Co-owners Locky and Juzzy don’t just sling drinks; they conduct a symphony of booze. The martinis are crisp enough to make Lucille Bluth do a double-take, and they mix an Old Fashioned pack with the punch that would keep Don Draper from making it to his next meeting. Chronicles doesn’t do gimmicky, syrup-laden monstrosities masquerading as cocktails—it deals in the classics. Strong, balanced, no shortcuts.
Want something different? Let them go off-script. They know their spirits and won’t steer you wrong. Smoky mezcal? Crisp gin? Something that’ll put hair on your chest? Just ask.
Skip the Fluff, Pour the Good Stuff: Wine & Beer Done Right
Sick of wading through bloated wine lists packed with names you don't recognise? Chronicles keeps it simple. The wine list is a tightly curated collection of hidden gems—expect a top-tier Sangiovese or Pinot Noir on rotation. Craft beer? It changes regularly, always something good, always something new. And if you find a drop you love, grab a bottle from their sister store, Tom’s Liquor, just a few doors down.
Order from & Keep the Night Rolling
Chronicles doesn’t do food, but they’ve cracked the next best thing—you can order straight from some of St Kilda’s best joints while you drink. Grab a pizza from the legendary Topolino’s or hit up Three Elephants & Co. for some Sri Lankan spice. No need to move. Order strait from the bar.
Bar Vibe: Indoor, Outdoor, and Always Social
Chronicles isn’t just about the drinks—it’s about the energy. The space is small but designed to bring people together. Groups mix. Strangers turn into mates. The bartenders are part of the conversation, not just behind the bar. It’s a proper local, the kind that doesn’t try too hard because it doesn’t have to.
Front seating for the sun chasers, a courtyard for laid-back hangs, and a bar setup that invites conversation. No moody dim lighting, no glaring fluorescents—just a warm, inviting space that feels lived in. It’s the kind of place where you might come in alone but end up leaving with a few new friends—humans or four-legged ones. Whether you’re parked at a booth, holding up a stool, or letting your pup curl up under the bar, you’ll end up talking to someone—probably the bartenders, definitely a few locals.
A Soundtrack That Gets It Right
No tinny top-40 here. Chronicles curates a mix of funk, soul, electronic, and hip-hop—enough to set the mood without killing the conversation. It’s background music done right: something to nod your head to while you drink, but never loud enough to make you shout. You’ll definitely want to keep your phone out to Shazam a track or two.
Why Chronicles Stands Out
Chronicles Bar doesn’t need a flashy gimmick—it’s a proper drinking hole run by people who care about what they pour and who they pour it for. No egos, no pretentious dress codes, just quality drinks, sweet tunes, and the kind of crowd that makes a night out feel effortless. First time here? By the second round, someone will already know your name.
