When it comes to the best things to do in Geelong, the beach and summer immediately come to mind when you think about things to do in Geelong. The promenade iconic pier and Geelong pubs like the Little Creatures Brewery are just two of many popular Geelong attractions. Geelong isn’t just a day trip destination however. Once the sun goes down, a night out in Geelong is a diverse and exciting experience.
The Geelong laneway scene has really come into its own these past few years. Little Malop street has undergone significant development and is now a vibrant district. The lane is home to a handpicked selection of Geelong’s best restaurants, bars and street art. Each establishment has a unique offering and the precinct has a relaxed indoor / outdoor vibe. It is just a short walk between venues allowing you to easily visit one or many venues. We start in the Geelong laneways.
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Start at the 18th Amendment Bar for cocktails
The 18th Amendment Bar’s unobtrusive entrance is a subtle clue to the speakeasy style bar that awaits. The second floor bar features an open beamed ceiling, gangster style memorabilia on the walls and the most impressive laddered drinks shelf I’ve ever seen in my life.
The moody styling is impeccable. Booths, bar and table and chair seating is available. A snacking menu available, but the real show stoppers are the cocktails. Many of the cocktails are served covertly in keeping with the ‘prohibition theme’ . The Boardwalk Empire, a bourbon based smoke infused cocktail, is served inside of a small treasure chest. The addition of smoke makes for an impressive opening.
The bar tenders are expert mixologists and often win awards at cocktail making competitions. With over 20 listed cocktails, all with themed names (a glass of ‘Giggle Juice’ anyone?). Additionally the bar features an impressive whisky and spirits menu.
The 18th Amendment Bar is a fantastic first stop on your night out in Geelong. Come before 7 if you’re looking for a quieter experience. The bar offers a waitlist system during peak periods. Leave your details and they will text you once a table is available.
VISIT | The 18th Amendment Bar is located at 82a Little Malop street and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm until midnight Wednesday and Sunday, and 5pm until 1am Thursday – Saturday.
Sober Ramen is perfect for noodles or tasty entrees
Sober Ramen is named after a play on the Japanese noodle ‘soba’ and its offering of both Ramen and saké. The restaurant is small and vibrant. The menu features a range of classic Ramen dishes as well as host of sharing plates.
A highlight is the bench style seating around the open kitchen. The service is friendly and fast. The sharing plates are perfect for a snack or a meal. Calamari and fried oyster noodles are highlight snacking dishes. Notably mild to spicy dishes are available, however many of the dishes with a little spice simply enhance the combinations of flavours. I don’t usually enjoy spicy foods, however the spicy dipping sauces had me coming back for more.
The drinks menu specialises in saké however a range of beers, wines and soft drinks are also available.
VISIT | Sober Ramen is located at 85 Little Malop street. They are open from
11:30am – 10pm Saturdays.
From Tuesday to Friday they are open for lunch between 11:30am – 2:30pm.
From Tuesday to Thursday they are open for dinner from 5pm -9pm and on Friday from 5pm-10pm.
Alma is the best place in Geelong to share a meal with a group of friends.
Little Malop Street isn’t the only place to enjoy dinner in Geelong. Just a few minutes walk away and you’re at Alma. Dimmed lights and booth seating create an intimate atmosphere. Amazing art pieces in shades of pink, brown and magenta decorate the walls.
The owners want you to feel comfortable and at home. Coming together over good food and drink is the key concept behind Alma and the sharing plates encourage you to enjoy yourself with friends.
Fusion dining can mean many things, but to Alma it means cooking South American inspired dishes using the best product they can find. Furthermore they are great supporters of local suppliers.
You can dine ala carte or choose the chef’s selection. At $59 per head, it is a great option. Notable dishes include Baked Snapper fillet with saffron & sherry escabeche and crispy potatoes with garlic & parsley.
A range of beer, wine and spirits are available. Additionally there is a ‘liquid desserts’ menu for something a little more special to finish your meal. Book ahead. Especially on weekends. You can book online or phone.
VISIT | Alma is located at 93- 95 Ryrie Street. They are open Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm – 11pm.
Armageddon Cake & Dessert Bar is the only way to eat dessert in Geelong!
One of the sweetest Geelong attractions would have to be Armageddon Cake Dessert Bar. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Nanna’s living room as soon as you walk in. The decor includes an eclectic mix of comfy couches, arm chairs, tables and retro lamps. A range of board games are available and you wouldn’t look out of place reading a book.
The cakes are baked fresh daily, so there is no printed menu. A giant chalk board features the cakes of the day instead. Of course you can expect favourites like New York baked cheesecake, sticky date pudding and red velvet cake. Each day there is also a specials menu that features cakes such as jaffa pudding and butterscotch pudding. Armageddon also cater for vegan and gluten free diets.
If you are enjoying a night out in Geelong with a group of friends, then the cake platter is the way to go. The platter features a slice of every cake available for the day. Milk chocolate dipping sauce, coconut cream and whipped cream are some of the condiments served alongside the cakes. You will need around 6 people to do this platter justice.
The cafe is just a short walk from Little Malop and Ryrie streets. It is an excellent choice to continue your night out in Geelong after dinner or drinks. In fact, we wouldn’t blame you if you skip dinner and head straight to dessert!
VISIT | Armageddon Cake and Dessert Bar is located at 64 Malop Street. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9am – 11pm. Book online
Stop in at Geelong Cellar Door for a glass of wine and a sharing plate.
A night out in Geelong would be incomplete without at least one glass of wine. Geelong Cellar Door serves and sells wine from the Greater Geelong Region, with just a few guest wines from further abroad.
The owner, John Helmer has been involved in local wine for over 20 years. His intimate knowledge of Bellarine wines is obvious in the wide variety of wines available and the passion with which they are served.
The cellar door features a cosy open fire, booth, table and outdoor seating. Share platters are available from the bar, or you can order take away from one of the local restaurants and eat it on site. There is nothing pretentious about this cellar door. The staff genuinely love wine and the region and relish in the opportunity to bring you into their world.
The cellar door is part wine bar and part store with a whole wall of wine available to be enjoyed on site or at home. Geelong Cellar Door has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The variety of seating styles means that the venue feels zoned making it perfect for a date night or larger catch up with friends.
VISIT | Geelong Cellar Door is located at 97 – 99 Little Malop Street. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm – 11pm.
Why we love a Night out in Geelong
There are no shortage of things to do in Geelong, in fact a night out in Geelong rivals a night out in Melbourne. Better yet, the close proximity of venues means that you can easily visit more than one.
Whether you have dinner in Geelong, go straight to cakes, or are looking to catch up over a wine, Little Malop Street and beyond has a wide variety of venues to suit everyone.
The Geelong laneways have been styled with funky street art, overhanging vines and festoon lighting. If you’re wondering what to do in Geelong, why not extend your day trip a little or just venture out at night? You’ll be deliciously surprised.
BOOK | Accommodation in Geelong with Hotels Combined
Whilst we were guests of the region, all opinions are our own. We were not paid to write this post.
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