This is the closest gym to our house, and I wish it were a bit better. The equipment is a bit old and run-down, and they lack the group classes I like most about gyms. Good, if not pricey, squash courts though. I definitely think the prices should be reviewed, especially when there are several $5 casual gyms around this area. I find myself driving to cheaper gyms rather than popping round by foot to this one, unfortunately, due to price.

Approximate cost: $13

This gym is no frills but it does the trick! You can't find value like this in many places here in Melbourne these days. I love Fitness 405, especially the group classes. Lots of variety and times slots, good instructors. I also work out occasionally in the regular gym part too. Equipment, though not state of the art", still does its job. And the gym has a nice relaxed vibe. Recommended!

Approximate cost: $5

I was absolutely pleasantly shocked when I started going to Vertigo many months back. I took a gamble for a hair cut and ended up LOVING the cut (and hairdresser, Rika). You cannot beat the price - $25! I didn't honestly think a place like this (inexpensive and not "trendy" like most other city/ city suburb salons) could provide nice cuts - but they do! Very friendly, highly accomodating (I've taken my baby with me twice during a cut), and lovely staff (Sara does great cuts too). Give them a go! Such good value.

Approximate cost: $25

A mediocre cafe. I honestly feel the coffee has gotten worse over the years we've lived in this neighbourhood. Food is okay, nothing notable (and at times not great) and perhaps not worth the pretty penny. The prices here are comparable to other local cafes with far superior quality. I know Factory has to stay afloat, but I reckon they need to up their game. Especially considering how empty the place has been recently, what with numerous new cafes having just opened nearby.
As stated by other reviewers, it is definitely a shame that Factory is not exactly "child friendly", what with being directly opposite the Maternal Child Health Centre (and in a very kid-heavy part of town).

Approximate cost: $16

awesome awesome awesome! Can't say enough nice things about the lovely Punch hair salon. I went to Punch initially to be a hair model for Anja, who gave me some amazing cuts during her studies. And now she's fully qualified & a kickass stylist & colourist. I always feel like I'm in good hands & like to go with what she recommends (even attempted my first fringe since childhood and I adore it). Great chill atmosphere to the place, excellent value, and really unpretentious. I'm not one who takes great care of my hair, so it's often a disaster when I finally get around to getting cuts or colours - I love when a hairdresser doesn't make me feel bad about the state of my hair, and Anja never does. She's friendly, as are the rest of the staff. Go check these guys out!

Very impressed by this medical practice! I first took my son here as a bub because I couldn't get in to my regular doctor, and they were able to squeeze me in, as a new patient, on the day. I was very impressed by Dr. Toh, she was lovely. And yes, they bulk bill kids, but I've also been seen there myself and they have an instant Medicare rebate machine, so you get back your benefit straight then and there.
Between my son & I, I've seen 4 different doctors there and all have been great. Kind and caring, taking their time with each visit. My son screams at the doctor's and they've all handled his fits really well.
Also, the reception is grrrreat, excellent service, very helpful. I'm impressed that I'm always able to get a last minute appointment, which is important with children. The reception staff also encourage you to ring a bit before your appointment to see if the Doc is running on time or behind. This has been VERY handy, saving me 40 minute waits in the waiting room at times.
An excellent doctor's office in this area

Approximate cost: $60

Balha's middle eastern nom noms are TDF. soooo good I get cravings and must go up for a box of treats. There are a plethora of middle eastern bakeries in the brunswick/coburg area, but after trying numerous, I still maintain Balha's are the tastiest.
HOWEVER...if service is of importance to you, look out. I've received some of the worst service here, sadly. In fact, on one occasion, when my sister was visiting Australia for the first time and I excitedly took her here..we were ignored completely. It was towards the end of the afternoon on a Sat or Sun (can't recall) and there were literally 20 workers floating around busily doing things. NO ONE bothered to servce us, nor let us know simply that they were no longer serving & were closing soon. We tried in vain to catch someone's eye - but being too polite and a bit stupidly shy, we weren't aggressive enough to even flag someone down to talk to us.
I stepped outside and looked at the hours on the door - sure enough, they were supposedly open for another hour. And, of course, the doors were wide open. Sooo...what gave that day, I don't know. Not wanting to serve little white chicks?
anyway, we left after 10 minutes of just standing there being ignored.
That said - I STILL go back, because the food is just worth it

vegan yumness!! this place is great, even for carnivores. great fries, great burgers. deeeelish. I often think people unsuspectingly go there for regular burgers and fries, and have no idea they're being served veggie goodness

Approximate cost: $5-7

Great practice. Dr Hall is an awesome, no-nonsense dentist, I really like her style of dentistry. Good value for money. I've been to other dentists in Melbourne that practice what I call "rip off dentistry. Quoting you thousands of dollars of 'necessary' work. Smile in the City doesn't do that. I'm glad for the honesty and second opinion of this practice. They also treated me before my wedding, removing the fluorosis from my front teeth with a very simple, very inexpensive procedure that changed my entire smile - followed by a Zoom whitening session. I was immensely pleased & grateful~!
I was quoted $10K from another dentist for veneers - Dr Hall was able to fix my discolouration for $1250 all up.
Shiny white wedding teeth!

Approximate cost: $60-1200

I left my recent dental appointment feeling REALLY pissed off. Why? I felt like I was being ripped off, made to feel bad, and guilted into incredibly expensive treatment I don't need.

I spent $180 (would've been $255 without my health fund rebate) on a consult that was mostly talk talk talk, and only about 8 minutes of a clean. A clean which was the worst, least thorough clean I've had of any dentist treatment in my 32 years.

I am definitely going back to my old dentist. I went to this new one because A. It's very close to my house and B. Has very good hours and C. My husband went recently and had a fine experience.
But I am not easily duped and I won't be going back for my "second clean" in 4 weeks (bullshit!). And certainly not for the $1600 worth of "work" I supposedly need.

Approximate cost: $255