I usually avoid city pubs and restaurants but I have to say I don't mind this place too much. It's normally full of yuppies and suits, as you would expect, and the place has a 'work' feel to it, so I don't feel relaxed as I do in Fitzroy, Northcote and Brunswick. That said, the parmas are big and should fill you up if you're a big eater. They have decent beers on tap and the bar girls and waitresses have always been friendly to me even when I'm not dressed up like the office workers around me. Overall, it's alright.

Approximate cost: $20

I would've given Palookaville more stars if they made their meals bigger, but having said that, the meals aren't tiny or anything... I'm just a big eater! The parma is quite standard but the other dishes are very tasty. For $12, you get quite a good meal. The place is very open and relaxing. There's a pool table and a vintage video game to keep people amused. The staff are very friendly which is what you expect on this end of town. Overall, I love this place and would recommend you try it out.

Approximate cost: $12

The waitresses are great, you get heaps of tasty food for a very reasonable price. The reason I couldn't give 5 stars is because I don't like the atmosphere. It's very similar to other cheap Vietnamese/Chinese/Thai restaurants. There's just a cheap feel to everything. The utensils, the table, the seat, the noise generated by everyone which makes you have to shout at your friends. If you want cheap Thai food though, this is a great place.

Approximate cost: $15

I would've given this place more stars if there was any room to sit! But having said that, you don't go to Don Don when you have tired legs. I think there's room for about 10 or so people so most will order takeaway. The food comes out very quick, it's quite cheap and tastes terrific. I wish they expanded so I didn't have to order takeaway and eat my food at the library.

Not sure if I copped a bad night but we waited forever for our food and that's no exaggeration! The place is very cramped, the waitresses were not friendly and did not show any understanding at all. The food was ok, but overpriced in my opinion. I'm not in any hurry to go back but if I do and they've improved, I'll be sure to update my review!

I'd have to say the Retreat is a standard place to visit. There's nothing fantastic about it, and there's nothing I don't like about it. It's just standard to me. I've ordered meat and fish dinners there before and they are exactly what I'd expect for a pub meal. They have a pool table and vintage video games inside which is pretty cool. The beer garden is quite large so bear that in mind if you're Mr/Mrs Popular and you invite heaps of friends along.

I usually go here for their $4 pizzas. At that price, you'd expect rubbish but nothing could be further from the truth. I love all pizzas they have there. No I haven't bought all of them, but I do steal pieces from my friends so I've pretty much tasted everything. Add to that, it's a nice and relaxing place to hang out with your mates. The beer garden upstairs is excellent when the weather's warm. They have the heating on during winter too but I hate the cold either way. Overall, great pizzas, great beers and great environment. The baby doll dressed in S&M gear and hung upside-down kind of freaks me out though :)

Approximate cost: $4

This place is pretty good. I'm not a vegetarian but I've frequented the restaurant on many occasions and I've enjoyed it. They've also got organic beer which compliments the vegetarian theme :)

Approximate cost: $15

Asked Rob for major service for my bomb. He was polite and well spoken. He explained everything, fixed all the problems I pointed out and picked up on others that I never really noticed cos I don't understand much about cars. He also made recommendations on what to do with my car to keep it running smoothly. What more could a bloke ask for!

Updated: I've driven the car since then and it's very obvious that Rob has done a great job. All the crap I had to put up with has gone. It's a much smoother ride despite still being a bomb.