Bars

Spawn Point Bar

Looking for a place right in the CBD that boasts a huge range of drinks, including cocktails, esports shots and some food? Spawn Point is the perfect place to go! It is ideal for a small group of friends for a mix of retro and modern gaming, that’s also mixed with drinks. Please note this is an 18+ venue.

First Round Esports

Located in Ashfield close to the station is set to be a central hub for IEM-goers, with an offering of viewing parties over the weekend. They also have a large range of games available for patrons to play and esports streams all around, it’s the place to be if you haven’t had enough esports.

The Grifter Brewing Co.

Fancy yourself a bit of a Beer connoisseur? Head on down to The Grifter for a taste of some of the best home brews that Sydney has on offer. Located in Marrickville, it has become a staple in the brewing scene where they aim to create unique beers. Check out their website for more information on what they currently have on offer.

Honorable mentions:

• The Pegleg Bar [MAP]
• Chinese Laundry [MAP]
• The Baxter Inn [MAP]
• Uncle Mings [MAP]
• O Bar & Dining [MAP]

Things to do

Legend Cyber Cafe

If you’re like me and miss your PC while you’re away, this is the place to get your gaming fix in. With a recharge of $20, you get 8.5hrs of quality gaming time on their PCs. They offer a variety of the most popular games, ranging from single to multiplayer, as well as some LAN games.

Ritz Cinema

Still avoiding spoilers for a certain movie? This is the perfect place to go to and spend 3 hours in a heritage listed building, watching some of what modern cinema has to offer.

Honorable mentions:

• Opera Bar [MAP]
• Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym [MAP]
• Strike Bowling [MAP]
• Li’l Darlin [MAP]
• Ivy Precinct [MAP]

Obviously we’ve only scratched the surface of the incredible things Sydney has to offer. Hopefully we’ve given you a little insight into some great spots in our Survival Guide series this year for IEM.

Brown Sugar Bondi

With menus tailored for a hearty breakfast or a casual dinner, you’re bound to partake in a brilliant dining experience at Brown Sugar Bondi. It’s only a short walk away from the water, and the cosy atmosphere will only enhance the meal.

Hurricane’s Grill

A Sydneysider staple, Hurricane’s Grill has restaurants in both Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, known for their signature steak and ribs. If you’re new to Sydney, Hurricane is a key location in fully experiencing the city.

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

If you’re looking for a place closer to Sydney’s most iconic beach, Icebergs has you covered, with tables in the dining room overlooking the water-view. Their Italian inspired menu can be enjoyed both inside and outside.

Mappen Noodle Restaurant/Oiden Rice Bowl Bar

My go-to place for Japanese food in Sydney is a combination between Mappen Noodle Bar and Oiden Rice Bowl, which share a wall in SkyView Shopping Plaza on George Street. Mappen offers what is renowned as the best ramen in the city, while Oiden’s menu contains a range of donburi, both at a good price.

Robatayaki Toro

A local hidden gem of Darlinghurst, Robatayaki Toro hosts a variety of Japanese cuisine which can be enjoyed by the accompaniment of old black and white movies. One of the primary highlights of this location is the beverage menu, containing a great choice of sake and alcoholic drinks.

Searock Grill

Located by the water of Sydney Harbour, the dining experience at Searock Grill is enhanced by the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House – but you might have to scare off the seagulls with some ‘seagull spray’. Their menu contains a variety of seafood dishes along with some of the best steak in the city; the mushroom sauce is Vendra certified (and she doesn’t even like mushrooms).

Emperor’s Puffs

There’s always a line for the Emperor’s cream Puffs in Chinatown, and there’s good reason for it. At thirty cents a piece, the custard filled pastries are bought fresh off the hot plate; no matter how long you blow on one, it’s probably still too hot for you to eat. Yet, you enjoy it anyways. They’re amazing. Try them.

Honorable mentions:

• Rice Pot Restaurant [MAP]
• Little Turtle Thai [MAP]
• Restaurant Hubert [MAP]
• Moo Gourmet Burgers [MAP]
• Bondi Junction Westfield Food Court [MAP]
• World Square Shopping Centre Food Court [MAP]

Brainwave Cafe

A small alleyway cafe close to Central contains a fusion Vegetarian cafe and restaurant, containing Thai dishes alongside their coffee. It’s worth the experience, with their menu possessing a unique blend of the two. If you’re up for it, they’ve even got Thai milk tea gelato.

Gumption by Coffee Alchemy

Located through some Sydney sightseeing in The Strand Arcade on Pitt Street, Gumption is known for its aromatic coffee. With high chairs in the heart of the historic mall, the atmosphere is extremely enjoyable by yourself, and also with a group.

Pablo & Rusty’s

Just around the corner from Town Hall, this location serves single origin espressos in a fairly convenient location, having some cosy and relaxing vibes to accompany even better coffee. Not only do they have a location in the CBD, however, they’ve got another store located down the road from the Sydney Olympic Park in case you need your P&R fix during IEM.

Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Garden

While Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake is available around the world, the Angel Garden is unique to Sydney as a maid themed cafe serving the famous cheesecake. Beneath the main store in Regent Place, the cafe can be found with seating offered to enjoy the coffee and dessert, the atmosphere set by the hits of Japanese idols playing in the background.

Workshop Espresso

With a convenient location just above Town Hall Station, Workshop Espresso is one of the most commonly names uttered when ‘Sydney’ and ‘Coffee’ are in the same conversation, with some of the best coffee in Sydney. Although there aren’t many seats inside, it’s only a mere stroll away from Pitt Street and George Street.

Honorable mentions:

• The Smelly Cheesecake
• La Coffee House

Myki

Before I do start talking about where you can go visit, I highly recommend that you get a Myki travel card with a some travel money on it. Melbourne Olympic Park, where MEO is happening, is serviced by both train and tram, with Richmond Train Station and the Route 70 tram being within short walking distance. Public transport can be critical in getting in and out of the area of the event.

Mykis cost $6 for adults or $3 for concessions (do note that unlike other states, out of state university students cannot travel on a reduced fare and will require a full fare Myki). The maximum daily fare is capped at $8.60/4.30 during weekdays and $6.30/3.15 on weekends. Mykis can be purchased at all Major train stations, or at a series of retail locations throughout Melbourne.

GG EZ Bar

My top recommendation of where to go at night or to hang out is none other than GG EZ. The place to be when it comes to Melbourne and esports, GG EZ Bar was established almost a year ago, and has quickly become the premier esports hub and viewing site in both Melbourne and Australia.

Once you head inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in some of the best esports from around the world. Head to the bar and order yourself a pint or one of their famous alcoholic bubble cup teas, as well a top notch meal or snack inspired by Korean street food.

My recommendation is a PUBG Parma served with a pint of Gage Road Little Dove, followed up with a Jungle Cup, a Troll cup or the e-Spresso cup (yes it is styled like that to annoy people). Heading down to GG EZ can do you no wrong and you’re bound to have a great time. The bar is located at 95 Queens Street and is open from 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 4pm Friday to Sunday.

Bartronica

The other major gaming themed bar is Bartronica. Located at 335 Flinders Lane, Bartronica is a bar that serves great cocktails, a large range of some of the finest craft beers and you’re surrounded by retro arcade games and classic consoles. It’s open Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday from 3pm, as well as Friday and Saturday from 12 noon.

Beta Bar

Beta Bar has been a Melbourne nightlife institution for a while now, and this year they’re going hard during MEO. The Beta Bar crew are holding two events this week: their regular Friday night event at the Hawthorn Hotel, as well as the official MEO Saturday After Party at the Royal Melbourne Hotel at 629 Bourke Street. More information about both events can be found here.

If none of the above tickle your fancy or are full, most Melbourne pubs and bars are not that bad, and unlike other cities (looking at you, Sydney) they are able to admit you until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, so you will be able to find somewhere to go that you’ll be able to get a seat.

ZEN Gaming Lounge

Maybe you’ve been inspired by the great plays at MEO and it’s given you a bit of a gaming itch? Head on down the ZEN Gaming Lounge to scratch it! The ZEN Gaming Lounge is a multi-storey, well equipped gaming cafe with amazing staff located behind the Crown Complex at 280 City Road.

Open 24/7, ZEN has most major esports titles installed and all you need to do is bring your accounts, login and get ready for great session of gaming. Rates are also very competitive, starting at 5 dollars an hour for non-members.

Alley Walking

Looking for something to do that will cost next to nothing and is able to fill out a lot of time? Going alley bashing is my answer for you!

Alley bashing is the activity of walking through the Melbourne CBD while sticking to as much of Melbourne’s Lanes, Arcades and Alleys as possible. Many lanes in Melbourne that aren’t dead ends are filled with great cafes and shops that you would never discover otherwise.

My personal recommendation is to start with Degraves Street off Flinders Street and head north-west until you get to Lonsdale Street, before going south-east back towards Flinders Lane. Another great place to start is in the famous Hosier Lane, before heading north once again. Remember to stay safe while exploring!

ACMI

Another great place to visit that will cost next to nothing is a trip to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. ACMI is located in the basement of Federation Square and is host to both permanent and rotating exhibits.

ACMI is home to Screen Worlds, an exhibit on the history of Australian Film and Television, as well as the Games Lab, an exhibit on some of the biggest and groundbreaking video games from throughout time, with many of them able to be played. ACMI is open from 10am to 5pm everyday.

Burgers

One of my favourite foods, Melbourne has a number of great restaurants serving burgers. While there are scores of places to visit for a great burger, including Mr. Burger, Rocket Burgers and Betty’s Concrete & Burger Co, my two favourites and two that I recommend to people the most have to be Huxtaburger and 8bit.

Huxtaburger

Huxtaburger has become a Melbourne institution in the last half a decade. Starting off as one restaurant in 2011, it has expanded to seven locations in Melbourne, with an eighth in Perth. With the CBD’s location in the rear of 357 Collins Street (with access to the store from Fulham Place, off Flinders Lane), Huxtaburger is your location for a amazing burger, fantastic fries and a even a good frothie if you want it.

8bit

8bit has also steadily grown to become an institution in the last couple of years. 8bit is a burger and hot dog place with a not too over the top gaming theme serving brilliant burgers, hot dogs, and fries as well as succulent milkshakes. 8bit has two city based locations, with the main location open 7 days a week on the edge of Chinatown at 231 Swanston Street and with a secondary location open for lunch during the weekdays at 1/360 Collins Street.

Asian Cuisine

Asian Cuisine is ingrained into Melbourne culture, and has seen a large number of great restaurants and eateries open up serving the best food that Asia has to offer.

Torasan Ramen

Whilst there are many great Ramen places to be found in the City, my personal favourite has to be Torasan Ramen on 410 Elizabeth Street. Less of a restaurant and more of a cafeteria, Torasan features a diverse menu of Ramen and other Japanese cuisine. Ordering is done on iPad’s found on every table and seating location, where you are able to order to your heart’s content.

Hanaichi

Hanaichi is another one of my personal favourites. Located inside QV Square (corner of Swanston and Lonsdale Streets), Hanaichi serves amazing Ramen, Udon and plates of Japanese Curry at very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a quick and filling pickup, Hanaichi is your place to go.

Chinatown

While in Melbourne and looking for a bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with a quick trip into Chinatown. Running along either side of Little Bourke Street between Swanston and Exhibition Street, Chinatown is chock-full of amazing eats from China, Korea, Japan and the rest of Asia. You’ll be able to find a range of both takeout and sit down places, and with a tonne of options, Chinatown is highly recommended while in Melbourne.

Korean BBQ

Another cuisine/style of eating that has become a classic staple in Melbourne is Korean BBQ. KBBQ is a great way for you to meet with friends for a meal. You’re able to order classic Korean meat meals and you also generally cook the meat yourself! With at least a couple dozen options for KBBQ places in the CBD and the immediate surrounds, you can’t go wrong with any of the locations in Melbourne. Recommendations include Oriental Spoon at either 254 LaTrobe Street or 291 Elizabeth Street, or Marroo at 392 Little Collins Street.

Food Courts

If none of the above really appeals to you, or you are part of a crew of people with different tastes, a trip to one of Melbourne’s food courts wouldn’t go amiss. There are plenty of food courts, but the best options in the city are Melbourne Central, the Emporium and the Crown Food Court.

Crown Food Court

The Crown Food Court located inside the Crown Casino on Southbank is the closest to MEO. There are chains and other standard food court eateries found inside, as well as a number of sit down restaurants if that tickles your fancy.

Melbourne Central/Emporium

Melbourne Central and Emporium are both deeper inside the city, located on either side of the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Street. The two connected shopping centres have ample food courts and eateries located inside, serviced with the top chains of Australia as well as your food court staples. These locations will allow you to find good food and an escape from the hustle and bustle if needed.

Queen Victoria Market

Another location that can be ideal for a large group with different tastes is the Queen Victoria Market, particularly the Dairy Hall and the food court located on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth street. The Queen Victoria Market is ideal to those staying in the northern part of the city, as it opens early and is full of market stalls serving fresh food that make an ideal breakfast place. It is also a great place to do some general food shopping if that is something you desire. The market is open from 8am till at least 2pm Tuesday & Thursday – Sunday.

HSPs

If you are looking for a fulfilling but ultimately greasy meal in the wee hours of the morning whilst in the CBD, you can’t go wrong with what has fast become one of Melbourne and Australia’s staple meals, the Halal Snack Pack.

A HSP, also known as an AB in Adelaide, is a bed of chips topped with cheese, lamb and chicken doner kebab meat, and served with the Holy Trinity of sauces (Garlic, BBQ and Chilli). Whilst all of the self-respecting kebab joints in the city can serve a great HSP, three stick out from the rest as the best the CBD has to offer: Viva Kebabs, CBD Kebabs and Queen’s Kebabs. The former are both located at 546 Flinders Street while Queen Kebabs is located at 26 King Street, but all three are considered by most as the best locations in the CBD.

Viva/CBD Kebabs

Queen’s Kebabs