Good Measure

In the heart of the Carlton district, where the life of Melbourne pulses, lies a remarkable spot called Good Measure. This venue is a hybrid of a cozy cafe and a stylish night bar, drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of Japanese neighborhood bars. It is housed in a historic building on the famous Lygon Street, fitting seamlessly into the rich coffee history of this part of the city.

Good Measure. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

By day, Good Measure is a paradise for coffee lovers, serving brews made with Code Black beans. The venue gained particular fame for its signature cold drink, the Mont Blanc, which became a genuine social media hit. The interior, featuring plenty of wood, green plants, and a vinyl record player, creates a relaxed and warm atmosphere characteristic of the best service Australia has to offer.

As twilight falls, the space transforms: the lighting dims, and the bar menu takes center stage with an impressive selection of craft beers, sake, and signature cocktails. It is a place where attention to detail and precision in measurement (as reflected in the name) turn an ordinary visit into a memorable gastronomic event.

To get in touch with the venue or inquire about table availability, you can use the following contact details. The staff is always ready to assist guests during opening hours.

During the day, the primary goal of any visit to Good Measure should be their legendary Mont Blanc coffee. This is a filter coffee infused with dark sugar, topped with a thick layer of delicate cream, grated nutmeg, and orange zest. Watching the preparation process is a pleasure in itself, and the presentation in an elegant glass invariably makes you want to snap a photo. Be sure to pair your coffee with a fresh cinnamon babka or one of their signature sandwiches, such as the ramen egg sub.

The evening program offers a completely different experience. The bar focuses on a "drinks on tap" concept, which helps minimize waste while ensuring consistently high quality. Here, you can sample rare varieties of sake, craft beers, or original cocktails like the Matcha Milk Punch. For snacks, they offer exquisite cheese plates and pickles that perfectly complement the drinks.

Music plays a special role at Good Measure. It features a high-quality audio system, and you can often see DJs spinning vinyl records ranging from soul to 80s pop hits. This creates a unique backdrop for socializing. For guest comfort down to the smallest detail, there is even free sparkling water on tap and attentive service that makes every visitor feel like a welcome guest.

The venue is located at 193 Lygon St, Carlton, just a short walk from the Central Business District (CBD) for which Melbourne is famous. This makes it easily accessible for both tourists and locals.

The simplest way to get there is by using Melbourne's iconic trams. You can take any route running along Swanston St. Get off at the Lincoln Square stop and walk for about 5–10 minutes towards Lygon Street. Alternatively, you can take a train to Melbourne Central station and enjoy a walk through the park or use bus routes heading toward the Carlton area.

If you prefer a taxi or rideshare service, the trip from the city center will take no more than 10 minutes. Keep in mind that parking on Lygon Street itself is very limited and often paid, so public transport or walking is usually the most convenient option.

The history of the site where Good Measure stands today is deeply intertwined with the past of the Carlton district. The establishment occupies a space in a historic building that served as the home of the legendary Bosari Cycles bicycle shop for eight decades. Here, the spirit of old Melbourne blends harmoniously with modern trends.

Founders Max Allison, Brandon Jo, and Mitchell Miller launched the project in late 2021. With extensive experience working in the city's finest cafes and bars, they set out to create a space inspired by cozy Japanese neighborhood bars, where equal attention is paid to both the quality of coffee and the culture of fine drinking.

Interestingly, Lygon Street is considered the "cradle" of the city's coffee culture, as it was here in the 1950s that Italian immigrants opened the first espresso bars. Good Measure continues this tradition with a modern twist. Popularity came quickly: their signature Mont Blanc drink went viral on social media just a year after opening, prompting the owners to significantly increase their cold brew production.

The amount of time you should set aside depends largely on the purpose of your visit. If you drop by during the day to try the famous coffee and grab a fresh pastry, 1 hour will be plenty to enjoy the atmosphere and excellent service.

An evening visit calls for a more leisurely stay. To truly soak up the "neighborhood bar" concept, listen to vinyl records, and slowly sample a few craft cocktails or beers, it is best to allocate 2–3 hours. This isn't a place for rushing; guests often linger late into the night, enjoying the conversation and the cozy interior.

The venue is open daily, offering guests different experiences depending on the time of day. Morning hours are perfect for coffee, while the evenings are dedicated to cocktails.

The operating hours for Good Measure are as follows:

• Monday — Thursday: 08:00 – 23:00
• Friday — Saturday: 08:00 – 01:00
• Sunday: 08:00 – 23:00

Its location on Lygon Street allows tourists to combine a visit to the bar with a stroll through one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods. Carlton is renowned for its architecture and "Little Italy" atmosphere, with interesting spots to discover at every turn.

Exploring the surroundings can greatly enrich your experience, from diving into virtual worlds to relaxing in picturesque parks. Below are some interesting places located within walking distance or a short drive away.