Moon Dog Wild West

Moon Dog Wild West is a large, multi-level bar at 54 Hopkins Street in Footscray, with a distinctly playful take on the western theme. The venue includes a ground-floor main bar and mechanical bull, an arcade room, a first-floor pool hall, several bar areas, a stage and a rooftop. There is plenty of variety in the layout, whether you want to settle in for drinks, move between spaces or book an area for a larger gathering.

The mechanical bull is available every day, with rides restricted to people aged 18 and over. The venue also hosts weekly events, including Trivia Tuesday, and has facilities for functions, bucks and hens bookings and commercial filming enquiries. Food and drinks are available, while Moon Dog’s brewery story centres on craft beers and seltzers made by the Melbourne-founded company. The website does not provide a detailed food menu, so it is best to contact the venue directly about current dining options.

Wild West can work for groups of different sizes: online bookings are available for up to 30 guests, while walk-ins are also welcome. Larger bookings may include a mix of seating and standing space, and the venue promotes a birthday offer where the birthday person drinks free when a Friday or Saturday booking is made, subject to the promotion’s conditions. Tables are held for two hours for groups of two to six and two and a half hours for groups of seven or more.

Families are welcome under adult supervision, although children are asked to leave by 10pm. Dogs can join guests on the rooftop, and the venue can accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan requirements, as well as food from a halal supplier. The ground floor is fully accessible, with a lift serving the upper level and rooftop; much of the seating is high-stool style, so the venue recommends getting in touch if low seating is needed. Footscray Station is about a five-minute walk away, and the venue notes that nearby parking is limited.