We’re all itching for a typical Melbourne summer’s day, until we’re stuck in the sweltering heat in CBD with no refuge from the beaming sun. Queue – Summer Paradiso – a dreamy oasis by Moon Dog Brewing, helping Melburnians cool down with icy cold drinks and guaranteed good times.

Launching Friday 2 December, the iconic brewery has teamed up with the Melbourne Arts Centre to create an outdoor bar along the hustle and bustle of St Kilda Road. Situated in front of the Spire, the pop-up will feature an array of Moon Dog classics so city-goers can kickback amongst the shade of palm trees and watch the sun go down.

“We’re super excited for the weather to warm up as we’ve partnered with Melbourne Arts Centre to create a summery escape, right in the heart of the CBD. There’s so much going on in Melbourne over summer between The Arts Centre, Australian Open and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, just to name a few. We’re looking forward to being the meeting point for visitors of these iconic Melbourne activities across the warmer months” says Moon Dog Co-Founder Karl van Buuren.

The local team-ups don’t stop there, on the tongs and serving their famed woodfire smoked American BBQ is Q Barbeque, The custom menu features a range of different platters, burgers, bar snacks and sides, served with a smile by the Q Barbeque team from their food truck.

Renowned for their smoked BBQ boxes, diners have the choice in four options; smoked brisket with wild-pepper rub ($27), pork ribs with sticky gochujang BBQ glaze & red Sichuan rub ($29), beef short ribs with black arabica rub & caramel BBQ ($29) and pulled pork shoulder with Q-hog rub ($26). Each box served with all the trimmings.

Q-Platters (an American BBQ style feast) are another fan favourite and can be ordered to share amongst friends or enjoyed alone. Choose between proteins like; 16-hour wood fire smoked brisket, beef short rib on the bone or rack of pork ribs. Of course, there’s also a delicious vegan option featuring potaco with felafel.

For something a little smaller, snack menu features all the classics; fried chicken, smoked and fried buffalo wings, corn ribs topped with bama and shaved parmesan, burnt end nachos served with black beans, cheese sauce and guacamole to name a couple.

Moon Dog have been working tirelessly to create a summer haven and ensured the vibes will be present with local DJ’s playing at the space every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If it’s not inhouse entertainment, tunes will be curated by neighbours SoundBox, a pop-up live audio studio that aims to take listeners behind the scenes of the music industry. Running for 13-days, SoundBox is also in the centre of the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt and will be going through the speakers at Summer Paradiso while open.

To drink, there’s tap options like: Moon Dog Old Mate Pale Ale and classic lager both at $10.50 a pop. For those who prefer to crack-a-can: Jon Pom Jovi Pomegranate Sour Ale, Orange zZAP! Orange Sherbet Ale, and Hazy IPA (all $11). Level up your beer game with Moon Dog’s specialty options: Barrel Aged Golden Strong Ale and Tennessee Whisky Barrel Aged Smokey Stout, can be purchased in 650mL bottle for $45.

Beer isn’t everyone’s jam, so there’s plenty of options to cover these bases too. Crunch Time Fresh Apple Cider ($10), the full range of Razzler Alcoholic Disco Nectar ($13), Fizzer Seltzers ($9.50) and wines from Jack and Jill Scotchman’s Hill ($13/$63).

For something a little sweeter, get your hands on a Moon Dog Cooler Cocktail Spritz; in either blood orange, finger lime & agave or passion fruit, yellow peach & yuzu. For something a little colder, the team have concocted a Fizzer Tropical Crush slushie with cranberry. All cocktails will be a cool price of $13.50. There are also non-alcoholic options; Bundaberg Lemonade and Heaps Normal XPA to name a few.

“Moon Dog is a prominent name in Melbourne and a major part of our city’s dynamic independent brewery scene, so it is incredibly exciting to welcome them to our iconic spire over summer. Arts Centre Melbourne has an extraordinary schedule of performances for 2022/23 and we can’t wait for visitors to experience Summer Paradiso before or after a show,” says Arts Centre Melbourne Head of Customer Experience Design Blake Oliver.

Walk-ins are welcomed and bookings can be made via paradiso@moondogbrewing.com.au for groups over 20.

Address: The Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt – 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank.

Opening Hours

Sunday – Wednesday: 12pm – 9pm

Thursday – Saturday: 12pm – midnight

IG: @moondogbrewing

Website: https://moondog.com.au/