Miss Libertine

The look: Formerly Mac’s, this historic pub has literally been given a musical makeover. Light bulbs hang from a spiderweb of microphone leads on the ceiling; the walls meanwhile, are half-Goth, half Gainsborough.
To drink: Good selection of beers on tap including Gippsland’s Grand Ridge and Miss Libertine’s own house blonde. But Miss L’s is a café by day, so there are plenty of unfermented options including Turkish apple tea ($3.50), caramel milkshakes ($4.50) and $2 coffees.
To eat: affordable pub standards and bar-food bargains like the $5 weekday pizzas. There’s also a selection of cereals including cocoa pops and fruit loops ($4) for Libertines who didn’t make it home last night.
The soundtrack: Anything from flamenco to funk. Miss Libertine is also very much about live beats and hosts a wide range of acts and events including karaoke nights and burlesque performances. Fitting, considering the venue is named after Miss Lola Montez.
Best for: budget-conscious hedonists.

By Marinella Padula