The Gem Bar and Dining

There aren't many foods that I would say have too much flavour, but the chicken burger came close. It was extremely rich. That said, it was also a bargain at 15 bucks! It was also huge. So you really get a good deal, especially since you can't really score a full dinner at this price anywhere else. The venue is nice too, with a great range of beers and great tunes. If I'm ever this way again I'll be sure to drop in.

The new menu is really great!
Love deciding whether it's an oysters and prosecco kind of day or a burger and beer.
The only problem with the mushroom truffle croquettes is that I want about 4 plates worth to myself.

I visited The Gem Bar on a random Tuesday arvo. It was a really nice sunny day and everyone was sitting outside. I really enjoyed sitting out the front and I was very happy with the food selection. I got some cocktails and snacks. It was a nice venue to catch up with some friends and enjoy the sunshine.

Great live band venue. Cool vibe. Saw Emilee South, Mansplainers and Hot Glue. Highly recommended.

5 stars! The new kitchen is amazing! Probably the best pub food you can get around now. Quality food at an affordable price. Humble, real, unpretentious staff, friendly and honest service.

Great food, service and music. It’s really happening here for live music, mostly local and some interstate and international bands play here. Very eclectic mix (it used to be country). It’s a floor show venue and can get tight and in your face.

Great country and rock vibe, not quite dive bar. You may be lucky to see a Collingwood Cowboy.

Food is great by Sonny’s. Can recommend the fried chicken but my go to is the Cheese Burger.

One of the most underrated venues in the city, which has predominantly free live shows in the afternoon of country and postpunk music. Great atmosphere. Great location great banter. Great staff great bands what more could you want?

Great pub serving American style bbq complete with rock and roll songs. The place might look small from the outside but actually there's multiple rooms inside. The brisket and the chips are really good! The pork belly is soft but the sauce is a little too sweet for me.
Food - 9
Service - 8
Vibe - 8
Price - $$$

I've only visited the Gem a few times but there's this incredible looking man, I think they call him Rhys, he's always making these Mexican latte shots that the crowd goes wild for. It's all they talk about, and "Rhys' Mexican latte are the best", "Rhys Mexican Lattes cured my depression", "I'm having babies with Rhys' Mexican latte and I hope they look like him". I can't wait to try one!

Such a cool little bar, one of my favourites. Like Melbourne's own little honky tonk. Bar staff are friendly, food is top-notch (with veg/vegan options), and gigs are great too. Lots of colourful characters and kitschy knick-knacks to look at. Honky Tonk Town Club night was a blast 🤠

fantastic location. very cool vintage indoors and best burgers and local beer. a genuine melbourne experience, and Rhys at the bar is a pleasure to deal with. very cool and friendly guy. we're gonna keep coming back

Always a good time at the gem, good food,great honky tonk music and wild wild women

Great pub and food
It must be hard being so close to one of the best burger restaurants in Australia but despite not having the big menu this place is equally as good and has a great pub atmosphere.
And happy hour from open to 6pm weekdays!

Always a good time at our local Gem Bar. Chris, Lily Doggo and I love coming here for a knock off drink. Food is delicious too! 9th July big feast with Half rack Ribs, and 23rd July Lockdown take away Tacos & Marg. Staff always so kind and welcoming :-) Gave Lily some chicken on a busy night. Legends.

Came here on a Saturday night and had the Cape Grim beef rib. OMG! It was amazing. Tender and juicy and smokey loveliness. Came back the next day and had a burger. Was like a good home made big Mac if that makes sense.

I stumbled upon this pub one evening after experiencing some serious cravings following a long day of wandering around Melbourne's CBD. I gotta say, the burgers here were nothing short of exceptional, and they easily rank among the best I've had in quite some time! Not only were they incredibly delicious, but they also captured the quintessential essence of an American diner experience (the tofu burger especially was probably the best veg alternative burger I've ever had).

The cost of the burgers when compared to other options in the area was great value for money.

As a bonus, there was live music playing, which, and while not to my personal taste, undeniably added to the lively ambiance of the pub. The staff were friendly, making the entire dining experience even more enjoyable.

No doubt, I will be returning to savour more items from their menu in the future. Kudos to the team for delivering such an outstanding dining experience. You've earned yourself a loyal customer!

Decent food and the building has a lot of character. It is pretty rustic and interesting. Pretty big floor space. It has a lot of different rooms through 2 floors

Had an amazing meal, from the most amazing staff! Loved all our food, but the sides were to die for, absolutely freaking amazing, Thank You Gem for a fantastic, tasty and mind blowing foodgasm

If your looking for a mad burger for an affordable price then this is the place to go! Staff were legends

We had our work Xmas party at The Gem. It’s a common theme in and around Collingwood to bring American smoked BBQ meat to a bar and these guys nailed it. It’s unpretentious and delicious. The lamb ribs were the stars by far but the brisket and pork butt had their moment of glory. With a trip across town.