Borsch, Vodka & Tears

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  4      Value  7     

Like the unusualness of this place and the cusine. Its not the same old same old stuff you get everywhere else. It also grows on you and like it more each time I've been there.

Aug 12, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

From Sydney, and wanted to go somewhere different, that can't be done in Sydney. I found this place, and loved it! It's all about the Vodka, but when it comes down to the food, we were amazed by the food! Under expectation led to a great reward!

May 08, 2011 

2 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  2      Value  2     

I have no idea why this place is rated so highly. I went with a group of friends last night and it was terrible. The service was shocking, we had to ask at least 4 times to get some water, we went for long periods without anyone checking on us, and the wait staff thought it was okay to wander around with a finger in their mouth cleaning out their teeth!

Meanwhile the food was all cold. The flavours were good, but it was all prepared earlier and then reheated, we could see them getting out containers of stuff and chucking it in the oven or microwave! Nothing in my meal was fresh.

To top it off my stomach has been in a world of pain since eating there, and even a day later it's still not good. They say you can judge a restaurant's hygiene standards in the kitchen by the cleanliness of their toilet, well not only is the customer toilet In the kitchen, it's filthy. I would not recommend going here.

May 04, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  8     

Booked a table for 4 on a Tuesday night, and glad we did as it was quite busy (always a good sign). Stuck to the tapas menu, and every dish was amazing - favourite was definately the honey vodka prawns, so delicious!

Salt & pepper squid was average, crispy fetta and rice balls were divine, polish dumplings were very interesting especially as someone who loves her asian dumplings, there were a real treat, lamb stew went down a treat and the trio of dips were whipped up very quickly.

As per the other reviewers, don't get me started on the amazing cocktails - that needs a whole separate review and a lot more stars. Highly recommended!

Apr 05, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

Now this is a review of vodka selection eh? 12 out of 10! Oh lal la. If you are there, ask to try the burnt caramel vodka - don't think it was on the menu quite yet. As rich and gorgeous as Glayva, without the sweetness. Oh yes. So - back to the food etc. Music was a bit loud for Sunday brunch. Waitress somehow didn't put part of our order in - and to her credit took ownership of it, and then placated us with the burnt caramel vodka. Worth waitin for brunch... Eggs Floretine for the Vege (K) - and reported as having the best hollandaise yet. My sample (as small as I was allowed) would have to concur. THe BVT brekkie was delicious - lovely texture of the scambled eggs especially. Ok - so were having vodka for sunday brunch - believe me - it's worth it!

Mar 05, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

The restaurant was full to capacity when we ate but the service was still outstanding. The menu offers unique dishes that pair excellently with vodka. My favourite was the Russian borsch. However, being a small space it can get a little noisy on busy nights.

Nov 05, 2010 

6.8 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

I must admit the food isn't my favourite point about this restaurant, I think what makes this restaurant special is the wide variety of vodka they serve. I went there with a colleague, we had the platter to share for entree and we both had the polish dumpling for mains. There was nothing wrong with either dishes, but the style of food isn't quite my thing.

However, the vodka here is awesome! I had honey infused vodka, and it is a taste that is very unique and worth coming back for!

Oct 11, 2010 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

I don't usually like going to Chapel St on Saturday nights because it's a nightmare, full of bogans and drunk teenagers. But I make an exception when we're heading to BV&T. I go for the great food, but I stay for the vodka.

If you want a quick, simple meal, I recommend that you avoid this restaurant. If you don't have time to appreciate the unique, laid back BV&T experience, you should go back to Sydney.

Jan 03, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  3      Value  8     

From Sydney, I visited Melbourne in June and stumbled across this quiet place during the day. My friend who is Polish suggested we return for a late dinner. It definitely was not the 'quiet' place we found earlier that day. Filled to capacity at 9:30 pm on a Saturday night we were happy to take a seat at the bar as we did not have a reservation.

We eventually moved to a table outside. The food was great, and my friend pointed out, very authentic. Cocktails were also amazing. I would have liked to try a few more of the vodkas, however, seated outside in the middle of June wasn't the most comfortable.

The only thing that might make me hesitate returning was the service. I understand all the waitstaff were really busy, however, we were made to feel like an inconvenience. Upon entering the restaurant we definitely were not welcomed. The bartender would not even make eye contact and when we had our order taken the lady was very impatient. Throughout our move to a table the staff did nothing to hide their annoyance.

If not for our choice to ignore it we could have felt extremely uncomfortable. I predict this was due to stress and being understaffed on the night, however, it could spoil an evening.

Sep 16, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

Went here on a wednesday, and ordered 3 dishes, the pierogies (combo), chicken stroganoff, and beef stuffed cabbage in a tomato sauce. The food was pretty average, the pierogies particularly disappointing since they're supposed to be the famous dish. The stroganoff was fantastic though, saving the meal. Drinks were also outstanding, the bloody mary doubles as a vegetable garden, the vodka sour was truly excellent.

Service was competent and friendly, even on a busy night. Food was a bit pricey given the portion sizes and quality, but it is Chapel St. A treat for drinks, the food could be top notch with a little extra care in the kitchen.

Feb 09, 2009