Ally O.
Yelp
Okay, I think I'm going to go against a lot of Melburnians on this one but Lucky Coq is really starting to lose its appeal. For me, anyway.
The popular Chapel Street restaurant and bar - the sister bar to Bimbos on Brunswick Street - has sadly let me down on the last few visits for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the venue that is famous for its $4 gourmet pizzas, never seems to be serving them for that price when I'm there!? I know, I know, it's just my bad timing, because realistically, the hours for this special are quite generous (weekdays 12pm-4pm, Mon-Thurs 7-11pm, Fri-Sat 7-9pm and Sunday all day til 11pm). Anyway, not to be too stingy (the regular price for these pizzas are around $8/$9), I still ordered my Gorgonzola pizza but wasn't too thrilled when it came out. The prosciutto was lined over the entire base in huge strips and the gorgonzola was just too overpowering. Overall, it wasn't bad, but with the amount of pubs competing with cheap gourmet pizzas, I think I could easily say I've had better. In fact, I wish I chose the rocket, walnut, prosciutto and bocconcini salad which was on the new menu, because I think that sounds delicious.
Food aside, Lucky Coq is also popular as a drinking spot for those starting off their nights - shame their drinks are quite expensive, compared to the countless bars on Chapel Street that serve permanent specials and dirt cheap bevvys. For $8, I received a gin and soda in a small glass, filled with ice. That said, Lucky Coq's delicious range of flavoured vodkas (lychee, peach, apple etc), which you can customise yourself, were worth the extra cash.
Lastly, despite the quirky interior - with collectables and antiques plastered on the walls and ceiling, and array of second hand couches - upstairs is always really stuffy. We recently attended on a Saturday afternoon that was quite mild and wet out, and found ourselves overheating and unable to go out into the 'courtyard' type area because of the rain.
On a clear night, the outside bit upstairs is actually quite atmospheric with lanterns and dim lighting.
The venue is generally filled with alternative hipsters that will compete with you for the couches both inside and out, but if you can manage to secure your own area, Lucky Coq is casual enough for you and your friends to chill before moving on to somewhere more upbeat.