NOW EXPERIENCING:Little Drop of Poison
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Little Drop of Poison

Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
937b Main Road, Eltham, VIC, 3095
Phone
(03) 9424 8186
Website
littledropofpoison.com.au
Instagram
@poison.eltham

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 03 Apr 2024

By
Tomas Telegramma

Outdoor seating at Little Drop of Poison

This tapas bar might be small, but it’s making big waves in Eltham – and beyond – swarmed by locals having snacky dinners fuelled by ice-cold Spanish lager and accomplished cocktails.

The decor at Little Drop of Poison in Melbourne's Eltham
Why you goIt hasn’t always been easy to find drinking (and eating) this good, this far into the outer suburbs. But Eltham’s Little Drop of Poison – in very green surrounds 20 kilometres north-east of the CBD – is among a new crop of bars changing the social landscape in the suburbs. Tucked in a laneway just off Main Street, this spot rolls the best of Spain’s tapas bars, Mexico’s taquerias and Melbourne’s north-side watering holes into one. The room is dark and moody, with maroon walls, eclectic art and dim (though warm) lighting. Those here for a feast park themselves at the bar, working through the always-in-flux menu of Spanish and Latin American dishes. Those here for a good time take over one of the outside picnic tables as the Spanish lagers and banter flow all night.
Why you stayBecause of the legitimate neighbourhood vibe. If you live in Eltham, you’ll probably run into a fellow resident. But if you’re not from the area, the energy of a room full of people making the most of their new local is enough to make you want to stick around for another drink. This is to say it gets busy here, especially on weekends.
What drink to orderFor beer drinkers, it doesn’t get much more classic than a frosty Barcelona-brewed Estrella Damm. But Little Drop of Poison also pours a locally made take on a Spanish lager. Called Una Caña Fria, it’s the creation of Kensington brewery Bonehead, and it’s an easy-drinking delight. But where the bar really comes into its own – cementing itself as one of the absolute best in the area – is in the cocktail department. On top of well-made well-known drinks (like the Paloma, the Spicy Margarita and their secret-recipe Espresso Martini), there are left-field options such as the foamy, fruity Pricky Lady, a concoction of Melbourne-made Imbue gin, prickly-pear liqueur, lemon and sugar.
Cocktails served at Little Drop of Poison
A selection of dishes and vermouth at Little Drop of Poison
What to pair it withLittle Drop of Poison’s chef and owner Geo Tapia was born in Chile, but his menu isn’t restricted by his heritage, instead covering the many, many different cuisines of Spain and Latin America. On the bar sits a backlit glass cabinet filled with the tapas of the day for you to peruse. That might include croquetas stuffed with Spanish dry-cured jamón ham and béchamel sauce, Gildas of skewered gordal olives, white anchovies and guindilla peppers, or empanadas with fried cheese and jalapeño chilli This is perfect drinking food. While there are very few mainstays on the menu, which changes regularly, you’ll always find some punchy vegetable-forward dishes (such as Spanish patatas bravas, fried potatoes topped with spicy salsa and garlicky aïoli) and substantial, dinner-appropriate proteins (like saucy, cheesy meatballs).
Why we love itIt’s not just a great bar for Eltham. It’s a great bar full stop. And it holds its own alongside its counterparts from the inner city. Essentially, Little Drop of Poison is the kind of place you won’t regret travelling to, even from the other side of town.
Regular’s tipIf all of the above hasn’t convinced you to follow Little Drop of Poison’s delicious-looking Instagram page – and then make a beeline for Eltham – here’s one more reason: that’s the only way (short of popping in) to find out when there’s a paella special on the menu. Every now and then, the team cooks huge pans of the famous Spanish rice dish, topped with mussels and prawns, or a colourful medley of vegetables. Don’t miss out.
Paella and a cocktail at Little Drop of Poison
Don’t leave withoutGet acquainted with the (usually standalone) star of the dessert menu: churros. Little Drop of Poison dishes up the Spanish choux-pastry doughnuts piping hot – fresh from the fryer – generously sugar-coated and served with a dollop of rich dark-chocolate ganache that gets all into the churros’ grooves as you swipe them through it. Note: the serving size is small enough to demolish single-handedly if you’re not one for sharing.
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In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Authour image
Tomas TelegrammaTomas is a food, drinks and culture writer, and former Broadsheet Melbourne editor.
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Drinks DirectoryAfter work drinksDate nightOutdoor areaMeal and a bevKiller cocktailsCasual catch-upVego Food OptionsSpecialty BarBarMelbourne
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