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FAQs

There’s no such thing as a silly question, but some questions do get asked more frequently than others. So we put together this handy guide to all things Meatmaiden.
We hope it helps.

If you can’t find the answer you need, just drop us a line at info@meatmaiden.com.au

FAQs

There’s no such thing as a silly question, but some questions do get asked more frequently than others. So we put together this handy guide to all things Meatmaiden.
We hope it helps.

If you can’t find the answer you need, just drop us a line at info@meatmaiden.com.au

When is your kitchen open?

Our kitchen operating hours are listed below. We do extend our trading later in December and around certain key events and also open for special Sunday dinners throughout the year.

LUNCH 12pm – 2.30pm | Wednesday to Saturday

DINNER 5pm – 9.30pm Tuesday to Thursday | 5pm – 10pm Friday & Saturday

I can’t find your restaurant … where are you?

You’ll find us hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, a 150-year-old former fashion department store.  

Look for 195 Little Collins St, you’ll see the Meatmaiden neon sign above the door. Walk through the doors with the Maiden’s face, descend the metal stairs or take the lift and you’ll find our restaurant entrance around to the right.

Can I come in for a drink?

Absolutely. We’ll try and tempt you with some bar snacks too. We’re lucky to have two bars in our venue, perfect for pre and post-dinner drinks. Our cocktail list is made up of some twisted classics, we have six taps of local craft beer and cider, with a carefully curated wine list of 100+ bottles. We’re licensed until 1am, so your night can kick on.

What are your booking requirements?

Bookings of 1-12 people can be made online. Click here.

Groups of 8+ people at dinner must dine on our chef’s choice menu, which is made up of seven sharing dishes and gives you a hit
from the smoker and grill. Please note, these Mood menus are always subject to change.

Groups of 8+ people at lunch can dine on our $50 Express Lunch until November 15. That menu then takes a break until the new year
and bookings of 8+ at lunch will be required to dine on our Maiden’s Mood chef’s choice sharing menu.

If you have a mix of adults and kids in your group and the number of adults is less than 8 people, then the chef’s choice menu
requirement won’t apply.

For all other large party requirements, contact our reservations team on info@meatmaiden.com.au

Should I book? Or can I just walk on in?

Booking ahead is always recommended … but we’re a welcoming bunch. We’ll do our best to find you a space within our restaurant if you do decide to just drop in, or put you on our waitlist.

How long do I get for my booking?

Groups of 1-2 people have 90 mins for their booking, so please ensure you plan your visit to the restaurant to maximise your time.

Groups of 3 people or more have 120 mins to enjoy their experience.

What happens if my party size changes?

For bookings of 1-7 people, please email us with any number changes at least 24 hours before your booking time to avoid any charges being applied. Please understand that during service our phones can’t always be answered and there is no monitored voicemail.

For bookings of 8+ people we require 48 hours’ notice of any booking changes. Please note, if you book for 8 and your number drops to 7 the Maiden’s Mood requirement will still apply.

What is your late cancellation / no show policy?

For bookings of 1-7 people, no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of your booking time will incur a fee of $50pp. Changes to guest numbers without 24 hours’ notice may also be subject to a $50pp charge.

For bookings of 8+ people, no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of your booking time will incur a fee of $50pp. Changes to guest numbers without 48 hours’ notice may also be subject to a $50pp charge.

We understand life happens and will always apply common sense to situations of illness, family emergency etc. and offer you the opportunity to rebook to avoid the charge being applied.

Please note, if you do not honour your rebooked visit, the $50pp no-show fee will then be applied.

Do you cater for all dietaries?

We’re a meat-focused venue, but there’s plenty on our menu for everyone, including gluten-free entrees and mains with many of our dishes also able to be made gluten free.

We have a $75pp Vegetarian Mood, along with a $80pp Pescetarian Mood available on request.

We ask that all dietary requirements are communicated to us at least 48 hours prior to your booking to ensure availability – this can be done either in your booking notes or in an email to the restaurant.

Is your meat halal?

Unfortunately not. Many of our meat suppliers are certified halal. However, because we use our smoker and grill to also cook non-halal products we cannot avoid cross-contamination.

We used to love your brisket. Where did it go?

Unfortunately due to new restrictions set by the building on cooking overnight, we can no longer produce enough of our 20-hour smoked brisket to run it as a permanent menu item. But you’ll still find it popping up on our Maiden’s Mood chef’s choice menu.

Can I bring a cake?

If you want to bring a cake, please just let us know in advance. A fee of $5 per person will apply. Our kitchen puts a lot of work into the desserts on our menu, that’s why we charge a fee.

Dinner for one, please? I’m a solo diner

No problem. There’s a spot at the bar with your name on it. The views are good, you’re close to the action and we’ll keep you company with some conversation. Otherwise, please just radiate those “I-want-to-be-left-alone” vibes and we’ll respect that too.

You’ve only got high top tables available. What are those?

Larger groups of 16+ will be seated across our two large communal high tables, which have upholstered stools with backs. If you’re booking for two people, the high top offered will either be a seat at the bar or a table along the wall beside our meat fridge, on upholstered stools with backs.

How do I snag one of those sexy looking booths?

They’re always in demand.

We don’t take bookings on them and sometimes it’s luck of the draw. Best thing to do is make the request in your booking notes and we’ll see what we can do.

Do you have a private dining area?

We’re definitely a venue where you need to be comfortable rubbing shoulders with other guests, so there isn’t a dedicated space for that kind of thing. Our end cocktail bar can though be booked as a semi-private dining space and can sit groups of up to 15 people. It could also be used exclusively as a standing bar for groups of up to 30, but a hiring fee will apply. Drop us a line if you have an enquiry at info@meatmaiden.com.au

What’s this Express Lunch offer you have?

It’s good, isn’t it.

You get a choice of entrèe and main plus sides and a house drink for just $50. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm. Please note, our Express Lunch takes a break after November 15 and will return in the new year.

Parking is a nightmare in the city … any advice?

Yes it is. Especially on weekends. If you want to avoid driving around in circles, thereby cutting into your lovely dining experience with us, we recommend trying to find a space in the Council Car Park on Royal Parade and Little Collins St … or getting a taxi or Uber.

Do you have a lift? Are you fully accessible?

Yes we do. And yes we are. You’ll see our lift on the right before you get to the doors with the Maiden’s face. Hit the button beside the Meatmaiden logo and the lift will bring you down to the basement. Our restaurant entrance has an automatic door for easy entrance. We have an accessible toilet at the back of the restaurant for guests with accessibility requirements. If you do require an assisted space, please just let us know when making your booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate or contact us on info@meatmaiden.com.au

Do you have a dress code?

We think we have a certain style down here in the basement – and we’d love you to bring yours. We’re not formal, but we’re not a thongs and singlets kind of place either. Smart casual is probably the best way to describe it. Let your personality shine through.

How do you feel about kids in the restaurant?

Children are welcome in Meatmaiden.

We don’t have a kids menu, but there’s plenty on our Main Menu for the little ones [ mac cheese, chicken, chips etc ]. Our venue can get a little noisy and full at certain peak periods, so, to ensure you have a good time as well, common sense probably applies about when to book. Our approach is always to come early.

 

How’s your wifi and mobile coverage?

We’re tucked away deep down in a basement in an old building with thick walls and we struggle to run our own restaurant operations with the internet reception we have.

Depending on your network, mobile coverage isn’t always reliable. But thanks to some whizzy booster things, we do now offer a guest wifi on request.

Do you allow bucks parties and hens?

The guiding principle we apply is that any booking cannot be at the expense of another booking having a good time. We generally only take bucks / hens parties in our first sitting and expect groups to behave responsibly, keep noise levels down and always be respectful of other guests.

Do you do drinks packages?

Negative. Nobody wins with a drinks package. The reality is you’re generally getting inferior product [ cheap wine ] and it can obviously lead to problems within the venue. We’re always happy to discuss pre-ordered drinks, cocktails for special occasions.

I’ve got a dusty old bottle of Claret. Can I bring my own booze in?

We’ve got a lovely wine list of 150+ bottles that is carefully curated and we think covers all your needs and price points. But if there is an exceptional reason to bring a bottle of something special in, then drop us a line and we’ll listen.

What vouchers and gift cards do you accept? Why is there a limit on the number that can be used per bill?

We have our own gift voucher system using the ‘Giver’ platform. Unfortunately, we have had to introduce photo ID requirements and stricter Ts and Cs due to recent fraudulent purchases. 

We also accept; Best Restaurant Gift Cards, Good Food and Gourmet Traveller Gift Cards – there is a limit of two that can be used per bill, due to the commission charged per card by the third party card operators. All other restaurant cards that effectively work as credit cards [ e.g Broadsheet Gift Card ] are also accepted. 

Do you have a public holiday surcharge?

We apply what is now a pretty standard 15% surcharge to all public holidays. Our staff have to spend their Cup day etc working and as a business we’re hit with considerable penalty rate requirements on those days.

Is Meatmaiden available for private hire?

We don’t often close the restaurant to our guests. But if you do have a special event in mind that you think would overcome the minimum spend challenges, drop us a line. Lunch is definitely much more suited to a venue takeover. 

FAQs

When is your kitchen open? Our kitchen operating hours are listed below. We do extend our trading later in December and around certain key events and also open for special Sunday dinners throughout the year.LUNCH 12pm – 2.30pm |...

When is your kitchen open?

Our kitchen operating hours are listed below. We do extend our trading later in December and around certain key events and also open for special Sunday dinners throughout the year.

LUNCH 12pm – 2.30pm | Wednesday to Saturday

DINNER 5pm – 9.30pm Tuesday to Thursday | 5pm – 10pm Friday & Saturday

I can’t find your restaurant … where are you?

You’ll find us hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, a 150-year-old former fashion department store.  

Look for 195 Little Collins St, you’ll see the Meatmaiden neon sign above the door. Walk through the doors with the Maiden’s face, descend the metal stairs or take the lift and you’ll find our restaurant entrance around to the right.

Can I come in for a drink?

Absolutely. We’ll try and tempt you with some bar snacks too. We’re lucky to have two bars in our venue, perfect for pre and post-dinner drinks. Our cocktail list is made up of some twisted classics, we have six taps of local craft beer and cider, with a carefully curated wine list of 100+ bottles. We’re licensed until 1am, so your night can kick on.

What are your booking requirements?

Bookings of 1-12 people can be made online. Click here.

Groups of 8+ people at dinner must dine on our chef’s choice menu, which is made up of seven sharing dishes and gives you a hit from the smoker and grill. Please note, these Mood menus are always subject to change.

Groups of 8+ people at lunch can dine on our $50 Express Lunch until November 15. That menu then takes a break until the new year and bookings of 8+ at lunch will be required to dine on our Maiden’s Mood chef’s choice sharing menu.

If you have a mix of adults and kids in your group and the number of adults is less than 8 people, then the chef’s choice menu requirement won’t apply.

For all other large party requirements, contact our reservations team on info@meatmaiden.com.au

Should I book? Or can I just walk on in?

Booking ahead is always recommended … but we’re a welcoming bunch. We’ll do our best to find you a space within our restaurant if you do decide to just drop in, or put you on our waitlist.

How long do I get for my booking?

Groups of 1-2 people have 90 mins for their booking, so please ensure you plan your visit to the restaurant to maximise your time.

Groups of 3 people or more have 120 mins to enjoy their experience.

What happens if my party size changes?

For bookings of 1-7 people, please email us with any number changes at least 24 hours before your booking time to avoid any charges being applied. Please understand that during service our phones can’t always be answered and there is no monitored voicemail.

For bookings of 8+ people we require 48 hours’ notice of any booking changes. Please note, if you book for 8 and your number drops to 7 the Maiden’s Mood requirement will still apply.

What is your late cancellation / no show policy?

For bookings of 1-7 people, no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of your booking time will incur a fee of $50pp. Changes to guest numbers without 24 hours’ notice may also be subject to a $50pp charge.

For bookings of 8+ people, no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of your booking time will incur a fee of $50pp. Changes to guest numbers without 48 hours’ notice may also be subject to a $50pp charge.

We understand life happens and will always apply common sense to situations of illness, family emergency etc. and offer you the opportunity to rebook to avoid the charge being applied.

Please note, if you do not honour your rebooked visit, the $50pp no-show fee will then be applied.

Do you cater for all dietaries?

We’re a meat-focused venue, but there’s plenty on our menu for everyone, including gluten-free entrees and mains with many of our dishes also able to be made gluten free.

We have a $75pp Vegetarian Mood, along with a $80pp Pescetarian Mood available on request.

We ask that all dietary requirements are communicated to us at least 48 hours prior to your booking to ensure availability – this can be done either in your booking notes or in an email to the restaurant.

Is your meat halal?

Unfortunately not. Many of our meat suppliers are certified halal. However, because we use our smoker and grill to also cook non-halal products we cannot avoid cross-contamination.

We used to love your brisket. Where did it go?

Unfortunately due to new restrictions set by the building on cooking overnight, we can no longer produce enough of our 20-hour smoked brisket to run it as a permanent menu item. But you’ll still find it popping up on our Maiden’s Mood chef’s choice menu.

Can I bring a cake?

If you want to bring a cake, please just let us know in advance. A fee of $5 per person will apply. Our kitchen puts a lot of work into the desserts on our menu, that’s why we charge a fee.

Dinner for one, please? I’m a solo diner

No problem. There’s a spot at the bar with your name on it. The views are good, you’re close to the action and we’ll keep you company with some conversation. Otherwise, please just radiate those “I-want-to-be-left-alone” vibes and we’ll respect that too.

You’ve only got high top tables available. What are those?

Larger groups of 16+ will be seated across our two large communal high tables, which have upholstered stools with backs. If you’re booking for two people, the high top offered will either be a seat at the bar or a table along the wall beside our meat fridge, on upholstered stools with backs.

How do I snag one of those sexy looking booths?

They’re always in demand.

We don’t take bookings on them and sometimes it’s luck of the draw. Best thing to do is make the request in your booking notes and we’ll see what we can do.

Do you have a private dining area?

We’re definitely a venue where you need to be comfortable rubbing shoulders with other guests, so there isn’t a dedicated space for that kind of thing. Our end cocktail bar can though be booked as a semi-private dining space and can sit groups of up to 15 people. It could also be used exclusively as a standing bar for groups of up to 30, but a hiring fee will apply. Drop us a line if you have an enquiry at info@meatmaiden.com.au

What’s this Express Lunch offer you have?

It’s good, isn’t it.

You get a choice of entrèe and main plus sides and a house drink for just $50. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm. Please note, our Express Lunch takes a break after November 15 and will return in the new year.

Parking is a nightmare in the city … any advice?

Yes it is. Especially on weekends. If you want to avoid driving around in circles, thereby cutting into your lovely dining experience with us, we recommend trying to find a space in the Council Car Park on Royal Parade and Little Collins St … or getting a taxi or Uber.

Do you have a lift? Are you fully accessible?

Yes we do. And yes we are. You’ll see our lift on the right before you get to the doors with the Maiden’s face. Hit the button beside the Meatmaiden logo and the lift will bring you down to the basement. Our restaurant entrance has an automatic door for easy entrance. We have an accessible toilet at the back of the restaurant for guests with accessibility requirements. If you do require an assisted space, please just let us know when making your booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate or contact us on info@meatmaiden.com.au

Do you have a dress code?

We think we have a certain style down here in the basement – and we’d love you to bring yours. We’re not formal, but we’re not a thongs and singlets kind of place either. Smart casual is probably the best way to describe it. Let your personality shine through.

How do you feel about kids in the restaurant?

Children are welcome in Meatmaiden.

We don’t have a kids menu, but there’s plenty on our Main Menu for the little ones [ mac cheese, chicken, chips etc ]. Our venue can get a little noisy and full at certain peak periods, so, to ensure you have a good time as well, common sense probably applies about when to book. Our approach is always to come early.

How’s your wifi and mobile coverage?

We’re tucked away deep down in a basement in an old building with thick walls and we struggle to run our own restaurant operations with the internet reception we have.

Depending on your network, mobile coverage isn’t always reliable. But thanks to some whizzy booster things, we do now offer a guest wifi on request.

Do you allow bucks parties and hens?

The guiding principle we apply is that any booking cannot be at the expense of another booking having a good time. We generally only take bucks / hens parties in our first sitting and expect groups to behave responsibly, keep noise levels down and always be respectful of other guests.

Do you do drinks packages?

Negative. Nobody wins with a drinks package. The reality is you’re generally getting inferior product [ cheap wine ] and it can obviously lead to problems within the venue. We’re always happy to discuss pre-ordered drinks, cocktails for special occasions.

I’ve got a dusty old bottle of Claret. Can I bring my own booze in?

We’ve got a lovely wine list of 150+ bottles that is carefully curated and we think covers all your needs and price points. But if there is an exceptional reason to bring a bottle of something special in, then drop us a line and we’ll listen.

What vouchers and gift cards do you accept? Why is there a limit on the number that can be used per bill?

We have our own gift voucher system using the ‘Giver’ platform. Unfortunately, we have had to introduce photo ID requirements and stricter Ts and Cs due to recent fraudulent purchases. 

We also accept; Best Restaurant Gift Cards, Good Food and Gourmet Traveller Gift Cards – there is a limit of two that can be used per bill, due to the commission charged per card by the third party card operators. All other restaurant cards that effectively work as credit cards [ e.g Broadsheet Gift Card ] are also accepted. 

Do you have a public holiday surcharge?

We apply what is now a pretty standard 15% surcharge to all public holidays. Our staff have to spend their Cup day etc working and as a business we’re hit with considerable penalty rate requirements on those days.

Is Meatmaiden available for private hire?

We don’t often close the restaurant to our guests. But if you do have a special event in mind that you think would overcome the minimum spend challenges, drop us a line. Lunch is definitely much more suited to a venue takeover. 

FAQs

When is your kitchen open? Our kitchen operating hours are listed below. We do extend our trading later in December and around certain key events and also open for special Sunday dinners throughout the year.LUNCH 12pm – 2.30pm |...