The PERFECT BAR. A variety of unique craft beers for those who are feeling curious, but don't get scared, there's always The Heart Pale Ale ready to pour if you want to keep it simple. Oh, you're a spirits person? THEY'VE GOT THAT TOO! Ensuring you can enjoy all your classic favourites, or smash down a really freaking good Pickle Back as you enter/exit. Not enough? WELL there's WINE, and there's COCKTAILS (A very good, I dare say, great Espresso Martini). This is further enhanced by a super friendly staff who are welcoming and not afraid to let some good jokes fly! The atmosphere is relaxing and homely whether it's a lowkey weeknight, or a packed weekend. The booths inside provide an intimate setting for you to banter with the buds, and the beer garden is eye-catching and spacious. The bar is also dog-friendly (amazing). Bar snacks are available, and if you want some good food, well, you're on freaking Barkly street. A good meal is in abundance. Been coming to Josephines for years, when I lived in footscray, when I lived in Essendon, heck, when I lived in BENTLEIGH (the uber home was worth it) Love you friends, and keep on keepin on!!!!!!

Went in there tonight and was very long wait to place order No workers were seen at all. I ordered a cocktail and to be honest felt like I was ripped off . It had more ice cubes that alcohol or liquid substance at all. 2 sips and it was gone ! It was a glass with legit 5-6 large square ice cubes . I think possibly this could be tactic . After my 2 sips/ drinks it was all gone And no I didn't skull it lol But disappointed wouldn't go back The interior was good thought and great outdoor space too

One of the best craft bars for atmosphere - these are really nice guys too. Beer range tends towards the hipster extreme (I saw 16 sour beers on tap once - doh!) but there's usually something good. Don't do food but there are places to eat nearby. Good provision for smokers. UPDATE: beer range seems a bit more varied these days and the beer garden is even better - truly awesome. You might get Mr. Grumpy being a bit overzealous with last drinks but I'm sure that only happens once a month.

My favourite local's bar in the inner west. Bar Josephine reminds me of the great dive bars I used to frequent in my hometown of Portland Oregon in the US: Fantastic beer selection with rotating taps, friendly bar keeps, and people actually hanging out and chatting at the bar itself. The bar has plenty of cosy nooks and crannies in which to settle in with your pint, as well as a small beer garden. Always a few dogs lazing about in the garden as well, which I personally really appreciate.

If you are a lover of all things beer this is the place for you. Bar Josephine offers an amazing selection of local, interstate & international beers on a rotating basis. Most beers are there for one or two kegs & when they run out they are replaced with another. You never know what you will find on the taps but it is always good. If you are not sure if you will like something ask for a taste. If it is great beer you are after you will not be disappointed.

If you're looking for a local spot in Footscray, this is the one. Friendly staff, excellent atmosphere and a selection of cheap beers on a Wednesday makes it a perfect location for a cheeky weeknight pint. Sit in the warm booths during the winter or out the back in the beer garden in summer and relax as the pizza shop next door delivers right the bar.
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A decent bar, but the last two times I've visited, their older regular and (very drunk) patrons have made me feel uncomfortable. I've had the same rude Irish Australian fella join myself and my date at my table uninvited twice now. It sucks to mark down a venue for this reason, but I've not experienced challenging clientele at any other local venues. Sharing so that management can try to curb the antisocial behaviour.

Most of the beers will blow your head off with hops but that might be right up your alley. Great set up and rotating taps, they sometimes have cider on tap. Recently it's been Willie Nelson's which is amazing. This winter they've had a lot of porters and stouts which has been more my things and I've enjoyed that. The bartenders are all lovely, laid back people and the clientele are a diverse mix

Hands down the best bar in Footscray area. Always interesting beers & super friendly staff. They have a great beer garden for the smokers. The interior is decked out with a range of books , games, pop culture, movie memorabilia & other trinkets. It's wonderfully fascinating!! My personal favourites are the album covers of Stanley Kubrick films above the bar!! These guys have such cool style!

If I could give this place a minus star I would. The bar chick on a Tuesday is the worst of hospos kind. Don’t touch Bar Josephine with a 10 Foot barge pole on a Tuesday, because any slight inclination of happiness will have you shhhhhhd. This bar could be really fun, but the bar staff make you want to kill yourself with their abhorrent view on fun. Never again. Never.

Super relaxed and welcoming vibe, we came in for drinks after a day out with friends and had a blast. The beer garden out back is heated and covered, so you won't feel that winter wind while enjoying one of the many interesting brews available. Staff were really nice and the atmosphere was relaxed, will definitely be coming back whenever I'm in Footscray

After dinner in Footscray, thought it would be a great idea to try this place. Found a table quickly, but never got to have that drink. The entire bar area was occupied by sitting patrons and bartender had no real system of order. After 10 mins, gave up and headed down the road where walk ins were welcomed and served promptly despite the busy trade.

Lovely local bar with lovely staff. Such chill vibes here. Love sitting at the bar and chatting with the bar tenders. The only thing I could give feedback on was I wish we could get headphones to watch the effing excellent films they continuously stream. Con air, princess bride, back to the future!!! Amazing, let me tune in!!!

Cute little bar in the heart of Footscray. I was particularly impressed by the handdrawn artwork for the tap beer choices! Super friendly staff and great beers. The dog friendly beer garden is a highlight and makes for a nice afternoon with furry companions to enjoy a beer in the shade. Highly recommend!

Great place for either a night out or a quiet few. Huge selection of beers (18 taps if my memory serves right), friendly staff that know what they're serving. No food, but your welcome to bring your own in (plenty of take out in your line of sight). Dogs are always welcome, free schmackos all round!

A great local watering hole. It feels cozy, quirky, casual and the place you want to be in West Footscray. Bar Josephine has a great selection of beer on tap, few cocktails and wine on offer too. The best part is the back beer garden where you can bring your pup to enjoy your beer with.

I called into this amazing place yesterday and met Aaron who has named this place after his grandmother. Aaron has a great relaxed nature combined with brilliant customer service. The range of beers are spectacular and very well priced. I highly recommend this cozy place!

The staff try to be nice but it feels almost the opposite. Asked for water for my dog and was denied.. the place had no vibe what so ever, no bar food and a single pint cost me $29.. the only reason for 2 stars is the variety of beers on tap. Will never come back again

Always an awesome time at bar Josephine. Constantly rotating the taps and always offering a nice diverse array of beers. Wednesday nights are usually cheap nights as they clear taps for new beer. Owner and staff are always friendly and and ready for some banter.

2001, clockwork orange, Barry Lyndon, full metal jacket, plus Rear Window on the big screen! Great movie taste. Makes the drinks taste better. Awesome music too. Very chill venue can talk to each other without yelling. Plus you can order salted peanuts or chips.

New little bar in Footscray. Nice atmosphere, friendly bar staff, outdoor area at back. Good range of independently brewed beers and ciders. Check out the specially milled wood bar and handmade tables. Well worth a visit. This could be your new local.

Great new bar for Footscray. It has an impressive number of beers on tap and a friendly atmosphere. It also features a compact but comfortable beer garden out the back. Just short of five stars, but may well get there after settling in.

Super chill bar, nice outdoor beer garden out the back. Recently added more space in the beer garden, very makeshift but in a good way. Staff were very helpful, Next to a great pie shop. Good for a Sunday Arvo sesh pies not included.

Lovely place with retro vibes and beautiful beer garden. The IPAs were very good and this place has such a good offering for craft beers. The Staff was lovely and the ambience was perfect to spend a good saturday night with friends.

This is a nice, comfortable bar with friendly staff who will give you recommendations and good explanations of the beers available. They always have unusual craft beers to try out and some select cocktails for a reasonable price.

This bar has so much potential but each and every time I visit, the bar staff are so rude and arrogant - so I've given up and won't be attending again. Lots of other great bars on Barkly St who treat their customers with respect.

If “the pride of Footscray” weren’t already taken I’d happily give Josephine’s the title. An absolute mainstay of the Footscray bar scene, rivalled by none other. Do yourself a favour and spend the afternoon in their beer garden.

First walk in, the atmosphere, and selections of craft beers available are just marvellous, visited the beer garden, the vibes, we are allowed to bought pies next door and had it here with beers, best day ever, would come again.

This is such a great, friendly place to chill out. I loved the beer tasting and the home away from home atmosphere. A must visit place for locals and visitors alike. Thanks for your hospitality, Bar Josephine. I will be back!

Great service, fantastic beer and an all round wicked vibe. You can BYO your own food or order in its great.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pot

If you're lucky enough to spend more than a few minutes at the busiest time of day here, you'll quickly realise how awesome the staff are, from music choice to drinks recommendation, you'll always be loved after at Bar Jo's

Bar Josephine has a GREAT cocktail list. I tried the Sazerac and would definitely recommend it! I love the beer garden out the back too. This bar is definitely a welcoming place with great décor and is loved by the locals!

Just a chilled out place. Friendly staff. My fav is their 'something fruit cocktail' but my mates say the draft beer range is mint. Good asset to the local bars of footscray! Also u can bring dogs sooooo that's a win!!

Bar Josephine’s great! Great selection of beers and cocktails for all occasions. If you don’t know what you want, tell the bar tender your current vibe and they’ll recommend a great bevie to whet your whistle. Enjoy!

Everything is good here. Excellent selection of craft beers and very friendly staff who always make us feel welcome. BYO on food which is fine and cheap beers on Wednesday’s.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Local pub, great ever changing variety of drinks on tap. plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Very dog friendly, BYO food. Usually a good film showing in the back room. Board games are at front of the pub.

What an awesome bar with excellent craft beer selection. Very relaxing atmosphere with a great local feel. Shame that Maribyrnong Council are being 'difficult' and no longer allowing dogs inside, so dumb.

Chris sucks but bec is alright. Lol…. Nah, I love this place, here every week. The fact I know the bartenders names says enough. Drop by sometime.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Bar Jo is a welcoming old school dive bar in the cool inner city suburb of Footscray. They have an exceptional rotation of craft taps and offer an incredible deal on craft beers every Wednesday night.

Top notch beverages and banter in a setting that's cosy as hell and brimming with warmth in every sense. A little community in itself, and an obvious labour of immense love. Good luck keeping us away.

The most amazing local bar for personable service ,craft beers,wines, cocktails, spirits etc. love a regular visit, always know I will have great service and regular tap takeovers from local Brewerys

Always my favourite selection of taps in town, amazing beers for all interests and tastes, and the staff make you feel like family. Glad to see the Josephine’s team go from strength to strength.

Liked the place generally, pretty relaxed and friendly - would love to come here more often but jeez the beer selection was a bit of a letdown. Like 12 taps, all sours - c'mon who does that.

Pretty much my favourite bar in Melbourne. Cosy with an always changing, always brilliant selection of beers from local to international. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Love it

Nice ambiance with beer garden. Can bring your own food or order to the place. Various options for beer lovers. Every beer has its own taste. Great place to spend good time after work.

Great atmosphere, and awesome rotating craft beer selection alongside fantastic servic. My partner and I dropped in before the Melbourne show and had a lovely chat with the bartender.

Possibly my favourite bar in Footscray, excellent range of beer. The list constantly changes. Nice warm cosy atmosphere, friendly staff. Good place to meet up with friends for a chat.

Best place to drink in Footscray. Love the staff, the rotating beers on tap, the fact that it’s dog friendly and the overall vibe. No other place I’d rather have a drink in the west.

Great looking bar. One of the staff was rude and arrogant. Made a strange comment as she handed our drinks over. Felt like trying to be too cool. Hopefully I just got an off night.

Great bar with selection of yum craft beer. Little courtyard for the smokers, chilled vibe. Not really kid friendly tho (Back alley Sally's/lickety split are way better) …

SO CUTE I love this place, the atmosphere is so cosy. My videos are of a Sunday right on open it gets much busier later!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fantastic bar with a cool fitout and plenty of beers on tap. Prices for drinks are good and outside food such as pizza can be ordered and delivered. Will definitely be back.

Classic Grunge Melbourne Hipster Craft Beer Bar. Excellent range of beers but hampered by Australian import tax for anything international & the bar is as you would expect.

Great selection of craft beers that's always changing, with frequent tap takeovers (today is Belgian sours) and a relaxed, cool but not pretentious vibe. Fantastic!

Very unique, a very mellow laid-back place. Superb cocktails. Excellent. I can't remember the names of the drinks, I can't even remember leaving this place …

Bar Josephine is one of my favs, a bit of Fitzroy in the west, beautiful range of beers and great atmosphere
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best bar in Footscray, hands down. Great cocktails but tonight it was beer. A nice draught.
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Such a great local, top notch selection or rotating taps. Friendly and homely environment.
Price per person
$1–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Awesome selection, with rotating beer specials / themed weeks. Fitout is awesome with plenty of nooks and crannies to get comfy in with a small group of mates.

A true local bar with reasonable prices. Most wonderful place in the west for a friendly evening cap. Great service and a most impressive range of beverages.

cute lil bar. drinks are nice. i like the decorations, esp the taxidermied chicken with glasses they have in there, idk its name but it's a gertrude to me.

This bar is spot on perfect. Great beer and drinks selection. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Cosy with nice quirky decor that isn't OTT. I ❤ U JOSEPHINE X

Josie's is probably our favourite local watering hole. Lovely staff and great rotation of beers. Our dogs love it too, especially treats from the bar!

Like grandma's lounge room mixed with a boys club. Affordable and good selection of beers on tap and lots of events on, it's like the dancing dog 2.0

Great atmosphere! Super great and varied beer choices. Staff are super lovely and I'm glad to see some youthful females behind the bar! GIRLS NIGHT!

Amazing selection of beers and the staff are so knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try something different and delicious

Out the back seem there was no rules for smokers. Smoke anywhere. We moved once. Hour later more smokers. Hard to avoid. Great bar major negative.

Cool little place, awesome selection of beers if you are a conesiuer. Friendly staff and a good little beer garden out the back. Highly recommend.

Great bar, awesome selection of beers. Bar staff are always providing great recommendations whenever I can't choose from the board. Just go there!

Awesome spot! Nice outdoor patio in back, cool book/record collection, and great beer selection. The handcrafted wooden bar is a beauty as well

Friendly staff, cool but relaxed vibe, good selection of local and international spirits, bonus big screen PlayStation games if you're into it.

Great little bar with an excellent range of craft beer from Australia and abroad. Little nook of a place full of books and awesome bartenders

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great craft beers that rotate frequently. Everyone who walks up to the bar gets a personal experience.

15 decent beers. Open bar area. Indoor booth tables. Big outdoor area. Take your pick! What else could you ask for? (Yes it's got bogs)

Great bar. Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend for a casual evening drink. Dogs very welcome here :-)

Bar Josephine has been my favourite little bar since moving over to Footscray, great place for beers and just about everything else.

Great service and atmosphere. Reasonably priced spirits and great selection of craft beer. Simon and chris pour a mean jamo & dry.

Chilled out spot. Friendly folks and good place for a brew
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Welcoming staff. Excellent beer garden. Amazing beers to be had. seriously, what else can you ask for in the heart of Footscray.

Fantastic place to have a drink! The selection of craft beer on tap is very impressive. Can't wait to have another drink there.

I love this place! Bar staff are rad, beers are super rad. I do wish there was no jazz on Wednesdays but I can bring earplugs

Great bar, cosy inside, lovely back area where it is dog friendly. Lovely staff... a gem in Footscray! definitely recommend!

Great bar with an awesome vibe, friendly staff and punters and a wee beer garden. Dog friendly! A Footscray fave for sure.

friendly staff, excellent selection of craft beers, lots of events. the best craft beer bar in the west that I'm aware of.

Fantastic venue with an always excellent rotation of craft beer. The staff are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

We had a ball - 20 of us mobbed the poor barman but he coped well, even rescued a possum and relocated him. Great night

The service is just great when it comes feeling welcomed, talking about and tasting a their huge range of beer on tap!

Love chilling out here after work, Glad to see you open and covid safe! So nice to sit outside and enjoy a good beer!

Cool little bar, no food but you can get food delivered from one of the many nearby takeaways. Good drinks selection.

Awesome space for a craft beer and friendly service. Spacious beer garden and fun tributes in the men's bathroom :)

Great beer and good people working there. Also a great outdoor beer garden out the back for relaxed conversations.

The coziest, loveliest place. Beautiful, knowledgeable people serving beautiful beers on frequently rotating taps.

A cosy venue with an extensive beer selection. Make sure you get down there on Wednesday's for a discounted pint!

One of the best places in Footscray. Love the rotating beer selection and the staff are always up for a chat.

Great selection of beer that changes regularly, and friendly staff. Best place to drink beer in Footscray.

Always good. Nice people and great atmosphere. I always love going here to try new beers or favourites.

Great atmosphere and great people
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Pretty chilled bar, good beer, cocktail and wine list. Plenty of seating, definitely worth the visit.

If you want a great beer and efficient customer service, look no further than this fine establishment

Bar Josephine is great. So much friendlier and more relaxed than the other newer places in Footscray.