The following review was posted some years ago yet seems to have just turned up again as a 'recent' review. As I can't force this old review back down to the area where the other old reviews are I will make the following comments to update it. All the positives in this old review (see below)still hold true, but I would like to correct the comment about the food as this no longer reflects my views now (some years later). These days the food is a very fair price for the area and for what you get. The meals are of a very high quality. It's a great place for a special night out - for any occasion. Below is the review from some years ago that has somehow returned to the top of the reviews masquerading as a current review (the part that comments on the food is no longer relevant): 'This is my "local" (even though we live 15min drive away!). Absolutely love this place - great live bands (many different one's catering for a broad range of musical tastes), 75% of the crowd are very friendly regulars (we've got to know a lot of people), great ambience, good range of beers and wines. Only downside is that although the food is really great, it is too expensive. It's sad that most of the regulars don't chose to eat much other than snacks there because of the price.' Hope this corrects things and helps out the Acorn - don't want any reputations sullied by old reviews pretending to be current!!

I was there last night and horrified to see a group of women dancing to the band and obviously enjoying themselves, how dare they behave in this fashion at such a high end establishment. Fortunately the owner, a man of obvious fine tailoring and high education stepped in and told them to stop. He was even kind enough to offer one of the women “a pole out the back if she wanted to dance that way”. What a fine gentleman, thankfully he saved us from ensuring any more of their fun and laughter! Update: And a nice quick response from the man of the hour! How fortunate we are to have someone of your stature protecting us and our strict family values, I feel it’s and invaluable service you are providing, and with witty commentary like offering one of your patrons a pole to dance on out the back and then telling them to F$&@ off and never come back as they left. I only wish there were more of you out there protecting us from the evils of dancing and fun!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

We waited almost an hour for our meals. If it was busy, or we were warned, I wouldn't have minded, but everybody was getting cranky and hungry before the meals eventually came out. The waitresses looked miserable, maybe they aren't looked after. The food itself was nice, and the venue was alright. They just need to work on their service and improve the decor a little and it would be a really nice place. Ok, I just dropped the rating down to 1 star because a couple of us made the mistake of ordering dessert. Another 45 minutes later for a couple of bowls of ice-cream and pudding is obscene. This isn't a once off either, as other people with us commented that the service was terrible last time also. If you have the patience to eat here, order your food in advance, then arrive late.

A nice pub at the foothills of the Dandy Ranges. For a pub surprisingly- there is an extensive range on the menu. We were here for Sunday lunch recently. Tix to see a play at the nearby The Basin Theatre will get you 10% off your bill (which we found out later) as this Pub is one of the sponsors. Entrees are a good size - calamari with Greek salad was good though calamari was a tad rubbery. Garlic bread was chunky & nice. My friends enjoyed their gnocchi & chicken mushroom mains. Hefty Sunday surcharge. Wine selection is good. Clean amenities. Limited free street parking on Sun. Advisable to book ahead & you will receive a txt confirmation.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Vegetarian options
Good options

The Acorn Bar & Restaurant is a great little hidden gem! Nestled away at the foot of the Dandenong Mountains in the small town of The Basin! From the outside it looks a bit quaint, but don't let that fool you, they have enough room for a sit down restaurant, which can be hired for private functions, a central bar, with very efficient & friendly bar staff, a band area, with terrific bands playing every week & a dance floor right in front, to dance your heart out to your favorite music! There's also an outdoor beer garden, for those that like to relax outdoors & chill with friends! Awesome place, good time vibe, great meals & service with a smile, not to mention the fantastic owner & staff!! Definitely worth checking out!!!

The Acorn is a wonderful dining experience! We entered to loud music and a boisterous crowd. This was concerning as we had an 8 yr old with us. Immediately we were greeted by the loveliest staff member Liz, who encouraged us to sit in the quiet area. After placing our order, we were looked in on a few times very politely by various staff. All very friendly and exceptionally attentive. Our meals were AMAZING! Tony, the owner was such a gentleman and wonderful host to us. I look forward to many more fantastict memories as tjis wonderful local pub. Definitely exceeded expectations! Thank you!

Nice venue - shame beer garden wasn’t open on such a nice night. Band was great lots of retro hits which we loved. Food is great - we got lots of snacks and some mains and good variety. Let down by staff attitude. Bar tenders great - floor staff woman not great. One girl in a mask very quiet but busy other in lady in charge was just rude and pushy on ordering, seating, paying, no manners just pushy. Will be back for live music but will skip meals as don’t like feeling we are in a feed yard being pushed along.

Headed there for Sunday lunch at 1:30 got told kitchen closes at 1:45 and cook wasn’t up for doing any more meals. Note they only opened at 12 o’clock aswell…. makes absolutely no sense what so ever bit of a joke. Every time we go there and give it a chance seems to never work out for stupid reasons like the above. Another chance that was a waste of our time, not bothering again with the place. Sad it’s gone so down hill from what it use to be.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Our group of friends never got the chance to sample the food or atmosphere An attempt at telephone reservation went unanswered so a voicemail message was left - no response received Likewise an attempt at an online reservation with a note stating a voicemail had been left - again no reply We arrived at the time and date we requested to be told they were fully booked and had a function so couldn't offer us even bar food We went elsewhere and will not be trying again Poor Customer Service!!!

Beer is good. Got told no food and no chips at Sunday lunch. Probably 8 tables taken up. Staff took order for bar snacks then refunded money. Told us to go to the cafe across the road. Been here many times before and before, it’s a shame. We try to support local businesses. I would say drinks only venue. Don’t bother with food unless you book. Had to finish my beer and watch all the meals go past me!
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5

Attended last night for a party, the live band was great however in the adjoining room the speakers playing the bands music drowned out any conversations, the meal was nice but one of our friends got her Parma after we all finished ours, and the final point taken was the Coffee which was below middle standard, it was watery weak, too hot, and the grind was all wrong, 30 years growing, roasting and making would have been happy to look, maybe one day.

1st time at the acorn last night and what a wonderful experience. Tony is the most welcoming host and we felt at home from the moment we arrived. The band, Lost at Sea were fantastic and we would gladly be entertained by them again. So nice to try a new venue and have such a fabulous time. Clearly lots of regulars there of all ages and a great vibe all night. Well done Tony, we will be back and glad we found you!

This is a neighbourhood bar and restaurant close to home for us but in The Basin village at the foot of the ranges. We went there on a whim and really enjoyed our meal inside and then a drink on the terrace outside afterwards. They had a band, but the music was far enough away so as not to effect conversations we had. The food was good and well prepared. Not processed. Reasonably priced and enjoyable

Friendly staff, generous portions served at lunch and desserts. Live music on the Sunday made for a relaxed atmosphere. One drink I ordered was accidentally forgotten but the lovely lady who was serving us recognised this and attended to it straight away and apologised for the inconvenience, along with removing it from the bill which was appreciated. We will return to The Acorn .

A brilliant bar, very popular and quite cosy. The owners are great, only too happy to help you out with any worries or queries. The for us soon, I thought it was a bit steep price wise but when the food came out I was happy I had ordered what I ordered - the portion was really good value and really well made. Will definitely be going back. Furphy's on tap, too.

The food was delicious As for dining experience, they took a long time to serve our table and take our orders. When they took away the plates for our entrees, they didn't replace the cutlery and we had to specifically ask for it after mains had arrived. Overall, great food, and a good pub experience, but the dining experience left something to be desired

Great menu and a really nice vibe most of the time but unfortunately this great place can be understaffed. I've had to wait an hour for food during lunch and it was the lack of staff being able to take and put orders through and possibly only one person in the kitchen for weekend lunch. Hoping this improves back to the standard of my first visit.

Go somewhere else if I were you. Rude service. Long wait, no cutlery or menu. $5 watered down sauce with any meal. One friend left because they forgot his order. Were told it was because they couldn’t cater for walk ins?Mediocre food and for $15 less I can be satisfied with the meal at a place that looks half as presentable.

We took our four year old there on Father’s Day to enjoy the band! He danced his little socks off. Very family friendly. Tony the owner is very welcoming, and the staff are lovely. We enjoyed the food too. They managed to squeeze us in to eat, despite us not booking and were very accommodating. We will definitely return!

Enjoyed lunch here with a friend on Friday. Had previously officiated at a wedding here a few years ago and loved it. And was just as pleasantly surprised this visit. The food and service were great and a comprehensive food and wine menu, as well as a senior's menu, and very reasonably priced. Thankyou. I will be back!

Held our engagement here, loved it place nice and roomy for small to medium function. We love going to the acorn for cheeky drink, so when it came to organising the engagement it was the only place in mind. They made whole experience so easy. They opened up early on a saturday to cater for us at our request.

Came in here on a Thursday night at 7pm. Wouldn’t have been 20 people in the place. At least 15 spare tables. When we went to order the staff shrugged at us and said kitchen fully booked. Heaven forbid they have a busy night. They should halve their seating capacity to accomodate for the kitchen in future

My dear friend and I had the loveliest evening celebrating our 50th birthdays. The service was amazing and the staff were so helpful and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious and the prosecco was exquisite! I will be back again very soon. Great setting, great atmosphere! Thank you!

Awesome atmosphere, the band tonight was really good too....the food was really tasty and cooked well
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Schnitzel
Vegetarian options
Baked potato was really good

Great little place for lunch or dinner and a few drinks. The food is superb and delicious. The starff is very friendly. Saturday and Sunday nights they have an awesome live cover band which totally goes off! If you have never been you must check it out. You will love it!

We went for mother's day lunch. The menu comprised a carvery meal, and it was an enjoyable, home cooked meal, nicely prepared. Perhaps it was a little overpriced, but it was a special day, and finding an a available place was tough. Nevertheless, nice service nice meal.

Great music particularly on Sundays. You may feel it's a bit clicky until you get to know the locals (we did anyway). Update: it’s changed hands a few times since I wrote this. If the group “Lost at sea” are playing and you are not a teenybopper then you’ll love them.

This is a little gem drinks good price food is fabulous. The satay chicken wings are fantastic.Staff are amazing. Really feels like a country pub in The Basin. The atomsphere is great open fire on these cold days. I believe they also have bands. Can't wait to return

Big thanks to Lisa and the team, we hosted a birthday party in the beer garden behind the venue and it was a great space. The team looked after us and provided great food and bar service and they were happy to help with anything. Would highly recommend.

Great bar. It has character and friendly staff. I believe the meals are both generous in size and well priced. My chips were crisp and clean. Beautiful. For entertainment, it provides great bands for its size. Without an entrance fee. I will return.

I am so impressed with the atmosphere and food at The Acorn. Today we had the platter as an entree, mains if baked potato, Parma, seafood linguine, and steak. Amazing food, great staff. This is one of our family favorites for special occasions.

Really good vibes and cool venue, nothing against the establishment but definitely an older conservative crowd as my girlfriend was getting judged and pointed at for her outfit choice.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The staff were helpful, and friendly, the tavern was clean, and quaint. The food was pricey, more choice on size of meals would help.The entertainment was fantastic, the regulars were a friendly bunch. I will definitely return.

The band Checkpoint Charlie were very entertaining with a great variety of music. So much fun.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fish and Chips

Great place for a social dinner, there was live music which was fantastic also. The Parma was tasty and massive, highly recommended!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good food and good, friendly service. Enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Chicken Schnitzel, Fish and Chips

Marvelous atmosphere friendly and helpful staff very enjoyable and great choices of beer
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sunday Carvery

I only have one complaint ...that I cannot walk to this amazing place... Great staff great food great set up both inside and out..great live music... Clean safe and inviting..patrons are friendly I love this place

Expensive! Food only average. Considering price, I expected better. Not everything on the menu was available. Disappointing.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Really liked the staff,very helpful .Great menu,I had the chargrilled chicken breast ,sitting on tender asparagus with delicious red pepper sauce. Really tasty.On a warm night you can eat outside on the deck

Had lunch with family for Father’s Day service was great and the food was awesome all 5 of us enjoyed our meals
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Nice and cosy. The food was good and promptly served. Staff were very friendly. When they knew it was our wedding anniversary, they gave us complimentary glasses of wine. Will come back for more

If you like being ignored on the back verandah and waiting for over an hour for over-priced mediocre pub grub while trivia blasts at 3000 decibels through the speaker, this is the place for you.

A magnificent place to see brilliant local live bands. Such an impeccably clean place. Beautiful food and a dancefloor. And guess what?? NO POKIES! just food, drink, singing and dancing …

Went on a sunday lunchtime, sat out in the rear beer garden. Ordered drinks snd meals by table service. Had parma and chicken burger, cooked perfectly and big serves. Good service and food.

Another great night at the Acorn bar. Staff are friendly, food great and awesome atmosphere. 9 of us come for dinner and every meal was very tasteful. Not one complaint. Thanks everyone

Parma was very nice, service was accommodating for baby and our wider group who were late comers.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

A great bar , food was good, atmosphere was great and service from staff and the owners was very pleasant. Entertainment fromm the band Catnip was good anx made for the atmosphere.

Enjoyed catching up with friends for a few drinks and a feed. Very warm inside. Beer selection is good and always cold, the food was delicious and everyone had a great day out

Well done guys on your tribute to the four Victoria Police members killed in the line of duty. Magnificent memorial to them. As part of the Police Family I THANK YOU. …

amazing staff, fantastic atmosphere and bands are pumping and entertaining! Love Standing room only and the Aus Day event we heard about was the best day out! will be back!

One of the best parmas I've had in a long time! Great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great little bar. Drinks reasonable but the standout was the band\ stage area with perfect sound quality and level.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Great cozy little venue, friendly staff, good menu selection, but must book atleast a week in advance to get in the door, there is a limited capacity too, so first in.

Awesome food. Only had a couple of issues when tried to make a booking and no one has answered the phone or Facebook messages. Food definately makes up for it though.

Wow what a great roast we just had... bloody fantastic very fresh lots of flavour & the best Yorkshire pudding I’ve had in Oz thank you Tony we will be coming back.

Love the food. Nice atmosphere. The only downside to the night was being squashed into an area where we could barely move. Overall it was a fun night with friends.

A nice traditional style pub with friendly staff. The menu is interesting and the Lamb Curry was very good but the selection of beers leaves a bit to be desired.

a fantastic place to meet up with friends to have a drink or meal. Best pub in our area by a long shot!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place to hang out with your mates. Food, drinks& staff are excellent. If you like live music I suggest you get up and listen to some great local bands.

Pretty cool little pub, make sure you sit in the main area if you're booking otherwise you're off to the side out of the action. Spectacular Parma …

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, the owner Tony goes out of his way to make you feel welcome. Delicious food and choices to be inside or outside is great.

What a great afternoon amazing live music by the G-man with amazing food great beer and awesome atmosphere at the Acorn looking forward to next time

Sorry Tony, looks like my daughter has taken the liberty of reviewing my latest haunts. 4 stars?!?! Um no! 5 isn't near enough xoxo Love you guys

Great food and relaxed atmosphere. Also has a cool outside decking area. We we're here on a Wednesday and they have discounts on most meals.

Nice venue but recent change to what's on tap doesn't suit. Recommend trying it for yourself at least once to see if it's what you're after.

Don't go out much but my wife @ I are definitely coming back to great food and friendly atmosphere . Loved the band . Wait staff terrific.

Fantastic food, great selection of tap beers and well stocked bar. Loved the atmosphere and the service was great. Can't wait to go back!

We had a brilliant night at The Acorn. A well cooked steak followed by a fabulous band who played great music all night. We'll be back.

Great food , good live music, the place was rockin
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The manager was a see you next Tuesday but good food and the staff working were pretty good love this place will definitely come back.

Always a great place for fun, fun, fun. Our Christmas breakup party. Had a ball.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Limited Menu which hasn't changed in at least a year. Can be noisy! May be good for younger people but not suitable for a quiet meal.

Recently been and delicious food and the staff were so friendly and professional. Would definitely go back and highly recommend.

Steak was one of the best I've ever had
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent table service and food, thoroughly enjoyed our sunday lunch. Activity packs for the little ones to keep them busy

Had a wonderful time. The staff were great. The food was delicious and the band helped to create a really fun atmosphere.

Great food, live music & great atmosphere for any occasion.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food, the staff were very friendly and helpful and give amazing service! I will be back, highly recommend!

5 star on all levels. What a magnificent joint with staff other venue owners would envy. Total win, thanks Tony.

Great atmosphere, live band was great and super quick bar service. Don't think I could fault this place at all.

Great live music this afternoon with Electric Acoustic!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

There's live music on Fri nights. Small place but amazing atmosphere! Great food and friendly staff.

Lovely atmosphere and great food. Was really relaxed there and had a great evening. Thank you

Great atmosphere with live music and great service. Function room off to the side works well.

Fun place has live music nice lay out.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Went on a Thursday night. Had the baked potato. Big n tasty. Took no pictures but next time.

Great food, good atmosphere with the one-man-band show. Family friendly venue …

We had a great afternoon. Friendly staff comfortable surroundings. We will visit again.

Great place, nice atmosphere, great food and really lovely staff, enjoyed …

Great pub set in the hills. Love the local feel. Good spaces for private functions.

Great food, small venue but always a friendly crowd in for the live bands

Great atmosphere for older people to have fun with their own age group

Great little venue. Live bands Clean facilities. Very enjoyable night

Great tasting food.. Hidden gem. Nice beers on tap. Family friendly.

amazing staff and quality food and drinks. highly recommended

A lovely place to enjoy a live band and great food …

Great place and and good staff,cold beer and great food

Good place for a drink and feed. Also have live music

Lovely food ,very friendly staff a d a cute place