“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut,” reads the Ernest Hemingway quote on Kid Boston’s impressive drinks list. Owners Adam Paurini and Ryan Simpson know their alcohol. Adam has been in charge of the Croft Institute’s cocktail program for years and Ryan bartended at Jacques Reymond.

The Char-Grilled Pineapple Julep is the perfect refresher on a sunny afternoon in the courtyard, while the delicate Earl Grey Martini is well suited as a romantic pre-dinner cocktail at one of the candlelit tables for two. But it’s not all about the booze at Kid Boston; the boys take their food seriously too.

Kid Boston’s Chef, Dylan Evans, has worked in kitchens all over the world, including Noma in Cophenhagen. He’s created the perfect menu to help you line your stomach. Snack on chilli, fennel and paprika spiced popcorn before sharing grilled chilli octopus, an explosion of textures served on a salad of cucumber ribbons, fennel and orange. If you’re after some dude food, there’s sweet and sticky pork belly, buffalo wings and beer hanger steak.

The place is sexy. There’s no other way to describe it. The soundtrack swings smoothly between jazz and hip hop, the display of bottles behind the bar makes your knees weak and the walls flaunt artworks by Melbourne street artists. Wooden finishes (many salvaged from the Black Saturday fires) and a generous scattering of pot plants add an ‘into the jungle’ feel — even the toilet continues the theme, with crickets chirping and birds singing through speakers as you inevitably break the seal after a few Old Fashioneds.

The verdict? We would give it two thumbs up… but then we’d have to put down our drinks. You’ll understand when you visit.

Location: 44 Chapel Street, Windsor
Open: Wed-Fri 4pm-1am | Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9939 5256
Details: http://kidboston.com.au/