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2
Tue, 5/12
20:00
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Sponsored by: Borsch, Vodka & Tears

Top 3 Reasons to Eat Here

1. Amazing Polish and European
1. Amazing Polish and European
"chose to try 3 types of pierogi: the cheese and potato, sauerkraut and porcini &"
Sunshine25000922889
See reviews that mention Amazing Polish and European
2. Wide Variety of cocktails
2. Wide Variety of cocktails
"Great place for late night cocktails, awesome vodka collection"
mariatuner1997
See reviews that mention Wide Variety of cocktails
3. Over 220 Different Vodkas
3. Over 220 Different Vodkas
"It is really hard to drink one vodke here - as they have hundreds! "
mammavark
See reviews that mention Over 220 Different Vodkas
About
Borsch, Vodka and Tears is a Melbourne institution currently celebrating 23 years at the colourful end of Chapel Street. Styled after a Kraków cellar bar, Borsch is a romantic Bohemian enclave, the home of the Green Faery, an ode to a hazy and debauched bygone world. We specialise in Polish vodka, vodka-centric interpretations of classic and modern cocktails, authentic wormwood absinthe, Eastern European beers, contemporary Polish dishes and late night fun times.
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
CUISINES
Polish, European, Eastern European, Bar, Pub, Dining bars
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Delivery, Takeout, Buffet, Private Dining, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Live Music, Jazz Bar, Beach, BYOB, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (236)
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235 results
Traveller rating
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87
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LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
111
87
20
9
8
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All reviews pierogi potatoes sauerkraut gnocchi salad polish food great atmosphere chapel street menu is extensive sour cream cocktails
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Reviewed 19 May 2023 via mobile

Great food with great atmosphere. although with a slightly loud environment, this is to be expected as it doubles as a bar. My partner and I chose to try 3 types of pierogi: the cheese and potato, sauerkraut and porcini & the chicken and beef....We particularly loved the cheese and onion and the sauerkraut and porcini although all choices were very good. From the mains, the chicken stroganoff was amazing: the silky soft gnocchi was well paired with the sauce which was notable for its tender slow cooked chicken. The final dish was hungarian goulash which came with sour cream and a red capsicum chutney, both being nice pops of freshness when eaten together with the rest of the dish. Overall our experience was very positive and both of us can’t wait to come back again.More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Restaurant's Favourite
Reviewed 11 March 2023 via mobile

Unpretentiousness restaurant on Chapel Street. Wonderful hearty dinner. We loved the dumplings and the broccolini salad the best. Cosy ambiance and friendly service. Definitely recommend.

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 March 2023

Delicious food , with great cocktails and Martinis, waiters are very attentive, and super nice atmosphere. Plus it's all at an affordable price Can totally recommend it and will definitely come back again.

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed 21 March 2023

“One of the best places I’ve eaten on Chapel. Great place for late night cocktails, awesome vodka collection.

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 21 January 2023

Borsch, Vodka & Tears is a Polish restaurant which has been operating for 22 years in Prahan. The menu is extensive though it's mostly vodka cocktails and shots. We had a table of 8 so we ordered many dishes and shared them all which was...a good way to sample most of the dishes. The food & service was great but the restaurant was super noisy making it difficult to talk to others.More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 7 November 2022 via mobile

We had family celebration at this restaurant. We ordered entrees plates and all types of pirogies, gnocchi and stuffed cabbage rolls. Only borscht we didn’t order . All dishes were delicious, especially pirogies with potatoes.

Date of visit: November 2022
Helpful?
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Reviewed 24 June 2021

We love having drinks at vodka borsht when Baptiste is there! He is a legend! Works hard accommodating every single visitor with a smile and best drink mixer! The best! We booked for next week again! David nicole abe Ricki

Date of visit: June 2021
Helpful?
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Reviewed 16 May 2021 via mobile

QR code to check in Not compatible with Vic system Can’t order by QRCode which we wanted to Variety of menu has shrunk and prices increased No sugar fir coffee as the staff hunted for some eventually found Desserts $14 I thought was really dear...and took a long long time to come Vodka tea used to be in a cup was special ,now smaller but in a glass . Food good but smaller portions than before A long time to clean table between courses . Now Elsternwick’s location closed which was so warm and welcoming specially came to Prahran Probably won’t do againMore

Date of visit: May 2021
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 28 December 2020 via mobile

Great service overall, and the staff made it an enjoyable experience. I liked all of the dishes particularly the polish dumpling ones. The collections of beers and beverage were also fabulous and foods were served on a timely manner. I surely recommend this place if...you haven’t tried Polish cuisine yet.More

Date of visit: December 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 19 December 2020

Authentic food and service . Creative cocktails and well delivered food on time , very delicious as well

Date of visit: December 2020
Helpful?
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Reviewed 30 October 2020

took our friends here when visiting from Scotland. It is always very busy so definitely always book where possible! It's a super cosy but lush setting. The vodka tasting platters and the knowledge of the drinks by the staff is amazing. We also tried alot...of food we wouldnt have probably tried ever if not recommended so well by staff!More

Date of visit: November 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 17 June 2020 via mobile

Definitely one of my FAVOURITE places to go to in Melbourne. I have been a handful of times and always recommend it to friends. It has a great shabby antique vibe and is very intimate. Great for a small group of friends, a date night...or even a solo drink. I had very tried borsch before until I went to this place and I have to say it is one of the best random things I’ve ever ordered. The CABBAGE ROLLS were AMAZING. Not only was the dimly-lit ambience appealing.. the service was impeccable. This place specialises in vodka and has a drink and spirits list the size of a phone book. Literally something for everyone. All of the staff I dealt with were super awesome, but I have to give an honourable mention to one in particular. Georgia. I really wanted a whiskey sour one evening and she took it upon herself to learn the drink and make me one. One turned into many because they were that good. She’s quite the conversationalist and a great asset to the restaurant. I’ll continue to tell all of my friends to hit up Chapel and check out BVT. Keep up the good work! - Canadian guy on WHVMore

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?
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Reviewed 25 February 2020

My daughter had booked this for the 15th Feb. She was not notified that we would have to have a set menu. We had to eat what they gave us. No way would we have ordered the borsch soup but once again had no choice....We were then told we had to be out of the restaurant by 8.30. If we had known this we would have booked somewhere else and closer to home. There were only 8 peopleMore

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 22 February 2020

Terrible management. Customer service was like I have ever encountered. Food was good but will not attend again from the poor service

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 19 February 2020

seriously couldn't fault a thing! The service was amazing and food came out very quick! THE FOOD WAS TO DIE FOR! couldn't brag enough about the food! We have never eaten somewhere where we couldn't say anything bad at all about the food. Well, this...place is incredible! We had the main of beef wrapped in potato rosti with sour creme, schnitzel and 3 starters. Plus lots of vodka! Such a nice atmosphere too! It was like going to a hip little bar overseas! LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! going to make it a regular :)More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Debbie T
14 June 2015|
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Does this restaurant have entertainment and what is the dress code please
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BORSCH, VODKA & TEARS, Windsor - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu, Prices, & Reservations - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Borsch, Vodka & Tears

Yes, Borsch, Vodka & Tears offers takeaway services.

Yes, Borsch, Vodka & Tears offers delivery services.

Borsch, Vodka & Tears is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5