Giddy-up, Melbourne, a new Moon Dog venue is coming to town. This time, the team is setting up shop in the iconic Franco Cozzo building in the heart of Footscray. Moon Dog Wild West is their biggest venue yet, spanning three levels and fitting up to 800 patrons. It’s twice the size of their Preston venue, Moon Dog World, and features over 100 taps.
The venue was originally slated to open on April 18, with a VIP ‘first look’ on the 17th. However, due to a last minute notification from Maribyrnong City Council, the grand opening had to be cancelled. The location of a fire hydrant was deemed unsuitable, despite being installed, tested and approved according to plans endorsed by council.
“We have had amazing support from the council and the Footscray community in the lead up to opening this venue and we are very sorry to all the bookings, functions and everyone else that was planning to come down tonight,” said Karl van Buuren, Moon Dog co-founder. “We’re hopefully to have a resolution as soon as possible and when we do, we look forward to sharing a new opening date with everyone and finally cracking an ice cold beer and jumping on the bucking bill.”
Moon Dog Wild West
As you can guess from the name, this venue is inspired by the wild, wild west. Step through the swinging saloon doors and grab a drink from the largest bar in the venue. Then, settle in to one of the horseshoe booths, play at the western arcade and check out The Kids’ Range. The ground floor also has a private dining room, and a bucking bull standing strong as the centrepiece. If you’re particularly keen, Moon Dog will soon introduce the Western Bull Riders Club, a league that’s all about bull riding and good times.
Continue on to the first floor and check out the Honky Tonk bar. Listen to live music on a stage inspired by the Blues Brothers, play a game of pool and relax on the balcony outpost lounge. Before you climb to the rooftop, be sure to grab a flask of bourbon from the secret Pianola Bar on the first floor.
Finally, the rooftop will reward you with city views, cocktails and tacos. Sip a tequila sunrise among the rooftop cacti, while indulging in a taco tray from the cantina.
“We’re so excited to join the vibrant Footscray community in such an iconic location,” said Moon Dog co-founder Karl van Buuren. “The support has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to finally throw open the doors and welcome everyone in for a cold beer.”
Food and drink
At Moon Dog, you can expect their wide range of craft beers and seltzers, as well as a variety of wines, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Get in the spirit of things with specials like Horseshoe Espresso Martinis, Tequila Sunrise Slushies and Cowboy Shots served in miniature cowboy boots.
Sink your teeth into pub classics like burgers and parmas, as well as fajitas, jalapeno poppers, double decker tacos, buffalo chicken ribs and a 1kg T-bone steak. If you’re craving something sweet, there’s also cinnamon dusted churro doughnuts and dulce de leche flan.
Can’t get enough of Moon Dog? Pop into their current venues, Moon Dog World in Preston and Moon Dog OG in Abbotsford. In July 2024, they’re also opening Doglands on the Marvel Stadium concourse, as well as a venue in Frankston later in the year.