Mercy Bar + Eatery

Having been to Virginia Plain a few times, I liked it but did wonder if it would ever settle into itself and find what it was all about. I think Mercy has defined that and the new fit out already feels more comfortable.
So what is Mercy about? An amazing bar with accompanying food.
We came here intent on trying the smoked tartare and… I wish I could think of a more elegant way of saying «HOT DAMN, THAT’S SOME GOOD TARTARE!». The presentation alone is worth seeing. Served layered in a jar full of smoke, you can choose the smokiness of your steak by how long you leave the smoke in there before letting it escape to mix the ingredients through.
Is it the best tartare in Melbourne? It’s sure as hell a contender. Definitely up there as one of the best. Grab one with a beer or negroni and while away some time at the well stocked bar.

Used to love Virginia Plain, and Mercy seems to put on just as good of a lunch special, which is fantastic value at only $ 25 (incl. wine).
Food was great (really enjoyed the soup, in particular) with extremely generous portions. Service was also good, though the food was quite slow to arrive (so be warned, if you have meetings scheduled right after lunch!).
Will definitely be back.

Good wine and beer list (really good beer list). Only had small plates but there really good for snacks between a few friends. Smoked steak tartare is off the hook