About Easey’s
Easey’s is a multi-level burger bar and restaurant located at 48 Easey Street in Collingwood, Victoria. It’s famous for its rooftop dining experience inside vintage Hitachi train carriages five storeys above the street, offering panoramic views of Melbourne. The venue opened in May 2015, co-founded by Melbourne “burger guru” Jimmy Hurlston (aka “Jimmy Burgers”) and partner Jeremy Gaschk . The carers on the roof – ex-Melbourne commuter trains built in the 1970s – were salvaged and placed atop the building as part of the unique “End To End” office project. This converted train top deck is affectionately described as “Burgers & Beers served five stories up in a rooftop train carriage overlooking Melbourne City” . The space mixes American diner nostalgia (original orange-and-brown train seats and laminated rail-map tables) with local graffiti and railway themes. In short, Easey’s stands out as a quirky landmark in Melbourne’s bar scene, blending huge burgers and craft beer with transport heritage and street-art culture .
The building itself – called End To End – was designed by ITN Architects. In late 2013 workers lifted three 30-tonne Hitachi train carriages onto the roof in a spectacle of Melbourne engineering . The name End To End refers to a graffiti term for painting a whole train from front to back, which matches the venue’s heavy graffiti motif and train history . Easey’s honors that heritage: one of the rooftop train cars (motor carriage 153M, built 1978) was removed from service in 2014 and restored with a cafe interior and bar taps. The owners deliberately kept elements of the original train—like the brown seats and overhead luggage racks—to preserve its character . Easey’s quickly became known as “Melbourne’s hippest burger joint” (per travel guides) and a pace-setter in Collingwood’s dining scene, partly for this one-of-a-kind theme and partly for its no-holds-barred menu of fried chicken, donuts and all-day breakfast burgers .
Events and Programming
Easey’s does not run on a regular “show” schedule like a concert hall, but it does host special promotions and occasional theme nights. On a normal day you’ll find it serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual bar atmosphere. During the week and weekends it opens early (about 11 am) and stays open into the late night (Friday–Saturday nights until 11 pm) . In addition to the daily service, Easey’s often holds special events – for example, it celebrated its 5th birthday in 2020 with a two-week DoorDash giveaway (free burgers, merch and prizes) tied to National Burger Day . They’re known to mark burger-themed occasions (National Burger Day) and local holiday periods with promotions. Pages on the Easey’s website hint at occasional hosted trivia nights and giveaways, though no formal public music or comedy schedule is published.
For groups and functions, Easey’s offers private and corporate hire. The rooftop train and speakeasy bar can be reserved for events, with minimum spends. (TagVenue notes a private Jamaican-themed “Curtly’s Red Stripe Room” below the rooftop that fits up to 40 people .) These spaces host birthdays or launch parties on occasion. However, most visitors experience Easey’s as a walk-in hamburger bar. There’s free entry – you don’t buy “tickets” – but popular times (weekend evenings and holidays) see a line of people waiting. If you have a large group or a special occasion in mind, you can contact the functions team via email to discuss private bookings. Otherwise, there’s no cover charge or ticket required to dine; just enjoy the novelty and order from the menu.
Dining Options & Booking
Easey’s menu is dedicated to classic American comfort food – big burgers, loaded fries, hot dogs and sugar-dusted doughnuts – often with a Melbourne twist. Signature items include the “Easey Cheesy” burger and variations like the Double BBQ bacon cheeseburger and a Southern-style fried chicken sandwich . Sides like loaded cheese-and-gravy tot chips, sweet potato chips, buffalo wings, mac-and-cheese bites and soft-serve ice cream sandwiches round out the menu . Burgers are made from quality beef mince (sourced locally) or fried chicken, with toppings that can include American mustard, onions, Detroit-style pickles and crispy bacon. Milkshakes and local craft beers are also on tap to wash it down. Prices are roughly in the $20–$30 range for a burger; for example the popular Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is around $26 . (A modest meal of a burger, fries/chips and drink will typically run $30–$40 per person.)
You do not need an admission ticket to eat at Easey’s, but table space is limited. Reservations are recommended for dinner or weekends if you want the rooftop train experience. Easey’s uses an online booking system (ResDiary): you can reserve a table at the train car (seating up to 100 people, though individual bookings are capped at groups of 12) or at the downstairs bar (Zone 1, capacity ~30) . All reservations are initially for 75 minutes (extended to 90 min at peak times) to ensure turnover . If you call in during off-hours (11am–10pm), the phone staff can also book you a slot. If no reservation is taken as you arrive, there’s usually a “door list” – staff will seat you where space is available, possibly on the lower level if the train is full. In short, popular time slots may sell out, so book several days ahead if possible; otherwise early arrivals (just before opening) often snag seats. Walk-ins are still welcome if space permits.
Layout and Seating
Easey’s layout is as novel as its menu. The ground level (lobby zone) houses the main bar (sometimes called Zone 1) and open seating, along with the hostess station. From there, steep stairs (or the elevator) lead up through an intermediate level and up to the rooftop areas. The top level is dominated by the suspended train carriage, which is split into dining sections and a bar counter. Inside the train you’ll find rows of the original train seats (brown leatherette), along with stools at the bar and booth-style tables. Capacity in the train level is roughly 100 people (though only about 37 can sit in the orange seats at once) . If the train is filled, guests are seated downstairs in the zone 1 area (up to ~30 seats) or in adjacent knickknack lounges. There is also “Curtly’s Red Stripe Room” on the rooftop, a Jamaican-themed lounge bar just below the train, which is occasionally open for public seating and private hires .
Best seats: The front row of the train carriage (near the panoramic windows) gives the best city views and photo opportunities. If you prefer a quieter experience, seats mid-carriage (away from the bar) are slightly calmer.VIP/Privates: There are no separate VIP sections per se, but parties who book the entire Curtly’s Lounge or the whole train level receive private area privileges. Regular diners mingle among everyone in the open areas.General admission: Easey’s is not strictly general admission – you will either have a reservation or wait for a free table. If you’re flexible, the downstairs bar area (Zone 1) is walk-in friendly.Acoustics: The space is lively but not overly loud. The train seating area has relatively high ceilings (half-height roof) so conversations carry; the downstairs bar can get busy on weekend nights. It’s definitely a rowdy dinner/vibes spot rather than a quiet café.Things to avoid: Avoid getting seated right next to the busy bar counter if you want a typically dining-focused experience. Also, if mobility is an issue, try securing a downstairs spot – there are many flights of stairs to reach the train, and the elevator is sometimes out of service .
Getting There and Parking
Easey’s is located at 48 Easey Street, Collingwood (postcode 3066), a short walk from the edge of Fitzroy and just off Hoddle Street. By public transport it’s well-served: Tram routes 86 and 109 run along Hoddle Street near Easey Street (about a 5–10 minute walk away). The nearest train station is Victoria Park Station on Hoddle Street (about 700 m away), or Collingwood Station (just over 1 km). Several buses stop nearby (e.g. on Gipps/St, Nicholson/St and Langridge/St, all within 1–1.2 km) . In practice, many guests catch rideshare or tram to the corner of Easey & Gipps and walk a block.
Parking is very limited right at the venue. Any on-street parking will be metered and hard to find on busy nights. For paid lots, the closest is Wilson Parking at the Aldi building on 338 Gore Street (Fitzroy) – only ~300 m away – or the Parkedin stacker car park at 165 Sackville Street (Collingwood) ~550 m away . Veriu Collingwood hotel (corner Easey & Oxford) has a small open car park, but that’s for hotel guests only. Often patrons prefer rideshare drop-off: you can be let out right in front on Easey Street. If you do drive, allow extra time to circle for street parking or use a parking app to reserve a nearby spot.
Inside the Venue
Entering Easey’s feels like stepping into a themed world. The foyer has subway tile walls, neon signs, and memorabilia. Staff will greet and seat you (pointing out the stairs or elevator to other levels). The atmosphere is casual – jeans or sneakers are perfectly fine – with upbeat music and painted murals everywhere. Once inside the train carriage, you’ll see the rows of brown leather train seats (some painted zone‐colors like red/yellow), panels of graffiti and rail maps on tables, and a functioning bar with local tap beers. The service style is table service, but there is also a main bar if you want counter drinks. Expect friendly but slightly brash Melbourne bar staff – this is a busy popular joint, so they work quickly between seating turns.
Food & Drink: Your server will hand out paper menus (or you can scan a QR code). Food comes out on trays – burgers, hot dogs and plates of loaded fries. Beer is poured from taps behind the bar (brands include Mountain Goat, Holgate and Mornington Peninsula brewery on tap ), plus there are wines and cocktails. There’s a separate dessert menu for doughnuts and shakes. Don’t skip the condiments: the green wasabi sauce and dill pickles are house favorites. During dining peak, most tables are cleared rapidly when groups leave.
Facilities: There are bathrooms on each level (including an accessible toilet on the ground floor). Coat hangers are available near the entry and on the lower floors. There is no paid cloakroom, so keep an eye on jackets and bags. Easey’s is fully licensed (until 11 pm); you must be 18+ to drink alcohol (ID may be checked). The venue allows photos – in fact, the train car is an Instagram hot spot – so feel free to snap the graffiti walls. Some guests mention using the wall murals for fun selfies is practically encouraged. On the tech side, the tag system shows they accept cards (Visa/Mastercard) , and most customers comment that service is quick but they recommend bringing a credit card or using contactless pay.
Accessibility: Easey’s has an elevator that goes to all floors, but multiple guests have noted it is often out of service . If you have limited mobility, call ahead to confirm it’s working or plan on using the stairs through each level. Once upstairs, the walking surface is flat. There are also accessible restrooms on the first floor, but otherwise the venue is not particularly stroller-friendly due to the stairs.
Nearby Amenities
Easey’s sits in a lively dining precinct. Just a block away on Easey/Oxford Streets you’ll find small bars and cafes (for example, the BrewDog Collingwood pub and Scrum Patisserie). Three blocks west is Smith Street (Fitzroy’s shopping and bar strip) – here you can grab a pre-dinner craft beer at Naked For Satan’s rooftop bar or a Thai meal at Rice Paper Scissors (both about 500–800 m away). For more substantial dining before a late meal, nearby spots include The Wood Shop (wood-fired pizzas) on Victoria Street or Hawker Hall (Asian-style hawker food) on nearby Lygon Street. There are also plenty of cafes on Bridge Road for a pre-show coffee or snack.
For post-dining drinks, Collingwood and Fitzroy clubs are walking distance – try the trendy Scotch of St James on Easey/Oxford or the bar inside Veriu Collingwood hotel (a 120-seat heritage pub) at 70 Easey Street. If you’re visiting from out of town, accommodation is close by: Veriu Collingwood is literally next door (200 m south) , and boutique stays like Homestead Hotel Collingwood (650 m) or StayCentral Fitzroy penthouses (350–600 m) are within easy walking distance. The area is generally safe at night, though standard city caution applies (track your belongings and keep to main streets when leaving late).
What Makes This Venue Special
Several features set Easey’s apart. Architecturally, it’s essentially Melbourne’s only rooftop restaurant inside a heritage train – a bold reuse of local transport history. Eating a burger while surrounded by real train seating is a novelty that has earned Easey’s national and international press. It’s also a milestone for Collingwood’s revival: many point to Easey’s as emblematic of how the old industrial district now hosts creative, hip eateries. Easey’s funhouse blend of rockabilly burger joint, graffiti art gallery and city-view bar has attracted both foodies and casual diners. The name “End to End” (building) and the train theme pay homage to Melbourne graffiti history, which resonates locally.
Culturally, Easey’s tapped into Melbourne’s obsession with burgers and beer, and expanded it by leaning into a playful theatrical atmosphere. It also supports local breweries and cooks with regional produce (they famously buy mince from Peter Bouchier’s farm ). The venue’s influence can be seen in other Melbourne pop-ups that embrace kitsch and nostalgia. Regular patrons love Easey’s for its laid-back vibe: there’s a sense of “no intolerance, just good times,” in the words of many reviews. Legendary moments include lines around the block on opening weekend and annual burger-day parties. Many artists and locals flock here for its view: on a clear evening you can see the whole city skyline from behind the train carriage, which feels quite unique for Melbourne.
Visitor Tips and Information
Book in advance or come early. Easey’s fills up quickly on Fri/Sat nights. If you specifically want the rooftop train experience, reserve a “train table” online. Otherwise try arriving before 11:30 am or after 3 pm to avoid peak queues.Bring photo-worthy gear. It’s very common to take pictures – on your front camera and dessert shots. Weave your table-side dining with views of the city and the graffiti. (Staff won’t mind if you are taking snaps of your burger.)Plan for stairs. If walking, be aware the main access to the roof is via narrow stairs. If you struggle with stairs, call ahead to check the lift, or ask for seating downstairs. Even if you plan to only be on the ground floor, expect at least a short stair climb from the street sidewalk.Kid/Group recommendations. Easey’s is child‐friendly (kid menus and shakes available), though it’s essentially a bar setting – under-18s can sit with parents but all patrons must vacate after 11 pm. They can seat groups up to around 12 per table comfortably; larger groups should book multiple tables or enquire about partial hires.What to bring. Dress is casual: jeans or shorts and sneakers are fine. No formal attire needed. Check the weather: even though the train carriage is covered, the rooftop can get cold in winter and warm in summer. A light jacket can help if you plan to linger on the (semi-open) balcony. Bring your phone charger or power bank – diners often spend hours here and power outlets are scarce.Accessibility reminders. The elevator is an amenity, but not entirely reliable . If you rely on an elevator or have mobility constraints, call first or set expectations for stair use. The ground floor has accessible bathroom facilities, but the upper floors do not have step-free entries.Menu must-trys. Don’t leave without trying the craft beer selection and a side of cheese-and-gravy tots. Fans also recommend the Milwaukee-style chili cheese hot dog (“Dawg”), and save room for one of their doughnuts or a root beer float. The veteran burger-lovers suggest ordering extra jalapeños or bacon on their “Easey Cheesy” for full effect .Common pitfalls. Expect a 15–20 minute wait during busy dinner times even with a booking, as the kitchen is often slammed. Some diners bring cash just in case (though card is accepted ). Mind your belongings – it can get crowded as people move about. Finally, note there is a standard 75-minute table policy during peak dinners (staff will let you know if you can stay longer) .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets or make a reservation at Easey’s?
Easey’s is a restaurant, not a concert venue – there are no entry tickets. You don’t pay to enter; you pay for your food and drinks. However, popular times (evenings and weekends) do fill up. It’s wise to make a table booking in advance if you want the rooftop train seating. Reservations can be made online or by phone for free. Otherwise, walk-ins are welcome if there’s space.
What are the opening hours of Easey’s?
Easey’s is open Tuesday through Sunday. On most days it opens around 11:00 am. Typical closing times are about 10 pm on weekdays (Tue–Thu), 11 pm on Friday–Saturday, and 10 pm on Sunday . It is usually closed on Mondays. Hours can vary for holidays or special events, so check local listings or call ahead if you’re planning a precise time.
How do I get to Easey’s by public transport?
Easey’s is well-connected. The nearest train station is Victoria Park (about a 5–10 minute walk north on Hoddle Street, Yarra line). Tram routes 86 and 109 stop on Hoddle Street (heading to Smith Street/Oxford). Just a few bus routes pass nearby on Bridge Road and Hoddle Street as well. If you’re downtown, you can take a short tram or bus ride toward Collingwood and hop off near the Easey/Nicholson or Easey/Hoddle corner, then walk a couple of blocks. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are also common (you can be let out on Easey Street itself).
Is there parking available at or near Easey’s?
Street parking on Easey and surrounding side streets is scarce and metered (and often full at night). The venue itself has no private lot. Nearby paid parking options include Wilson’s lot at the Aldi building (338 Gore Street, about 300 m west) and the Parkedin stack garage at 165 Sackville Street (~550 m away) . Otherwise, many visitors opt for public transport or rideshare. Factor in extra time if driving, and consider booking a spot in a parking app to guarantee a place.
What is the seating capacity and layout at Easey’s?
Easey’s can seat roughly 160 people in total across its levels . The highlight is the rooftop level with the suspended train carriage, which holds about 100 (including bar stools and booths) . Downstairs there are around 30 seats at the main bar (Zone 1). Parties of up to 12 can be seated together by reservation. For large groups, the restaurant can split you across adjacent tables or explore private hire rooms. Overall it’s a cozy, multi-area space (train, lounge, bar) rather than one huge dining room.
Which seats have the best views at Easey’s?
For city views and photo ops, ask for a table in the train car facing the open side with windows – the city skyline is visible from that level. The train car seats up front (north side) will catch the most light and scenery. Downstairs seats don’t have the same view, but the rooftop balconies at the train and in the Jamaican bar still overlook the city. In general, the novelty and view are best experienced on the roof level – avoid the very last booth if view is your main goal.
Are children and families allowed at Easey’s?
Yes, Easey’s is family-friendly. Children are welcome in the restaurant and can enjoy burgers, shakes and sides from the main menu (there’s no separate kids menu, but portions of fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes are popular with youngsters). Of course, adult supervision is required at all times and alcohol is restricted to those 18+. Stroller access may be challenging due to stairs, but short orders (like kids going up to get food on conveyor-style counters upstairs) don’t need a table booking. Just be aware it’s still a bar atmosphere – highchairs are not provided, and the venue clears out after 11 pm nightly.
Is Easey’s wheelchair accessible?
Easey’s has an elevator that reaches the upper levels, but multiple reviewers note it is unreliable . If you require step-free access, call ahead to check if the lift is in service. Downstairs is mostly step-free once inside, and there is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Wheelchairs or mobility scooters can be accommodated on the first floor bar area, but getting up to the train carriage likely requires using the elevator (when it works) or the stairs, which may not be practical for everyone.
What is the dress code at Easey’s?
Easey’s is very casual. Most patrons wear jeans, t-shirts, sneakers and the like. There is no requirement for smart or formal attire – it’s a laid-back burger joint vibe. If you plan to sit upstairs, comfortable clothes are a good idea since it can be warm inside the train. In winter bring a light jacket for after-dark, but heavy coats can be hung on the rack downstairs. In short, dress for a comfy night out, not a fancy event.
Can I bring my pet or service animal?
As with most indoor bars, pets are not allowed inside the dining areas. However, service animals (guide dogs, etc.) should be permitted under law. If you do have a service dog, it may be easiest to dine down on the ground floor bar section where there is a bit more room. For non-service animals (pets), please make other arrangements; even if there’s an outdoor waiting area, animals are not typically permitted into the restaurant itself.
What kind of food does Easey’s serve?
Easey’s menu is all about American diner food and comfort classics. The staples are burgers (beef and fried chicken), hot dogs (“Chicago-style” chili cheese dogs), chicken wings, loaded fries and tater-tots, mac-and-cheese, and grilled cheese. They also have over-the-top desserts like jam doughnuts and ice cream floats. Drinks include tap beers, shakes and fountain sodas. Vegetarian options are limited to sides and salads – it’s chiefly a meat-centric menu .
What payment methods are accepted?
Easey’s is fully licensed and operates like a regular restaurant/bar, so they accept standard payment methods. This includes Visa, MasterCard and EFTPOS debit cards . Most patrons report easy chip or tap payments. Cash used to be accepted as well (especially for tips), but card is preferred. There is no cover charge or special transaction fee beyond your meal cost. If booking an event or group you may be asked for a credit card guarantee in advance.
Are cameras or photography allowed inside the venue?
Absolutely. Taking photos at Easey’s is common and welcomed. The whole point of having a rooftop train is to be Instagram-savvy! Feel free to snap pics of the decor, your meal, and the skyline. Even the staff often pose for quick group photos. Just be respectful and not get in other diners’ faces while doing so. (No selfie-stick policy is enforced only in very narrow spaces, but for the most part you can take pictures freely.)
Is smoking permitted inside or near Easey’s?
No, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed inside Easey’s. The entire interior is smoke-free by law. If you need to smoke, you must go outside the building. There is a small entry alcove where a few guests sometimes smoke between sessions, but it’s polite to walk all the way outside to Easey Street or the adjacent alley. Bringing your food or drink out to smoke is not advised, as it’s primarily an indoor venue.
What is the venue’s policy on bringing outside food or drinks?
Outside food and drink are not permitted at Easey’s. This is a fully-licensed restaurant/bar, so no BYO alcohol or meals. Any outside items (aside from necessary baby food or medication) would likely be politely disallowed. The only “outside” food exception would be something like a birthday cake for a booked party – in that case check with management. Otherwise, just enjoy ordering from their American comfort food menu.
Can large private events or parties be held at Easey’s?
Yes, Easey’s offers private hire for events and functions. You can rent the whole rooftop train or the downstairs bar areas via their events team. Typically there is a minimum spend (e.g. $500 or more) rather than a flat rental fee, which covers food and drinks for the group. The venue has a designated events email for group inquiries. Many corporate or birthday parties have been hosted here, especially in Curtly’s Red Stripe Lounge or the entire train spaces. In short, if you have a big group, contact them ahead to arrange a catered party under one contract.
Is the venue quiet and family-friendly, or is it more of a loud bar vibe?
Easey’s is more of a fun, lively bar-restaurant than a quiet family cafe. The atmosphere is energetic – think pub music, bustling bartenders, and spirited diners. Families do come here (it’s officially child-friendly), but don’t expect soft background music or a calm dining room. It’s the kind of place to let kids messily eat burgers and tots while parents enjoy craft beers. It’s generally clean and safe for kids, but prepare for noise and a casual, sometimes raucous crowd.
