Whether you come for the cocktails, mod-Asian cuisine or the voyeurism, Red Silks won't fail to deliver.
Tucked away upstairs next to the Chinese-language cinema is this little gem that has one of the best beer drinking balconies you'll find in Melbourne. Grab a bargain-priced local or imported beer and head out on this long terrace with views both down towards Swanston Street and up to the top end of town. There are plenty of heaters so this spot is popular throughout the year regardless of the weather.
Red Silks has an Asian-pop soundtrack set against the background hum of a multicultural melting pot. The house cocktails include smash hits of the '70s and '80s, so slide back into the past and enjoy a kir, kamikaze, cosmo or Long Island iced tea. That's if you can pass up an Asahi, Bintang or Tsing Tao at only $6 a pop.
The all-Australian wine list is small but has some very well-priced wines by the glass.
The excellent pan-Asian fare on offer partners up beautifully with the view and a beer or two. Try the salt and pepper chicken wings, satays, deep-fried calamari or gyoza.
Ben Maas
