So, you’re down to your last 20 bucks for the week and you want to go out to dinner somewhere with a slightly Melbourne-cool edge, that has a bit of charm, plays some good tunes, serves up hearty meals and is dirt cheap. Geez, you’re not asking much.

Well, with a laidback attitude and a budget friendly bar brief ($9.99 for two courses, $14.99 for three), Fitzroy’s Houndstooth could be the answer to your tight-eel-skin-pursed prayers.

Channeling the spirit of an old-style pub with a clean-lined monochromatic fit-out, this place has ambitions beyond your standard run of the mill Fitzroy booze hole/counter-meal staple. Slotted into a narrow shop front on Johnston Street, Houndstooth has a slightly minimalist feel to it, which is brightened by the cheery, no-bullshit service and the open kibbutz style canteen atmosphere of the kitchen and bar.

The set menu (a choice of two entrees and two mains) changes weekly. Dishes like slow cooked Osso Bucco with potatoes, Chilli “non” Carne, artichoke tarts and eggplant puree are great value for money. Cakes for dessert are all provided by Babka. You can’t really go wrong.  There’s Heineken on tap ($4.20) and a fairly comprehensive Australian winelist.

Fast becoming a Fitzy staple.

Address: 36 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Phone:     0411 404 374
Hours:     Tues-Fri, 6pm to late