Borsch Vodka & Tears

4.8

278 Reviews

$40 and under

Polish

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Charming
Good for special occasions

Borsch, Vodka and Tears is a Melbourne institution currently celebrating 20 years at the colourful end of Chapel Street. Styled after a Kraków cellar bar, Borsch is a romantic Bohemian enclave, the home of the Green Faery, an ode to a hazy and debauched bygone world. We specialise in Polish vodka, vodka-centric interpretations of classic and modern cocktails, authentic wormwood absinthe, Eastern European beers, contemporary Polish dishes and late night fun times.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$40 and under
Cuisines
Polish, Eastern European
Hours of operation
Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:30 am Sun 12:30 pm–12:00 am Bar Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:30 am Sun 12:30 pm–12:00 am Lunch Fri–Sun 12:30 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(03) 9530 2694
Website
http://www.borschvodkaandtears.com/
Payment options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Ajesh

Location
173 Chapel St, Windsor, AU-VIC 3181
Neighborhood
Windsor
Cross street
High Street
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Close to Prahran & Windsor Train Station (about half way to both stops) On the number 6 and 78 tram line and a short walk from the 5, 64 & 72 tram lines.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

WÓDKA TASTING TRAY
A$15.00 per person
Multiple dates available
3x15ml premium wódka

Offers

Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Sun - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Tue - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM,Wed - Fri - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Sat - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us on the street tables or in our cosy interior or on the bar for Happy hour $15 on selected cocktails and Martinis with $7 on selected Beers as you share some delicious plates from the kitchen for special price.

Popular dishes

Farmers ZakuskiA$36.00
Cheesburger Pierogi | Devils on horseback | Grilled Hungarian Sausage | Smoked duck & venison terine | Buckwheat blinis with sour cream & salmon caviar | Sautéed mushrooms with roast chestnuts | Beetroot tartare on rye croutons | Sourdough spelt | Mini bagel | Bottomless pickles
Springtime ZakuskiA$36.00
Cauliflower and cheese croquette | Sauteed mushrooms with roast chestnuts | Roast heirloom carrots with labneh & coriander | Vegan meatballs in tomato sauce | Buckwheat blinis with sour cream | Pickled cauliflower | Beetroot tartare on rye crouton | Sourdough spelt | Bagel | Beetroot butter | Bottomless pickles

Barszcz | Borsch

Cup of Polish BorschA$8.00
Bone broth | Beetroot | Garlic | Marjoram
Cup of Polish Borsch VegetarianA$8.00
Vegetarian beetroot broth | Garlic | Marjoram
Ukrainian Style BorschA$15.50
Vegetables | White beans | Porcinis | Sour cream | Rye bread | Beetroot butter. Vegan option available
Żurek White BorschA$17.00
Fermented sour dough | Three kinds of smoked pork | Mashed potatoes aside

Obowiązkowy | Mustys

Basket of Bread & ButterA$5.50
Sourdough spelt | Mini bagel | Beetroot butter
Dill PicklesA$5.00
Kosher dills | Horseradish | Baby capers
Kiełbasa Polish SausageA$11.50
Grilled kranski | Cherry mustard
SaganakiA$12.00
Pan fried sheep's cheese | Honey Wodka fig

Przystawki | Entrees

Zucchini FlowerA$8.50
One zucchini stuffed with cheddar cheese | Jalapeño sauce
Lamb CroquetteA$8.00
Lamb crumbed & stuffed with garlic butter | Yogurt lemon sauce
Crispy SquidA$13.00
Crunchy semolina dusted squid | Tatare
Mac & Cheese CroquettesA$13.00
Stuffed with bacon, mac and cheese and smoked paprika | Chipotle aioli
Dzialka SaladA$17.50
Grilled broccolini | Fried kipflers | Romesco | Salted Almonds | Chickpeas | Leaves | Seed mix | Chilli | Pomegranate
Placki Potato BlintzesA$16.00
Potato pancakes | Sour cream | Sauerkraut
Placki Potato Blintzes with SalmonA$22.00
Potato pancakes | Sour cream | Sauerkraut | Smoked salmon

Przekaski | Snacks

FriesA$10.50
Tomate sauce | Vegan Aioli
Dirty Ruben FriesA$20.00
Fries | Hot cheese sauce | Dressing | House smoked Pastrami | Sauerkraut
Vegan Fried ChickenA$18.50
Fried Cauliflower | Spring onions | Ginger | Vegan Aioli
Bison WingsA$12.50
Spiced rub bison wings | King Sobieski sauce
MizeriaA$9.00
Polish cucumber salad in sour cream and dill

Extras

Smoked SalmonA$9.50
Salom CaviarA$10.00
SauerkrautA$5.00
Sour CreamA$2.50

Pierogi

Pierogi are filled dumplings, made by wrapping a savoury or sweet filling in unleavened noodle dough than cooked in boiling water and/or pan fried. Pierogi have been made in Poland since the 13th century

Beef & Chicken
Served with bacon | Onion and raspberry gravy
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Cheese & Potato ("Ruskie" Ruthenian Style)
Served with Sour cream | Roast beetroot | Caramelised onions
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Vegan Potato & Onion
Served with Sour cream | Roast beetroot | Caramelised onions
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Sweet Potato, Cheddar & Jalapeño
Served with sour cream | Spring onions
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Porcini & Sauerkraut ("Kapustą i Grzybami")
Served with sautéed enokis | Mushroom broth
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Roast Duck & Apple ("Kaczką i Jabłkiem")
Served with heirloom carrots | Caramelised onions | Cherry mustard
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50
Mixed Pierogi
Pick two or three flavours. Served with roast beetroot | Sour cream | Caramelised onions
- 4 PierogiA$20.50
- 6 PierogiA$27.50

Główne Danie | Mains

Gulasz (Goulash)A$30.00
Slow braised beef | Capsicum ragout | Red peppers | Giant potato blintz | Sour cream
SchabowyA$29.50
Pork loin Schnitzel | Mashed potato | Summer cabbage | Horseradish
Gołąbki Cabbage RollsA$17.00
Savoy cabbage leaves stuffed with beef, pork and lamb | Rice | Roast tomatoes | Parsnip sauce
- 2 per serveA$16.50
Kopytka Polish GnocchiA$19.50
Potato gnocchi | Spinach puree | Roasted cherry tomatoes | Pecorino
Chicken StroganoffA$28.00
Creamy chicken | Mushrooms | Vegetable hot pot | Potato Gnocchi
BigosA$20.00
A Traditional polish stew using pork, kielbasa, beef and sauerkraut served with sourdough bread and beetroot butter.

Dessert

Chocolate Babka Ice Cream SandwichA$15.00
Messina vanilla bean ice cream | Chocolate babka
Dessert PierogiA$16.00
Filled with bakers cottage cheese and chocolate chips | Vanilla whipped cream | Strawberries & blueberries

Desert Cocktails

Variety of delicious desert cocktails

Lemon Meringue PieA$21.00
Advocaat | Vanilla Wódka | Lemon juice | Cream
Chocolate MartiniA$21.00
Chocolate & Vanilla Wódka | Chopin Chocolate liqueur & syrup | Cream

What 278 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Melbourne
Best Overall
Melbourne
Best Food
Melbourne
Best Ambiance
Melbourne
Great for creative cocktails
Inner City South
Best Overall
Inner City South
Best Food
Inner City South
Best Service
Inner City South
Best Ambiance
Inner City South
Best Value
Inner City South
Great for creative cocktails
Inner City South
Romantic
Inner City South
Vegetarian-friendly
Inner City South
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Borsch Vodka & Tears offers a vibrant Polish dining experience, boasting an "enormous selection of vodkas, cocktails, and liqueurs" alongside comforting traditional dishes like pierogi and cabbage rolls. "Terrific fun vibe" and "friendly staff" enhance the lively atmosphere. Ideal for both vegans and non-vegans, this spot promises "fantastic vibes" and "beautiful food."

278 Reviews

J
Jenny
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and cocktails were so delicious. Friendly service I had pierogi and golombki yum
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W
Wilma
Victoria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff were very friendly and helpful. It was a very relaxing atmosphere and the food and cocktails were delicious. Overall, it was a very pleasant Sunday afternoon experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food here is always amazing!!! The Vesper martini is a standout, the pierogis are a must, and their Goulash is outstanding!!
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M
Maya
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Vladimir was the best , he was very accommodating and professional. We enjoyed our night!
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K
Katrina
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such an amazing place to eat. Drinks, food, service, vibes - all exceptional. Only issue is it is quite pricey, so good for a special occasion!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Best place to experience polish culinary and amazing selection of drinks. Service is great, staff is very polite, always clearing the table and asking us for more drinks. This place is a must go to, huge recommend!
Is this helpful?
I
Irene
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Borsh and Pierogis were really good .. my favourite was the plum vodka which sipped down a treat . The waiter Carlo was amazing and his service was exceptional providing us with different choices to try and walking us through the menu . He was kind and polite always checking if we needed anything .I would recommend this place to anyone 🥰
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M
Mason
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a lovely night of polish food and vodka based drinks. We got pierogis, cabbage rolls and Mac and cheese croquettes. Pierogis were very good but quite expensive at nearly $28 for 6. Cocktails were 10/10, some of the best I’ve ever had. Cabbage rolls were absolutely phenomenal, did not know what to expect with these but they were just fantastic. Mac and cheese croquettes… they were yum but nothing special, hard to make these that special. Still 8/10 though. Overall, fantastic vibes, great service and beautiful food. Would definitely go again.
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O
Olga
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been coming here for 10 years and even after moving to Sydney no visit to Melbourne is ever complete without a visit to BVT. Love it
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on September 16, 2024
To recognize your customer's loyalty, you could craft a message like this: --- Dear Olga , On behalf of the entire team at Borsch, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for being such a loyal customer over the past 10 years. Your consistent support has not only been a source of encouragement for us but also a key reason we’ve been able to thrive all these years. It’s loyal customers like you who allow us to continue doing what we love—creating memorable experiences for our guests. We are truly grateful for your trust and patronage, and we look forward to serving you for many more years to come. With sincere appreciation, Bvt
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L
Lori
Melbourne
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Great place for vodka drinks, the watra raspberry leaf tea is fabulous, perogies, cabbage rolls and potato pancakes! Casual atmosphere but the wait staff do tend to chat amongst themselves rather than focusing on the customers. Great place for a Polish/Ukrainian dinner!
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FAQs

Borsch Vodka & Tears offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9530 2694.

Borsch Vodka & Tears is rated 4.8 stars by 278 OpenTable diners.

Borsch Vodka & Tears does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

173 Chapel St, Windsor, AU-VIC 3181

Additional information

Cross street
High Street
Neighborhood
Windsor
Hours of operation
Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:30 am Sun 12:30 pm–12:00 am Bar Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:30 am Sun 12:30 pm–12:00 am Lunch Fri–Sun 12:30 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Price
$40 and under
Cuisines
Polish, Eastern European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Close to Prahran & Windsor Train Station (about half way to both stops) On the number 6 and 78 tram line and a short walk from the 5, 64 & 72 tram lines.
Payment options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ajesh
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.borschvodkaandtears.com/
Phone number
(03) 9530 2694

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Borsch Vodka & Tears

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

WÓDKA TASTING TRAY

Happy Hour

Gołąbki Cabbage Rolls

Mixed Pierogi

Dessert Pierogi

Zakuski

Farmers ZakuskiA$36.00

Springtime ZakuskiA$36.00

Barszcz | Borsch

Cup of Polish BorschA$8.00

Cup of Polish Borsch VegetarianA$8.00

Ukrainian Style BorschA$15.50

Żurek White BorschA$17.00

Obowiązkowy | Mustys

Basket of Bread & ButterA$5.50

Dill PicklesA$5.00

Kiełbasa Polish SausageA$11.50

SaganakiA$12.00

Przystawki | Entrees

Zucchini FlowerA$8.50

Lamb CroquetteA$8.00

Crispy SquidA$13.00

Mac & Cheese CroquettesA$13.00

Dzialka SaladA$17.50

Placki Potato BlintzesA$16.00

Placki Potato Blintzes with SalmonA$22.00

Przekaski | Snacks

FriesA$10.50

Dirty Ruben FriesA$20.00

Vegan Fried ChickenA$18.50

Bison WingsA$12.50

MizeriaA$9.00

Extras

Smoked SalmonA$9.50

Salom CaviarA$10.00

SauerkrautA$5.00

Sour CreamA$2.50

Pierogi

Beef & Chicken

Cheese & Potato ("Ruskie" Ruthenian Style)

Vegan Potato & Onion

Sweet Potato, Cheddar & Jalapeño

Porcini & Sauerkraut ("Kapustą i Grzybami")

Roast Duck & Apple ("Kaczką i Jabłkiem")

Mixed Pierogi

Główne Danie | Mains

Gulasz (Goulash)A$30.00

SchabowyA$29.50

Gołąbki Cabbage RollsA$17.00

Kopytka Polish GnocchiA$19.50

Chicken StroganoffA$28.00

BigosA$20.00

Dessert

Chocolate Babka Ice Cream SandwichA$15.00

Dessert PierogiA$16.00

Desert Cocktails

Lemon Meringue PieA$21.00

Chocolate MartiniA$21.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Borsch Vodka & Tears offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Borsch Vodka & Tears restaurant rated?

Does Borsch Vodka & Tears offer gift cards?

Is Borsch Vodka & Tears currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card