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Drinks - Borsch Vodka & Tears, Windsor, AU-VIC

Borsch Vodka & Tears

4.8 (332)
$40 and under
Polish
173 Chapel St, Windsor, AU-VIC 3181

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A photo of Borsch Vodka & Tears restaurant

Borsch Vodka & Tears

4.8
$40 and under
Polish
Windsor

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Polish, Eastern European
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:00 am Sun 12:30 pm–11:00 pm Bar Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 12:30 pm–2:00 am Sun 12:30 pm–11:00 pm Lunch Sat, 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ajesh
  • 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
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Experiences

  • Drinks Only

    2 - 20 people

    Multiple dates available
    The Kitchen will be closed during these bookings but please come and sit down for a drink at the bar
    Drinks Only Photo
  • WÓDKA TASTING TRAY

    A$15.00 per person

    2 - 20 people

    Multiple dates available
    3x15ml premium wódka
    WÓDKA TASTING TRAY Photo

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    2 - 20 people

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Tue - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM,Wed - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Thu - Fri - 5:00 PM - 7:00 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.

    Happy Hour Photo

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Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Borsch Vodka & Tears.

4.8

4.8
(332)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Inner City South

    Best Overall

  • Inner City South

    Best Value

  • Inner City South

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Inner City South

    Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Borsch Vodka & Tears offers an "absolutely great" and authentic Polish dining experience. Guests rave about its "excellent service," "incredible food," and "amazing variety of vodka and cocktails." The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends. The pierogis are "soft, delicious," and highly recommended.
332 Reviews
  1. Joshua

    New South Wales3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Absolutely great! Authentic and a great experience.

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  2. Lachlan

    Canberra5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and incredible food. Pierogis were soft, delicious and amply portioned.

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  3. Kiah

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on September 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, vodka, vibes and service were all amazing. Highly recommend!

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  4. christian Gold

    Victoria4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 13, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Greta for catch up with nice food and great service

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  5. Paul

    Victoria2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 6, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great, menu easy, food very tasty. Cocktails delicious.

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  6. Shane

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on August 8, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Grateful that the venue were able to accommodate our group of 6. It's a small venue with great ambiance. The przystawki (appetisers) were a great introduction to the cuisine with something for our vegetarian friends. The hospitality was exceptional.
    Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on August 12, 2026
    Thank you so much, Shane, for the lovely review! We’re delighted we could accommodate your group and that you enjoyed the warm atmosphere and hospitality. It’s especially wonderful to hear that the **przystawki** were a great introduction to Polish cuisine and offered something enjoyable for your vegetarian friends as well. We love creating an experience where everyone at the table can discover something new. Thank you for choosing **Borsch, Vodka & Tears**. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome all six of you back again soon — perhaps to explore a few more Polish favourites and creative cocktails! 🇵🇱🍸 — The Borsch, Vodka & Tears Team

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  7. Kristi

    Melbourne2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 1, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just like i remember.. great food awesome drinks and wonderful service. Had a great dinner! Cheers 😊
    Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on August 6, 2026
    Hi Kristi, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for recommending us! It means so much to hear that your experience was "just like you remembered." Knowing we delivered the same great food, awesome drinks, and wonderful service is exactly what we strive for every day. We're also delighted that you enjoyed the lively atmosphere and chose to spend your evening with us. Reviews like yours are a fantastic encouragement for our entire team and remind us why we love sharing authentic Polish hospitality with our guests. Thank you again for your continued support. We can't wait to welcome you back to **Borsch, Vodka & Tears** for another memorable evening on **Chapel Street, Windsor**. Cheers! 😊 Warm regards, **Team Borsch, Vodka & Tears**

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  8. Neville

    Adelaide4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 1, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    quirky restaurant with delicious Polish fare would go back in a heartbeat
    Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on August 6, 2026
    Hi Neville, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit and that you found **Borsch, Vodka & Tears** to be a neighbourhood gem. It's fantastic to know you loved our authentic Polish food, the atmosphere, and that you'd "go back in a heartbeat"—that's one of the nicest compliments we could receive. We're especially pleased you found us a great place for groups. Whether it's a casual lunch, a celebration with friends, or a special occasion, our team loves creating a warm and memorable dining experience in the heart of **Chapel Street, Windsor**. Thank you again for your kind words and support. We look forward to seeing you again very soon! Warm regards, **Team Borsch, Vodka & Tears**

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  9. Henrik

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An institution that is consistently good - keep doing you VBT!!!
    Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on August 6, 2026
    Hi Henrik, Thank you so much for your fantastic review and for recommending **Borsch, Vodka & Tears**! "An institution that is consistently good" is such a meaningful compliment, and we're truly honoured by your kind words. Consistency is something our team works hard to deliver every single day, so it's incredibly rewarding to know that's been your experience. We're also delighted you consider us a neighbourhood gem. As a family-owned **Polish restaurant on Chapel Street, Windsor**, we're passionate about sharing authentic Polish cuisine, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere with our community. And don't worry—we'll keep doing us! 😊 Thank you again for your continued support, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another memorable visit.

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  10. Rachel

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 24, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    What a fantastic experience at Borsch, Vodka & Tears! The food was absolutely delicious, with authentic flavours and generous portions. The staff were so welcoming, friendly and attentive, creating such a warm and relaxed atmosphere especially catering for our special guest making her feel special with a nice touch of a card. It's the perfect place to catch up with family and friends over amazing food and drinks. We all had a wonderful evening and can't wait to come back. Highly recommend! 🍷🥟❤️

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Polish, Eastern European
  • Hours of operation
    Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 12:30 pm–2:00 am Sun 12:30 pm–11:00 pm Bar Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 12:30 pm–2:00 am Sun 12:30 pm–11:00 pm Lunch Sat, 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ajesh
  • 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

Gift card

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FAQs

Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed; aim for neat, put-together clothes rather than formalwear.

Borsch Vodka & Tears is styled like a Kraków cellar bar, a romantic, Bohemian enclave with cosy, dimmed lighting and characterful decor, offering a warm, buzzy atmosphere guests adore.

Yes, Borsch Vodka & Tears' romantic, Kraków‑cellar style vibe and cosy, dimmed lighting make it a lovely choice for a date night, and guests have returned to celebrate engagements there.

Borsch Vodka & Tears has a cozy main dining room with window tables, a bar/counter area, and outdoor seating (guests note outdoor tables with heaters); the venue also welcomes private parties.

For a lively night out, Borsch Vodka & Tears is at its best on Friday nights, guests call it a great Friday‑night bistro bar and report buzzing late dinners; for a more relaxed visit, try Saturday or Sunday lunchtime when the venue runs weekend lunch service and guests describe a chilled lunch.

For a reliably lovely visit, head to Borsch Vodka & Tears at Saturday or Sunday lunchtime, lunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays and reviewers call their lunch visits outstanding.

Guests frequently describe the portions as generous and filling, several reviews note parties left comfortably full and praise the above‑average serving sizes.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City South
  5. Windsor

Make a reservation

A photo of Borsch Vodka & Tears restaurant

Borsch Vodka & Tears

4.8
$40 and under
Polish
Windsor

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.
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