On Brunswick Street, coffee bars and night lounges are a dime a dozen. With so much choice, a place really needs to stand out to grab the customer's attention. The Black Cat, however, sits tucked in a corner and waits to be discovered. For more than 15 years the Black Cat has watched other businesses last only 1 or 2 years.
So, what is their secret to lasting success? A reputation for being one of the most laid back venues in Fitzroy—a place where everyone knows the name "Black Cat" and, in a short time, everyone inside knows yours.
Their outdoor seating is perfect for a lazy summer day, sitting along the sidewalk, enjoy a local pot, while people-watching in eccentric Fitzroy. At night, you can choose to enjoy the evening air outside in the beer garden (heat lamps provided in winter), or you can cozy up on a couch inside, and watch lights and random scenes projected onto the front wall of windows.

DJ's spin alternative and funky beats and new artist works are displayed on the walls. They have a wide range of wines to offer with a glass of house running about $4. They offer several different types of bottle beers, plus a few on tap. Worth mentioning are New Zealand's Monteith beers and a full range of coffee drinks served (alcohol included at request).

Staff is friendly with a Fitzroy flair. The one downside to this bar is space, there is not a lot of it. This either works to your advantage by getting close on a couch (utilizing arm rests or your neighbors lap), or gets annoying when you're pressed up against Mister I don't shower.

A full bar is available, generally no cover charge and it's open till 1am or 2am. There are only two toilets.