Borsch Vodka & Tears

Name: Borsch Vodka & Tears
Address: 173 Chapel St, Windsor, AU-VIC, Australia, 3181
Telephone: (03) 9530 2694
Price range: $40 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (294)

$40 and under

Polish

173 Chapel St, Windsor, AU-VIC 3181

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Charming

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–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

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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 - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Tue - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM,Wed - Sat - 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 294 people are saying

Borsch Vodka & Tears reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Melbourne
Lively
Inner City South
Innovative
Inner City South
Great for creative cocktails
Inner City South
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Borsch Vodka & Tears is a vibrant spot celebrated for its "unique polish food" and "extensive" vodka menu. Diners rave about the "delicious" pierogi and "amazing cocktails." The ambiance is "vibrant, fun," and always "abuzz." While some note portions are small, the "mastered dishes" and "beautiful restaurant" make it a must-visit.

294 Reviews

M
Matthew
Melbourne2 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Solid fare, easy service, overall pretty good all round!
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R
Roz
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this place. The food and ambience is absolutely gorgeous. I don’t normally enjoy loud busy venues but this place has vibe. It’s vibrant, fun and a great night out but most importantly the food. Omg! Oohhhh the cocktails. Wow! Cocktails= Velvet Fog and food Perogi all the way for me!!
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F
Finn
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent selection of quality vodkas, highly recommend getting a couple of tasting trays. Good service and honesty from wait staff, really enjoyed a special night!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dorset1 review
4.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Feedback from a Polish person. The food is really good but overpriced. I have ordered Ukrainian borsch and was given half a bowl which was disappointing. Pierogi are delicious but again very small portions and overpriced. Unfortunately the servers paid no attention to customers at all, there were 3 girls on the shift just chatting at the bar and we had to flag them down every time we needed anything. We were not asked if we enjoyed the food etc (I used to work in hospitality and it really isn’t hard to go back to the table to check if everything is ok especially when it’s not busy).
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 11, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback and for your generous 4-star rating – we truly appreciate your support despite the concerns you’ve raised. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience with the portion size and especially the service. You’re absolutely right – checking in with guests and being attentive are basic but essential parts of hospitality, and we clearly missed the mark during your visit. I've already passed your feedback directly to our team and we are taking it seriously to ensure better service moving forward.
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M
Marissa
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My go to restaurant for taking friends, whether from out of state as was this visit, or showing locals a little gem. Just adore the polish delights, always consistent and enjoyed by all. And a great opportunity to introduce others to the wonderful array of vodka on offer! Great ambience, always full and always abuzz.
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re honoured to be your go-to spot for sharing great food and good times with both locals and out-of-town guests. It’s wonderful to hear that you and your friends consistently enjoy the Polish delights, the buzzing atmosphere, and of course — the vodka! We’d be truly grateful if you continue spreading the word and share your experience with friends, family, and colleagues. It means the world to us and helps others discover our little gem too! Looking forward to welcoming you back again soon!
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C
Cristie
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant, outstanding food and service
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’d be truly grateful if you continue spreading the word and share your experience with friends, family, and colleagues. It means the world to us and helps others discover our little gem too! Looking forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Amanda
Sydney7 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wow! Really loved my first time experience here. The food was delicious and unexpected. I’ll definitely be back to try even more :)
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Wow — thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad you had a great first experience and that the food was a pleasant surprise. We can’t wait to have you back to try even more! If you can, please do share your experience with your friends, family, and colleagues — we’d love to welcome them too! See you again soon!
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C
Chloe
Melbourne4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A must go! Food amazing, unique polish food and drinks menu is creative and extensive. I recommend
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the unique Polish food and creative drinks menu — it means a lot to us. We’d love it if you could share your experience with friends, family, and colleagues. Word of mouth really helps others discover us! Hope to see you again soon!
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S
Sarah
New Orleans / Louisiana1 review
4.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was absolutely delicious! Especially the perogi. Tried them all!
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Wow — thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad you had a great experience and that the food was a pleasant surprise. We can’t wait to have you back to try even more! If you can, please do share your experience with your friends, family, and colleagues — we’d love to welcome them too! See you again soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Adam
Melbourne1 review
4.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Very long time since visiting, 15-20 years. Loved getting back and so pleased it’s still going and has not really changed. Loved the food and top shelf vodkas to accompany.
Borsch Vodka & TearsResponded on May 3, 2025
Thank you so much for the 4-star review! We truly appreciate your support and are so glad you had a great experience with us. If you enjoyed your visit, we’d be grateful if you could tell your friends, family, and colleagues about our place — word of mouth means a lot to us! Looking forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Is this helpful?

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 294 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

Jun 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

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

About this restaurant

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

Additional information

Gift card