This Barwon Heads haunt is closing for the winter – but not before throwing an epic party

This hotspot goes into hibernation for the winter.

On Hitchcock Avenue, just a salty breeze from the Barwon Heads shoreline, Loco’s bursts onto the scene with colour, movement and contagious energy. Since opening in early 2024, this once-overlooked corner has been transformed into a vibrant playground of flavour where a quick bite easily turns into a long, laughter-filled evening.

Loco’s Barwon Heads

Where: 44 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads VIC

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

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The vision comes from hospitality heavyweight Matt Vero, whose venues are known for their atmosphere as much as their menus. Partnering with Recreation Brewing’s Ben Collins, Vero has brought something fresh to the Bellarine. What began as a casual meeting evolved into a collaboration built on flavour, fun and connection. Their easy-drinking, low-alcohol beers find a natural home here, alongside a bold, Mexican-inspired menu that refuses to hold back. 

Step inside and the room hums with life. Earthy tones create warmth while pops of red and white channel the energy of summer by the coast. Olive trees line the open frontage, replacing what was once closed off with something breezy and welcoming. Timber, steel and repurposed details bring texture and character, striking a balance between rustic charm and modern edge. The red and white striped umbrellas offer nods to the nautical setting.

The menu, led by chef Shannon Henry, delivers big, confident flavour. Tacos arrive loaded and vibrant, ceviche is bright and fresh, and share plates invite the table to settle in and stay awhile. Oysters and Latin-inspired dishes round things out, while margaritas land with just the right amount of punch. The cocktails are a massive crowd-pleaser, with happy hour a standard part of the Loco’s lay. If you’re after something crisp and refreshing post swim, Loco’s own Lager Birra Del Barwon is a must! It sits pretty on their tap alongside Melbourne Bitter and Stone & Wood.  

At its core, Loco’s is about community and good times. It is as suited to a sunny afternoon as it is to a cosy winter night. DJ’s frequent the establishment, bringing the vibes and ensuring the good times keep rolling into the evening.

As the colder nights kick in, Loco’s will be locking their doors in a Last Call event. Across tonight and tomorrow, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May respectively, they will be running a live and loud session with DJ’s spinning! Kicking off from 5pm, the site will have DJs, drinks, disco, house, RNB, throwbacks & everything in between as led by a lineup of Cooper Pratt, Liam Orton, and Connor Laing running into the dark of night. This one is for the 18+ and will be a great send-off for the season.

You know where to be this weekend! Find out more about Locos Barwon Heads here.