Mr Wow’s Emporium

Like a fun younger cousin to Panama, Mr Wow’s is another upstairs large open space looking out onto Smith St below, but where Panama’s focus is on the restaurant and classy drinks space, Mr Wow is — as the name suggests — focused on fun and games! (And despite what I once thought after a few drinks, it’s definitely *not* called Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. That’s an average movie with Dustin Hoffman.)
You might not get to use any of them on a busy Friday or Saturday night, but the free bocce pitch, and tennis table room is a really fun way to spend a few hours — just remember to not get too involved in the games to the point where your beer gets warm! Even if you’re not playing with them, you might be busy dodging ping-​pong and errant bocce balls if you’re hanging nearby — especially as people get a little more ‘jovial’ into the night, so best stay on the other side of the place if that doesn’t sound like your kind of fun.
There’s sometimes free popcorn on offer, but seems they only fire that up on the busy nights. Only a couple of beers on tap, but some cocktails or bottled drinks are also available. You generally have to make your own fun when going out anywhere, but Mr Wow’s certainly tries to lend a helping hand.

Mr Wow’s Emporium’s world of wonder. Up the stairs and away you go.
I visited this little place of happiness on Bastille Day. The staff appropriately frenchily dressed but thankfully no French-​waiter inspired attitudes.
The menu was short and sweet, with a $ 2 donation from each cocktail for the local Fire Brigade. The general beer, wine, cider list was happy and helpful.
Food vans are set up in the warehouse space upstairs.
Mr Wow’s really made an impression on me with wall sized map of the local area and the indoor bocce‘ (Italian bowls game).

I enjoy this place! It’s got a great scene, a nice bar layout a good dance floor and a chill balcony outside area!
Cheap drinks usually also if you go at the right times.
Been here multiple occasions and always have a good time here!

I feel compelled to write a review, as nobody has yet mentioned the highlight of Mr Wow — They have a free table tennis table.
It does get extremely crowded, but show up on a lazy Sunday and you’ll have the place (and table) to yourself.
Don’t expect competition-​grade facilities. The rubber will be coming off the bat. The balls will tend to have random cracks. The space is a little cramped. And the glare is blinding at one end.
… But it’s those things that bring the nuance to amateur table tennis.
Make sure you agree the rules first. This is essential for all pub table tennis. Indeed, for all pub-​related games. First to 11. Bounces off the wall back on to the table count. Can’t go out on the last shot. Pants rule or no pants rule.
Not only that, but Mr Wow is a great space. As others have mentioned, the cocktail and beer menu is short — but covers the bases well.
Get along and have a hit.

Mr Wow’s certainly has the ‘wow’ factor. The funky loft space is dominated by a large, circular bar with a great drinks selection. The bar staff are friendly and are more than happy to suggest drinks.
The novelty of this place is in the details. A giant map of Melbourne covers one wall, and bocce is set up in front of the other. Popcorn produced by a giant popcorn machine is covered in a delicious, spicy salt, and is free all night. Chairs and tables are easy enough to get, but are snapped up quickly.
Having said this, Mr Wow’s is incredibly loud, and holding a conversation with the people next to you is difficult. Maximum capacity is not huge, so if you come on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait.

The former Collingwood World is now Mr. Wow’s and better than ever. Have always loved the open space New York warehouse feel, and with the addition of the new glassed in smoking area and large open windows, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The small but considered cocktail list always has something interesting and matched well with their selection of wine and craft beers… one is never left wanting.
Aside from the bar, pool table and relaxed vibe, Mr. Wow’s now features indoor bocce lanes as well. May be biased as I work across the road, but this place gets my vote for the coolest, least pretentious, and quality bar in town.
Try their ‘Pear of Aces’…it’s fantastic! Yum.

Mr Wow’s Emporium occupies the space formerly known as Collingwood Bar. Not much of the décor has changed — the 1960s (???) Melway map of the north side still covers an entire wall and it continues to be an extremely open space.
However, the best change: two bocce lanes! Bar and bocce = pretty awesome. There’s also a pool table and great beats. Still perfect for a large group on a Friday/​Saturday evening.