8 Things We Know About Australia's George Costanza-Themed Bar

In the few short days since George's Bar—a George Costanza-themed watering hole—opened in Melbourne on New Year’s Eve

, the Seinfeld-loving establishment has made global headlines, proving that everyone’s favorite balding, neurotic TV character doesn’t just belong to New York City—he belongs to the world. While the bar is brand-new, here are eight things we know so far about the quirky hangout. 

1. THE BAR'S NAME PRECEDED ITS CONCEPT.

George's Bar/Facebook

According to The Sydney Morning Herald

, co-owner Dave Barrett said that he and his partners came up with the bar’s name first, and let that shape the establishment’s overall aesthetic. "We came up with the name George's and worked backwards, concept-theming it," shared Barrett. "George Costanza suits a bar in a lot of ways. The humor around George works."

2. ITS OWNERS (UNSURPRISINGLY) LOVE GEORGE COSTANZA. 

In an age of ironic hipster bars, one might think that a George Costanza-themed bar is a gimmicky attempt at cleverness. However, Barrett said that he decided to open George’s Bar for one simple reason: "We really like Seinfeld." Barrett also owns Laundry Bar, a Melbourne-based dance club that’s known for its DJs and drink specials. 

3. YOU CAN DRINK IN THE SUMMER OF GEORGE.

The bar's drink menu boasts a variety of Seinfeld-inspired libations, from "The Summer of George" to "The Hand Model," plus a range of beers and ciders on tap. If you're hungry, you can order a “toastie” (that’s Aussie for toasted sandwich) named after a Seinfeld catchphrase; we think The Quitter and The Art Vandelay sound delicious.

4. IT'S DECORATED WITH GEORGE COSTANZA PICTURES AND QUOTES.

At George’s Bar, you won’t be enjoying happy hour specials with just one George Costanza—you’ll be tossing back cocktails with many of him. The room is decorated with images of the bar’s titular character, and Barrett plans to add a litany of autographed photos to the mix. According to the bar’s Facebook page, Frogger will be arriving later this week. Another fun feature? When you walk into the bar, you’re welcomed by two of George's most hilarious quotes, which are emblazoned across the two front doors: “It’s not a lie if you believe it” and “Everyone must like me, I must be liked.”

5. JASON ALEXANDER KNOWS ABOUT IT.

As an actor, what’s better than receiving a coveted television award? Finding out that two bar owners were so inspired by your character that they created a cocktail establishment in your honor. Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza for all nine seasons of Seinfeld, recently gave a Twitter shout-out to George’s Bar. 

6. THE BAR IS LOCATED IN MELBOURNE'S FITZROY NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Fitzroy is an eclectic neighborhood in Melbourne that’s filled with vintage stores, artists, and vegetarian restaurants. It’s often compared to the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn—a far cry from George Costanza’s native Queens.

7. IT'S AN ARTSY ESTABLISHMENT.

George's Bar/Facebook

Barrett hopes that local artists will display George Costanza-inspired works in his bar. Right now, he’s interested in hosting a show with a Melbourne-based painter who’s currently at work on eight different George paintings.

8. ITS DOORS ARE (ALMOST) ALWAYS OPEN.

Since New York City never sleeps, George’s Bar never (or rarely) closes. According to its website, it’s open seven nights per week, from 6 p.m. until “late.” The bar doesn’t accept reservations, so if you’re in Melbourne and want to pour one out for your favorite '90s sitcom, make sure you don’t wait until too late to swing by.

[h/t The Sydney Morning Herald]