Bar Kaeru, a Melbourne sake bar featuring more than 100 sake selections, opens with a strong focus on expanding choice for drinkers interested in Japanese alcohol. Multiple outlets describe the venue’s ambition in bringing greater access to sake in the city.

While coverage largely notes the breadth of the list as a standout feature, reviews raise concerns about whether the bar’s service matches its scale. The criticism centers on the experience of ordering and receiving guidance, with some suggesting that without consistently strong service, the bar may struggle to fulfill its goal of introducing and supporting more sake drinkers in Melbourne.

Across the three sources provided, the overall tone aligns: the ambition is seen as positive, but the delivery—particularly customer service—draws scrutiny. None of the excerpts argue against the sake selection itself; instead, they emphasize that execution will determine whether the concept succeeds.