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Builders Arms Hotel
Established in 1853, the Builders Arms Hotel has stood the test of time, witnessing countless changes in Fitzroy over the years. It has become a beloved landmark among Fitzroy pubs, known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history. This pub serves as a hub for the community, offering a space to catch up with friends, watch the footy, or find a cozy retreat after a long day. If you have an event coming up, the Builders Arms has two distinct spaces available for private parties and gatherings.
With an evolving menu of seasonal dishes and a carefully curated selection of beverages, the Builders Arms also offers weekly specials like Monday Steak Night, Tuesday Rotisserie Chicken Night and Footy Finals treats. All that to say, whether you’re looking for great food, a lively atmosphere or just a comfortable spot to unwind, the Builders Arms is a must-visit destination in Fitzroy.
211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | buildersarmshotel.com.au
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel has been revitalised by chef Sean Donovan and his team, injecting fresh energy into this classic public house. The venue boasts a series of cosy, beautifully curated spaces designed to provide a variety of drinking and dining experiences. There are four distinct areas to explore, including a traditional yet stylish public bar featuring vintage tiling, wood panelling and a snug corner for casual dining. For those seeking a more atmospheric dining experience, the bistro offers a hunting lodge vibe with rich tartans, textured wallpaper and ambient lighting, while the old wine cellar provides an intimate, exclusive setting for special events.
The menu at this top Fitzroy pub focuses on seasonal, artisan ingredients with a European influence, showcasing premium beef, seafood and smoky wood-fired BBQ dishes. Locals in the know come for the Pub Classics, including The Townie Burger and Minute Steak. Donovan’s rustic yet refined cooking style shines through in every dish, creating an ambience reminiscent of a quintessential corner pub. Whether you’re there for a hearty meal or just to pull up a bar stool and enjoy a cold beer, Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel offers an unpretentious yet quality-driven dining experience.
166 Johnston Street, Fitzroy | fitzroytownhallhotel.com.au
Lord Newry Hotel
The Lord Newry Hotel is a stone’s throw from the beautiful Edinburgh Gardens, nestled in the heart of Fitzroy North. This pub stands as a bastion of original Fitzroy North pub culture, offering an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Situated on the corner of Brunswick and Newry Streets, it invites you to sink into a vintage couch by the fireplace or find a spot on the lively street front. Known for having North Fitzroy’s best pool table and a classic Galaga machine, there’s always something to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer and a specialty burger or craving one of their famous parmas with a pot, the Lord Newry delivers the classic Fitzroy pub experience locals seek.
The Lord Newry also caters to all kinds of functions, from weddings and engagements to birthday parties and reunions. Their friendly and accommodating staff ensure that every gathering is a fun and memorable one. Regular weekly specials keep the atmosphere buzzing, with Tuesday Parma Night offering the pub’s famous schnitzels, and Wednesday Burger Night featuring a selection of burgers. Happy Hour from Tuesday to Friday, 3 to 5 pm, rounds out the week with all pints at a reduced price. Welcome to your new local where everyone feels at home.
166 Johnston Street, Fitzroy North | lordnewryhotel.com.au
Marquis of Lorne
The Marquis of Lorne stands out among Fitzroy pubs as a versatile destination, perfect for small groups, boozy birthday celebrations, or a quick drink after work. Its various levels offer different settings to suit any mood, from the rooftop that’s ideal for enjoying a meal or drink on a sunny day to the cozy fireplace that provides warmth on cooler nights. This is one of a number of dog-friendly pubs in Fitzroy, and you’ll often find locals with their dogs in the front bar, adding to the relaxed, community vibe.
Among its popular offerings is the legendary Tuesday Steak Night—Porterhouse, chips, salad and béarnaise—available from 4 pm to 9 pm. It’s best to book in advance, but walk-ins are welcome in the Public Bar and on the Rooftop. The Marquis of Lorne balances its timeless charm with modern comforts, offering a mix of classic pub fare and an impressive selection of drinks. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed atmosphere with friends or a lively spot to wind down, the Marquis of Lorne caters to all occasions, making it a must-visit pub in Fitzroy.
411 George St, Fitzroy | marquisoflorne.com.au
Royal Oak Hotel
Serving Fitzroy since 1871, The Royal Oak Hotel is a long-standing favourite that has welcomed generations through its doors. Located on Nicholson Street, this Fitzroy North pub blends classic charm with a relaxed vibe, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The Royal Oak’s menu offers hearty pub fare with a twist, featuring mains like beer-battered rockling, slow-cooked pork belly and pressed lamb shank. The specials board is ever-changing, with recent additions like sesame prawn toast and barbecue octopus offering a fresh take on pub classics.
The Royal Oak lives up to its reputation, offering the classic charm of a Melbourne pub with just the right touch of modern updates. Its atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between lively and welcoming, making it an inviting spot for any occasion. Sundays have a cosy, homely vibe with their Sunday roast, featuring porchetta served with buttered borlotti beans and apple sauce. With its long history of serving the Fitzroy community, the Royal Oak continues to be a beloved spot for those seeking a welcoming pub experience in the heart of Fitzroy North.
442 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North | royaloakhotel.co
The Rose
The Rose is another classic among Fitzroy pubs, known for its unpretentious atmosphere, strong community focus and passion for sport. For over 150 years, it has been a beloved spot for locals, often feeling like an extension of their own lounge room. It’s recognised as an iconic “Footy Pub” in Melbourne where supporters of any AFL team can gather to enjoy the game over a few cold ones. With 16 taps, The Rose offers a wide selection of beers from beloved classics to innovative craft brews. The pub also features a hidden function space, complete with a sunny terrace, perfect for hosting private gatherings in a unique setting. Regular special events draw in the locals, including Trivia on Monday nights, Parma on Wednesdays and Steak Night on Thursdays. This is another pooch-friendly venue, and you will likely see some local furry friends chillin’ while their companions enjoy a meal or pint.
When it comes to food, The Rose focuses on classic pub dishes done well, complemented by a range of seasonal specials. Expect fresh, lighter options in summer and comforting hearty dishes in winter, including the popular classic Sunday roast that is available in the cooler months. Committed to quality, The Rose uses local suppliers and Victorian produce wherever possible, and caters to various dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Proud to be a classic Australian pub at the heart of Fitzroy, The Rose provides a warm, welcoming environment that captures the essence of local pub culture.
406 Napier St, Fitzroy | therosefitzroy.com.au
The Empress Hotel
The Empress Hotel in Fitzroy North is a welcoming, light-filled corner pub that offers a range of experiences, from a leafy beer garden to a lively public bar and an inviting dining room. This Fitzroy North pub is perfect for a casual visit to the bar, a shared meal in the dining room, or even a large cocktail party in the beer garden for larger groups. Locals love the friendly atmosphere and appreciate that it’s a welcoming place for kids too. Quality is at the heart of The Empress Hotel, with a carefully curated wine list and a beer list that changes frequently to keep things fresh.
The pub classics here are sourced locally and crafted with care, ensuring every dish reflects their commitment to excellent food and drink. The Empress is also known for hosting a variety of weekly specials that draw in the crowds, including half-price pizzas on Mondays, parmas on Tuesdays, burgers on Wednesdays and wings on Thursdays. With these events and specials, The Empress adds an extra layer of community and entertainment to the pub’s vibrant atmosphere.
714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North | theempress.com.au
The Terminus Hotel
The Terminus Hotel has been a fixture of the Fitzroy North community for over 150 years, with a history steeped in local stories and memories. Built in the mid-1800s, this Locals’ Local has undergone several significant renovations, evolving into a venue that blends tradition with modern comforts. Today, The Terminus boasts a sprawling beer garden, cozy craft beer bars, on-street dining and a contemporary restaurant. It’s a go-to spot for families and friends to gather, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for any occasion. Have an occasion coming up? The Terminus can accommodate a range of private events with its flexible function spaces, including a dedicated private room on the first floor.
Locals are drawn to The Terminus for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of events. From live music and trivia nights to live broadcasts of AFL and sports games, there’s always something happening at this Fitzroy North pub. Mondays are particularly popular with the local crowd, thanks to “Locals Day”, where you can enjoy favourites like burgers, parmas or fish and chips at a great price. With its blend of community spirit, quality food, and lively entertainment, the Terminus Hotel is a beloved destination for those looking to enjoy the best of Fitzroy North’s pub culture.
492 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North | terminus.com.au
Union Club Hotel
Nestled in the quiet back streets of Fitzroy, the Union Club Hotel stands proudly at the intersection of Gore and Webb Streets as a true local institution. Whether you’re after great pub food in the dining room or a refreshing beer in the sun-filled public bar, the Union offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. In the cooler months, you can shoot some pool by the open fire while catching the footy on the big screen or enjoy the warmth of the heated beer garden. As the weather starts warming up, the roof deck is perfect for soaking up the sun, or you can unwind under the fig tree in the beer garden with your beverage of choice.
The Union Club Hotel gained fame for its appearance on the TV series Offspring, but it is the pub’s laid-back vibe and warm community feel that truly make it a Fitzroy favourite. Locals love to sink into a leather couch by the hearth, tucking into hearty dishes like bangers and mash, accompanied by a beer and a bass guitar backing track. With a happy hour running from Monday to Friday between 3 and 6 pm, and weekly specials like Monday Parma Night and Tuesday Burger Night, there’s always something on offer. Their lunch menu is packed with all the classics—burgers, parmas, and even a cheeky fish and chip moment—all for just $20. Thankfully it’s “cheap as chips”, so you can rock your lunch break without a sweat. Whether you’re a long-time regular or a newcomer looking for an authentic Fitzroy pub experience, the Union Club Hotel has a corner and a cold one waiting for you.
164 Gore St, Fitzroy | unionclubhotel.com.au
