NOW EXPERIENCING:Northcote Social Club
Drinks Directory|Meal and a bev|Good for groups|Melbourne – North

Northcote Social Club

301 High Street, Northcote, VIC, 3070
Phone
(03) 9427 1158
Website
northcotesocialclub.com
Instagram
@northcotesocialclub

Posted 19 Apr 2023

By
Larissa Dubecki

From the music to the friendly bartenders and the all-round welcoming vibe, Northcote Social Club is a classic corner pub that’s guaranteed to make you feel pretty darn good about life in general.

Why you goYou don’t have to be into live music to love the Northcote Social Club, but it helps. This classic corner pub was turned by new owners back in the 2000s into one of Melbourne’s top music venues, with enough music-industry credibility that the Pixies and Prince have played legendary secret gigs there. But the team didn’t forget the other things that make a local great. It’s a pub for the people, where you can happily order a pot of Carlton Draught while wearing your blue singlet and thongs before getting down with a menu of all-time pub classics like the mighty parma. 
Why you stayYou can almost drink the atmosphere at NSC. Before and after a gig the front bar heaves with punters grabbing a beer, and AFL-game days roar with the action on the Fox Sports screen in the corner. In between times it’s all about the old-school vibes of a pub that knows not to go too fancy. Classic Northcote authenticity is delivered with the help of sticky carpet and op-shop paintings, a disco ball and heaps of greenery, while out the back past the band room there’s a broad enclosed deck with wooden tables ideal for bigger groups. Even further back, the latest addition of umbrella-shaded outdoor tables deliver the full alfresco for the perfect lazy afternoon session.
What drink to orderThe Carlton’s a given. The Melbourne Bitter, too. Also pouring from the taps are Richmond’s Mountain Goat and Torquay’s 4 Pines. You can head further afield to Queensland on the wings of its super-popular Balter and go no-alcohol with the help of Heaps Normal cans in the fridges. It’s a pub, so don’t go expecting greatness from the wine list, but it ticks the usual boxes, then layers on a bit of interest with the likes of a Western Australian natural sparkling, a tempranillo and a chilled red. Cocktails cover all the modern classics. There’s an Espresso Martini, of course, and a Negroni made with Young Henrys gin, a minty Pimm’s Cup and Mulled Cider with rum and spices. And you can remember your visit to this hip part of High Street with a Mug-o-Rita – a Margarita served in a Northcote Social Club enamel mug to take home and wow your share house
liquors
What to pair it withThis is what every pub menu should be like: unpretentious, hearty and best friends with beer. There’s a dizzying smorgasbord of burgers – chicken, beef, fish, vegan and more, all served with excellent square-cut chips. The parma gets a run, naturally – go chicken or eggplant – along with a porterhouse steak with a choice of café de Paris butter, mushroom or pepper sauce, and you can also get a nicely roasted half-chicken, taking a bet each way with a zesty chimichurri sauce and a puddle of gravy. Snacky stuff is mostly fried and includes edamame and cheese croquettes in a curry sauce, and chicken ribs going Korean with kimchi and barbecue sauce. Or just go head-down in a bowl of chips with curry sauce.
Why we love itWe reckon a good pub is more than the sum of its parts – it’s all about how it makes you feel. From the music to the friendly bartenders and an all-round welcoming vibe, Northcote Social Club is a place guaranteed to make you feel pretty darn good about life in general. 
Regular’s tipLove your pooch? Four-legged friends are welcome on the rear deck.
men's with a pet dog in restaurant
Don’t leave withoutYou know a pub’s pretty cool when it has its own range of merch. Grab yourself a striped scarf and beanie or a T-shirt to shout your pub allegiances to the world on the way home.
Who to takeMany of the best indie acts across music genres are drawn to this 300-capacity band room. There’s a heap of support for local musicians, so round up a bunch of music-loving mates and support the industry while having a great time.
Sponsor logo
In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Authour image
Larissa DubeckiLarissa Dubecki has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in reviewing restaurants and bars.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryMelbourneHappy hourParty vibesCasual catch-upPet friendlyMelbourne – NorthBrilliant beer listGood for groupsOutdoor areaAfter work drinksPubNon-alc OptionsGreat tunesMeal and a bevWheelchair accessibleBar
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