Restaurant

Howler

7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Recommended by 68 people

Updated

Find Howler

7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Howler

Industrial warehouse bones meet leafy greenery and crisp sound in Brunswick, letting you pair pre-show pints and pub classics with intimate live sets. Natural light streams down through the high greenhouse roof, giving daytime sessions the easy roll of a courtyard party before the night shifts into gear. Gig-goers head straight to the back bar for a chicken parma, steak night eye fillet, or a round of karaage before ducking into the dedicated theatre room. Between live indie bills and punchy electronic DJ sets, people linger on worn lounge couches by the photo booth with a cold tap pale in hand.

  • Pub Classics & Pre-Gig Dining: Diners consistently turn up early for hearty plates before gigs, pairing pints with chicken parmigiana, karaage, and steak night specials.
  • Warehouse Greenery & Sunlit Roof: High ceilings, greenhouse skylights, and indoor plants frame a sunlit front room that shifts into a moodier back bar.
  • Dedicated Band Room & Sound: A dedicated band room and theatre space runs stacked lineups ranging from local indie bands to late electronic DJ sets.

What's On at Howler

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Howler

Why Brunswick locals and gig-goers choose Howler for live sets, daytime sessions, and pre-show dining

  • Intimate Live Music & Sound Engineering

    An intimate band room and quality acoustics let gig-goers catch live bands and electronic DJs up close without overwhelming room temperatures.

    Band room has excellent sound and lighting and I loved that it didn't get insanely hot like most smaller venues!

    Aleisha H
  • Sunlit Day Parties Under Clear Skylights

    Day parties and festival sets benefit from an open greenhouse layout where daylight pours through clear ceilings, creating an airy courtyard vibe.

    having daylight streaming in through the clear roof made it feel like a big private courtyard party rather than a typical club gig.

    Grubie Mcb
  • Full Dinner Service Before the Show

    Unlike typical concert halls with wet bars only, guests can enjoy full sit-down dinners with parmas, steaks, and share plates right before gig doors open.

    We loved being able to get a super delicious meal before the show too, steak night was a real winner with the eye fillet cooked to perfection.

    Aleisha H
  • Dedicated Spaces for Private Functions

    Dedicated private rooms with their own bar and bathrooms make it easy to host work gatherings, student milestones, and catered group events.

    versatile and very pleasant venue with it down bar and bathrooms.

    Emma Donnelly
  • Industrial Warehouse Meets Enclosed Greenery

    A converted industrial factory layout blends an airy front bar full of natural greenery with comfortable booths and vintage couches.

    The venue has this cool warehouse/factory vibe, but what really makes it stand out is all the greenery and the skylights that open the space up with natural light.

    Ashlee Jayde
  • Effortless After-Work Knock-Off Sessions

    Conveniently situated in Brunswick with early afternoon openings and happy hour specials, it offers a seamless transition into Friday knock-offs.

    usually knock off for after works drinks on a Friday at around 2pm or so. Work life balance is spot on. But so is Howler.

    Rob

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful operational gestures and welcoming hospitality touches that elevate visits to Howler.

  • Dietary-Conscious Function Care

    Event coordination actively identifies guests with dietary needs and seeks them out directly with suited meal options during private functions.

  • Attentive Mobility Assistance

    Door staff provide considerate accessibility assistance, communicating directly and respectfully with patrons using mobility aids to organize safe transit after gigs.

  • Hands-On Table Service for Big Rounds

    Bartenders offer attentive cocktail specials and lend an extra hand transporting large drink rounds to your table.

  • In-Venue Retro Lounge and Photo Booth

    The open greenhouse-style front bar features retro couch lounge seating alongside a vintage photo booth for casual downtime between live sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a meal before a gig?

Yes, Howler features an in-house kitchen serving classic pub fare and share plates—such as chicken parmigiana, burgers, karaage, and steak—before you head into the band room for a show.

Can you book a table in advance?

Table bookings are accepted if you want to secure seating, though walk-ins are also accommodated across the open bar and garden areas.

What are the parking and transport options?

While there are nearby car parks and free street parking options, parking can be tricky during peak times. Public transport is readily accessible via nearby trams and trains.

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