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Restaurant

THE CURTIN (John Curtin hotel)

29 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Recommended by 52 people

Updated

Find THE CURTIN (John Curtin hotel)

29 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

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+61 3 9663 6350
HoursMonday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About THE CURTIN (John Curtin hotel)

A gritty Carlton fixture where cold tap beers meet live rock gigs and Sonny's deep-fried chicken. Regulars crowd the front bar for after-work knock-offs before heading up to the bandroom for touring acts. Kitchen orders center on Sonny's fried chicken burger, hot buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing, and loaded fries. Inside, an original 1970s photobooth turns out quick black-and-white print strips between sets.

  • Upstairs Bandroom: An intimate second-floor stage dedicated to curated live rock and touring independent bands.
  • Sonny's Fried Chicken: Southern-style crispy chicken burgers, hot buffalo wings, and loaded fries served straight to pub tables.
  • Retro Photobooth: A functioning vintage black-and-white booth on the floor that takes card payments.
  • Classic Pub Pints: Affordable tap beers and weeknight specials like Monday schnitzels in a relaxed, no-fuss front bar.
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What's On at THE CURTIN (John Curtin hotel)

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Visit The Curtin

Why live music fans, fried chicken lovers, and casual groups choose The Curtin

  • Dedicated Upstairs Bandroom for Live Music

    The dedicated upstairs room hosts high-energy rock shows and curated independent lineups with quality sound and easy bar access.

    Great small bandroom upstairs with excellent local and international rock and other live music, and excellent sound.

    Ben Morgan

  • Atmospheric Band Nights and Gigs

    Patrons can pair gig nights with a classic pub setup, cold tap beers, and friendly staff.

    awesome pub down stairs with excellent hot wings and mountain culture on tap 👌🏻the band room was perfect, great atmosphere and easy to access bar and toilet, had a cracker night at an awesome gig!

    Chris Price (Pricey)

  • Sonny's Fried Chicken and Crispy Burgers

    In-house kitchen partner Sonny's Fried Chicken serves fresh, flavorful chicken pieces and standout Southern-style chicken burgers.

    it is their sonnys burger that really knocks it out of the park and is the best southern fried style chicken burger I have had to date.

    Jayden Hardie

  • Satisfying Pub Food and Wings

    Patrons order spicy chicken, buffalo wings, and loaded fries directly to the bar during their visit.

    Its also the home of Sonny's outstanding spicy fried Chicken, hot, fresh and downright tasty.

    Chris Kay

  • Unpretentious Meetups and Casual Drinks

    The front bar and outdoor seating offer an easygoing setting for after-work drinks, casual group gatherings, and friendly service.

    Good places for friends and casual meet ups. Good atmosphere, Good food, their grilled chicken burger is pretty bomb.

    Pryde Sciascia

  • Vintage Photobooth Mementos

    An authentic on-site 1970s photobooth takes modern card payments and lets friends capture souvenir prints on a night out.

    The og 1970’s Photo Booth is divine!!! And takes card!!! So much fun and such a treat.

    Ingrid

Signature fried chicken, burgers, and pub staples from Sonny's

  • Sonnys burger

    it is their sonnys burger that really knocks it out of the park and is the best southern fried style chicken burger I have had to date

    Jayden Hardie

  • Fried chicken

    Great tasting, huge pieces of fried chicken cooked fresh.

    Rachel Kapsalakis

  • Buffalo wings

    Legendary buffalo wings with the best blue cheese dressing

    Amir Kasra Zanjani

  • Loaded fries

    It was actually their loaded fries that was very yummy

    Oldouz Shirinzadeh

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food is served at the pub?

Food is supplied through Sonny's Fried Chicken, featuring Southern-style fried chicken pieces, crispy chicken and cheeseburgers, buffalo wings, and chips. Portions are generous, with chicken pieces large enough that you might need a doggy bag.

Does the venue host live music?

Yes, upstairs hosts an intimate bandroom featuring live local and international rock and indie gigs, while the downstairs front bar offers a relaxed pub atmosphere.

Is there a photobooth on-site?

Yes, the pub features an authentic vintage black-and-white photobooth inside that takes card payments.

How busy does it get and is seating hard to find?

The pub gets busy quickly, particularly on gig nights and with large groups. Lunch visits typically offer easier seating, while outdoor tables and front bar spots turn over relatively quickly.

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