Restaurant
The Empress Hotel
714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
Find The Empress Hotel
714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Empress Hotel
An unpretentious Fitzroy North corner local serving craft taps, crisp parmas, and free games with zero poker machines in sight. Regulars drop in for a countery at the bar, chat with the bartenders, or line up a round at the free dartboard. Taps split evenly between reliable mainstream lagers and independent regional craft pours, easily paired with buffalo wings or semolina-dusted calamari. Out back, the covered and heated beer garden welcomes dogs alongside family gatherings through all seasons. Thursday nights draw a crowd for wings and pots before settling into a game of darts.
- Balanced Craft and Classic Taps: Half the draught taps are reserved for independent and regional craft beers alongside standard mainstream favourites.
- Free Dartboards: Features free dartboards in the lounge for casual games over pints with mates.
- Gambling-Free Classic Pub: Operates strictly without electronic gaming machines or pokies, preserving a classic neighbourhood pub feel.
- All-Weather Beer Garden: Heated and covered outdoor beer garden built for all seasons and welcoming to dogs.
What's On at The Empress Hotel
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Reasons to Choose The Empress Hotel
Why locals and visitors choose The Empress Hotel for craft beer, classic dining, and community vibes
Elevated Pub Dining & Classics
The kitchen pairs traditional pub grub with inventive, high-quality gastro pub dining and well-executed weeknight specials.
Total quality in a relaxed environment.
Louise Reynolds Curated Craft & Mainstream Taps
Offering a balanced draft lineup that reserves half the taps for local independent craft beers alongside familiar favorites.
Surprisingly good beer selection for a pub that also has the mainstream stuff! Goes to show you can have a generic tap contract and still save half your taps for local beers as well.
StarryKay Authentic Gambling-Free Atmosphere
A genuine traditional neighborhood local dedicated entirely to community conversation and dining without poker machines or gaming.
Real pub, there's no gambling, great food, good people & staff, lots to drink.
Reagan Hutchins Homely & Welcoming Neighborhood Vibe
Welcoming, good-natured hospitality and a cozy setting that instantly puts locals and families at ease.
It has a homely feel with good natured staff and level headed customers base .
Phillip Saporta Free Darts & Bar Entertainment
Patrons can enjoy complimentary dart boards and bar games alongside popular value-driven weeknight wing and pizza rituals.
They've got free Darts so you can throw away your problems.
Andrew Gosnold Frictionless Group Bookings & Events
Accommodating private gatherings, baby showers, and celebrations in dedicated room space without minimum spend hurdles.
Whole process was super easy with no minimum spend (30 guests), our own flowers/cake and food and drinks were delish and quick as always.
Jennifer Bismire
Most popular items
Signature pub classics and weeknight favorites loved by Fitzroy North locals
Chicken Wings
wings were awesome!
Brian Orloff Pizza
their pizza is amazing!
Divine Daguasi Chicken Parma
The wings and chicken parma are top notch
Kit Williams Burger
I had the chicken burger and it was delicious.
Funda K Burc
Before you head over
Practical tips for timing specials, seating, and functions at The Empress Hotel
Plan Around Weeknight Food Deals
Time your visit for Thursday wing specials or Monday pizza nights to get top-value specials, paired with free darts in the bar area.
Outdoor Garden Dining in Any Weather
The beer garden offers covered and well-heated seating, making outdoor dining comfortable in all seasons, and welcomes well-behaved dogs.
No-Minimum-Spend Function Spaces
If organizing a baby shower or gathering, the dining room can be reserved with no minimum spend and permits bringing your own flowers and cake.
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