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Restaurant

The Empress Hotel

714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia

Recommended by 45 people

Updated

Find The Empress Hotel

714 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia

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+61 3 9486 5005
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
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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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sit outside in winter, and are dogs allowed?

Yes, the outdoor beer garden is largely covered and heated, making it comfortable across all seasons, and dogs are welcome outside.

What weeknight food specials does the pub run?

Yes, the venue offers regular specials, including Monday discounted pizza, Tuesday parma night, and Thursday wing deals.

Can you book a space for group events or celebrations?

Yes, bookings are accepted, including private dining room reservations for functions and celebrations.

What drinks and entertainment are available at the bar?

Beyond mainstream choices, the pub reserves half its taps for local craft beers and serves wine alongside bar games like darts.

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