Restaurant
The Rooks Return
201 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Find The Rooks Return
201 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Rooks Return
A dark, candlelit Brunswick Street hangout where live jazz, board games, and bespoke drinks cut straight through pretense. No printed cocktail list sits on the timber counter—bartenders shake or stir custom orders on the fly based on a quick chat, or pour shots with house chilli brine. Wednesday nights pack out when resident outfit The Rookies take over the floor. Out back, a sheltered courtyard with overhead heaters offers fresh air and card games without ditching the warmth.
- Wednesday Live Jazz: Resident band The Rookies commands a dedicated crowd for weekly live jazz sessions every Wednesday night.
- No-Menu Bespoke Drinks: Rather than a fixed cocktail list, bartenders craft bespoke drinks on the spot tailored to customer tastes.
- Heated Courtyard: A covered beer garden with heaters lets patrons smoke and unwind comfortably in any season.
What's On at The Rooks Return
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Visit The Rooks Return
Why guests choose The Rooks Return for mid-week jazz, bespoke cocktails, and relaxed social evenings
Vibrant Live Jazz Residencies
The venue hosts beloved live music nights and resident jazz performances, delivering high-energy entertainment for local music enthusiasts.
wednesday jazz nights are the best!
sage b Authentic Atmosphere and Live Events
A welcoming, classic pub feel creates an unpretentious atmosphere suited for catching live community sets.
Atmosphere is amazing, plenty of little games to play and loads of love events.
Liam Ryan Bespoke Custom Cocktails
Bartenders create custom cocktails directly to taste on the spot without a standard fixed list.
No cocktail menu, but with a few descriptions of a desired drink, they were able to make one on the spot.
Dylan Tailored Drink Recommendations
Staff craft expertly balanced house specialties and tailored drink recommendations that elevate the evening.
He made me the best Old Fashion I’ve ever had.
Kalen Thorien Casual Board Games and Social Pints
Patrons can grab a pint and freely play classic board games with friends in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
There are boardgames that you can freely grab and play with.
Valentina Angeloni Laid-Back Group Hangouts
A spacious back area accommodates friendly group gatherings, board games, and casual evenings out together.
sat out the back smoking and playing guess who & battleship. would definitely go back for a night out with more friends
Hayden Ferreira
Most popular items
Patron-favourite bespoke drinks and craft specialities
pickleback
Get a pickleback (with their stupidly good chilli brine)
Alan Macdonald girthquake cocktail
Guys I swear to god ask for the girthquake cocktail. Its the best cocktail ive ever had.
Harry maudsley Mulled wine with brandy
Mulled wine with brandy was the right choice!
Vaughan Harvey Old Fashion
He made me the best Old Fashion I’ve ever had.
Kalen Thorien
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful service touches and distinct house quirks that elevate the casual Fitzroy pub experience.
Custom Cocktails Without a Menu
Rather than ordering off a printed list, guests can describe their palate or desired flavour profile, and the bartenders will craft a bespoke drink on the spot.
House Chilli Brine Picklebacks
The bar serves its own house pickleback paired with a distinct, stupidly good chilli brine alongside pints and spirits.
Freely Available Parlour Board Games
Patrons can freely grab tabletop classics like Battleship, Guess Who, and Cards Against Humanity to play over drinks with friends.
All-Weather Heated Courtyard Lounge
Out back, a sheltered and heated smoking courtyard creates a comfortable lounge where patrons can enjoy fresh air and converse through both winter and summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is live music hosted at The Rooks Return?
Wednesday nights feature live jazz with resident act The Rookies, drawing energetic crowds and occasional lines. The venue also hosts impromptu music sessions on other nights.
How does ordering cocktails work without a menu?
Rather than ordering from a standard printed cocktail list, patrons can describe their preferred flavor profiles to the bartenders, who mix custom drinks on the spot alongside classics, picklebacks, and house specialties like mulled wine.
Is there outdoor seating or a smoking area?
Yes, the bar features a sheltered and heated beer garden courtyard out back that functions as a year-round smoking lounge.
Are board games available to play?
Guests can freely grab board games—such as Battleship, Guess Who, or Cards Against Humanity—to play at the tables and booths.
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