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Restaurant

The Rooks Return

201 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find The Rooks Return

201 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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+61 3 9942 7028
HoursMonday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantCocktailBar

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

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.

Before you head over

Practical advice on timing, ordering, and seating for your visit

  • Arrive Early for Wednesday Jazz

    Wednesday live jazz nights featuring resident band The Rookies draw dedicated crowds and lines, so arrive early to secure space before the band begins.

  • Order Cocktails by Taste Preference

    There is no printed cocktail list—tell the bartenders your preferred flavor profile or spirit and they will craft a custom drink on the spot.

  • Retreat to the Covered Courtyard

    Head to the sheltered back courtyard equipped with heaters if you want to smoke, play board games, or catch fresh air in any weather.

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