The Drunken Poet

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Partystar Review

Popular little Irish pub run by a diminutive switched-on Irish lass that just knows how to keep the craic flowing. Where other North Melbourne pubs tend to falter later on in the night at weekends, the Drunken Poet is just warming up. The 1am closing time here is heartbreaking.

Easily a key venue in the North Melbourne scene.

Live Music Venue

There's live music in the early evening towards the end of the week.

Simon Woodhouse

Readers' Reviews

Although I've never been to Ireland, I feel I'm there when I visit The Drunken Poet. Siobhan always remembers my name and is welcoming. The music isn't always Irish but the atmosphere is. The sparkling wine, is like honey and at a fair price. The venue is small and cosy. The cabinet which displays the spirits is beautiful to gaze at. Thee bar is easy to get to, just behind the Victoria Market and I love the mixture of locals, Irish backpackers and wanderers like myself. What got me there was that I kept hearing about this bar where everybody seems to have a great time. And guess what? I had a ball!

Susie, Brunswick, 06/10

The best Irish pub you ll find in Melbourne. Once inside you think you re in a country pub in Ireland. And the best bit it's no TV to distract so everybody just chats to each other. Within 10mins you re having a great chat with the other customers.

Siobhan has the best menu toasted sandwiches, Tayto's, Snacks & Chipsticks all of which can be washed down with a refreshing bottle of Magners. The Magners is the best priced in Melbourne ($8) a better value drop you won't find

The after work session on a Friday is a legend in itself. All her tap beer is $5 pint (5-7pm) and she has some great musicians who come in a play.

Bridget, St Kilda, 04/07

Readers' Reviews

Great little Irish pub, in a traditional Irish Pub style.. ie no copper kettles and dusty books on the shelves. No TVs. A pub that encourages the art of converstion, Staff very friendly and efficient, proper Irish Trad sessions held on a sunday/Locals are friendly and relaxed - great o'place to catch up with friends and have a conversation without the music forcing you to scream at each other.

Mary, Melbourne, 03/07

As authentic and comfy as they come, the Drunken Poet is a no-bull Irish pub with great Guinness on tap, along with a variety of other tap beers including Kilkenny, a range of bottle beers, a good wine list, and all the usual (and some not-so-usual) spirits. There's always something entertaining going on, whether it be quiz nights, DJs, live acts, the traditional Irish music session every other Sunday afternoon, or your own choice of tunes from the jukebox.

The drinks are inexpensive, and Siobhan, the Irish girl behind the bar, is quick to learn your name. There's a real community feel about the Poet and it's not unusual to pop in for a quick beer and find yourself three beers later deep in conversation with a group of regulars at the bar. The pub attracts a fairly large crowd of regulars, both Irish and locals, who come in to relax, recharge, socialise, drink and be merry in a thoroughly Irish, thoroughly unpretentious atmosphere.

Kelly, Melbourne, 02/07

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