The Northcote Social Club is a veteran of the Melbourne music scene, and like many classic venues of yore, it's had a few little facelifts over the years. Gone is the faded glory of an ageing Aussie pub — though the interior has retained its old-school warmth with polished floorboards and wooden accents, elegant lighting and young, heart-leafed philodendrons curling up sparse metal grates.
There's still ample seating for eating, drinking and people-watching available in the front bar and deck, while the gig room is still as large and magnificent as always.
Some things may never change, but the menu is not one of them. Northcote Social Club has done what we wish all venues would do, which is ensure the face-stuffing-before-the-cab-ride portion of the evening can happen right after the band finishes without the fuss of leaving the building.
Share a bunch of mezzes with your mates — olives, housemade dips and croquettes — before jumping on the extensive burger and sandwich train. Alternatively, get around pub classics like steak and chips, parmas, sausages and mash and a heap of vegetarian and vegan friendly options.
Deals also abound at Northcote Social Club —as they should at any good Melbourne pub. Monday nights are cosmo and parma nights. Wednesdays are for pies and pots. Thursdays are all about steaks. And the Sunday roasts are some of the top in town — best paired with a few rounds of Bloody Marys.
This haunt still focuses on hosting great live gigs, but it's no longer the only reason to visit. You can easily visit Northcote Social Club for food and booze only, and be a very happy camper.
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