The Eight Best Northside Bars to Keep Warm in This Winter

If you’ve frequented Grub during summer, you probably equate it with sunny Sunday afternoons, sipping on G&Ts from the Airstream van-cum-bar, while playing ping pong in the backyard-like outdoor space. But in winter, Grub becomes something else. The action moves indoors to the Greenhouse, where the ice cold beers are swapped with goblets of mulled wine, light dishes are replaced with hearty, winter warming stews and the the fire roars to life. It’s an ultimately cosy affair — and yes, the ping pong table has migrated indoors too.

Two fires and lots of little hideaway spots make this local pub a treat on a chilly Melbourne evening. The Retreat is all about the free live music, and they host up-and-coming Melbourne bands regularly. If live music isn’t your thing, the front bar has a different vibe, or you can wrap up and enjoy one of the best beer gardens in the city. It’s sheltered so that it’s still a lovely spot in winter — even if you can see your own breath in the air. The food is eclectic to say the least, ranging from a standard burger to fine Italian pasta and vegetable dishes.  If you want to see where the locals spend their time, you won’t be disappointed here.

Towards the grungier end of Brunswick Street you’ll find a dark pub with a hearth of gold.  With a band room upstairs hosting some of Melbourne’s best underground rock bands you can choose between this intimate music space, or hang out downstairs chatting with the laid-back staff, enjoying a good pint or a cheeky glass of wine while soaking up the glow and warmth of the open fire. On Monday nights you can also head over for a free classic film showing and they also host local artist exhibitions. A refreshing change to the increasingly sleek and gentrified scene in Fitzroy, this pub remains comfortingly old school.

With a warm glass of Pinot in hand, sit enjoying soft blues fill the room and listen as the wood fire occasionally pops from the corner. There isn’t really a better spot northside to spend a winter’s evening than at the Tramway in Fitzroy North. Soft lighting and the now seemingly requisite filament light bulbs glow, echoing the embers of the flames. With a section round the back reservable for events, the dining room and bar are kept separate, and therefore pleasantly civilised. Tramway has furnished the pub simply with warm woods and soft furnishings, creating a delightful atmosphere. The food here is delicious — think slow roasted pulled pork, adorned hot dogs and a crazily cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese. If you fancy a cosy escape from the buzz of Fitzroy proper, this is your best bet.

If there was an image in your head of the perfect winter bar, with dark wood furniture, candle-lit tables, cosy nooks, an open fire and plenty of warming red wines on offer, you’d probably be thinking of The Alderman. It provides all of that wintry magic, and even offers the option to order some authentic and delicious Sicilian food from the ever-popular Bar Idda next door. A local favourite in the truest sense.

With an unusually late licence (until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays), this gem of a prohibition-style bar is well suited to the name. Somewhat hidden at the Gertrude end of Smith Street, it’s easy to miss this fabulous cocktail bar. Newbies could begin by heading down Wednesday to Friday between 5 and 7pm for happy hour delights. The red leather booths at the back of the bar are sought after and worth getting here early for — but the benefit of perching at the bar is feeling the fire from the hearth dancing across your back. You’ll find that the cocktails are second to none and expertly mixed. We can highly recommend an espresso martini from these boys to power you through until those early hours.

Most northsiders have been to Dr Morse’s big beer garden for a Sunday afternoon session in the big beer garden, but when the nights turn cold, you’ll want to pull up a seat near the roaring open fire — get in early to be the lucky group who nabs the sofa and ottoman seating around it. The all-day eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, so you can warm your fingers and toes any time. Stop by for a bowl of ramen at lunch, or a crispy duck massaman curry and a glass of wine for dinner.

Closer to the classic British pub than most, the Napier is a winner all year-round — but it’s the warm fire that makes this an excellent choice in the winter months. Upstairs you’ll find an artist space where young up-and-coming artists can exhibit in an affordable space, giving this pub a cultured vibe. While famous for their ‘roo burger, all the food here is delicious. Drinks wise, you’ll find a local draught selection worthy of a Fitzroy establishment. Well worn-in and homely, this place will feel like an old friend giving you a big hug on arrival.