Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique.
Goldy's Tavern is the Benjamin Button of pubs. At over 150 years old, it should be creaking towards retirement. Instead, it’s cooler than ever. Once the haunt of Chopper Read back when it was known as Leinster Arms Hotel, it now acts as a little oasis from the chaos in Fitzroy’s backstreets.
At first, finding a spot to perch up is like a labyrinth — a fun one, with each corner bringing a new discovery. There are so many different nooks and crannies and rooms and vibes that it feels as though Goldy’s is ten pubs in one. There’s room for big groups, small intimate dates, catch-ups with mates, after-work drinks, games of pool, a break from the kids, a break with the kids, a nice solo meal taking in the ever-changing mosaic of Fitzroy's most interesting characters, a nice sit-down dinner, a Sunday roast that rescues you from the depths of your hangover, a big family birthday… you get the point.
The decor is a mishmash of dark wood panelling, kitsch lounge seating, and various bits and bobs that all seem out of place and yet expertly put together — the chaos all somehow works, it stands in defiance to modern minimalism and thank god it does because it has true character. And don’t worry if you have a furry mate along — dogs are not just welcome; they're practically revered. One room feels like a literal shrine to our four-legged friends, with myriad dog portraits adorning the walls.
Now, let's talk food. The food at Goldy's is... well, it's pub food. But it's pub food that knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. It's good, not amazing, but you don’t come to Goldy’s for the food; you come for the vibe.
Having said that, any good pub is measured by its chips, and here, Goldy’s passes with flying colours. They come hot and with a proper crunch that gives way to pillowy potato perfection. The salt-to-chip ratio is spot on, but if you’re after a little more or some sauce, there’s plenty floating about the place. Nothing worse than going on a sauce hunt while your chips get cold — but no such nightmare here. It's the little things.
The Goldy's Roll, their take on the iconic Chiko roll, is a pleasant surprise. It manages to capture the essence of its deep-fried service station inspiration, without the usual regret that follows. It's filled with savoury mince and creamed corn, and it comes in a wrapper that looks just like the classic Chiko roll wrapping, with ‘Goldy’s’ printed on it in the classic Chiko roll font. It's proper Aussie pub comfort food.
The drinks menu is a celebration of Aussie beer, with local craft beers taking centre stage. The cocktail list, while not extensive, offers enough variety to keep things interesting. And if you're lucky enough to stumble upon "mates rates" (3–6pm, Monday–Friday), you can snag a $4 pot of Goldy's lager. Nab a table outside in the sun, take a sip of your $4 pot, for a moment, everything is perfect. Could life really get any better?
There’s always something happening at Goldy’s. Monday’s is trivia and $20 Goldy’s lager jugs, grab $20 parmas on Tuesdays, enter the pool competition on Wednesdays ($10 entry, winner takes all), or grab a $25 steak. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is when the place really gets rocking, so our advice is book ahead if you have a group. Sunday roasts offer the perfect nostalgia hit/hangover recovery. If you can still walk, head to the pool table for free games til 6pm.
Another area Goldy’s excels is its friendly and vibey staff. Every interaction we have had — and we’ve visited a few times — has been nothing but absolutely pleasant. And it seems this friendly vibe rubs off on the clientele. The energy here is just good.
There really is something for everyone at Goldy’s. Tables outside, tables inside, tables outside that feel like they are inside, seats inside that overlook the outside. Yet despite being so large and sprawling, the fact that there are so many different sections that are decked out with so much heart and love means that it feels so cosy no matter where you end up.
In parts, it feels like a proper pub, in others, it feels as though you're at your favourite mate's sharehouse — the one where everyone is welcome, the one everyone ends up at on the weekend. The one where you meet a mate of a mate who ends up being an absolute legend. And that's just par for the course because so many different people end up at Goldy’s, because Goldy’s invites them all.
Goldy’s is where your best friend is, because Goldy’s is your best friend. Yes, they are not perfect. But you don't love them for their perfection, you love them for their character. Their vibe. The fact that no matter what is going on, you can turn to them and feel that, yes, this feels warm. I like it here.