In an age where revivals, renovations and glossy makeovers are making social climbers out of our bars and pubs, our love for the resistance grows, and nowhere do we love better for their rough edges than the Catfish in Fitzroy. It’s a rambling, weathered boozer that knows you care much more about what’s in your glass and what’s on the stage than whether or not the walls are millennial pink and if there’s a Montauk theme to the furnishings (there’s not, obviously).
Fill up on Philly cheesesteaks from Sparrow’s, who claim to serve the only proper cheesesteaks in Australia. The torpedo rolls packed with strips of sirloin and covered in cheese will give you strength for the gig in the upstairs bandroom you’re waiting to see. Add some buffalo wings and chilli cheese fries and you'll be good to go all night. Live music rocks the Catfish several nights a week at times, and local DJs bring the funk, soul and rock the venue.
The wine list is reasonable and accessible, and there's a stellar collection of beers on offer. This is exactly the kind of place you want to roll in after clocking off for beers, banter and no worries. You don’t want things to be perfect when you’re talking about rock’n’roll, or great neighbourhood bars – they are both at their best when they’re a bit rough and ready, and a little cocky and boozy, just like the Catfish.