Voted into the 10 Best Irish Pubs In The World (Outside Ireland) by The Irish Times, and the only venue in Australia to make it to the list. It has every reason for me to come here for a good Magners. Small space, with a very cozy environment, and super friendly staff... They have a good selection of beers and aren't bothered with food options... which is less drama! One of my favourite spots in Melbourne.

Mar 2022. How often do you find an Irish Bar that's owned and operated by an Irish person? Not often. But at The Drunken Poet, that's exactly what you get! Slightly grumpy, but with a cheeky smile, service was fast and efficient, even though the place had standing room only. There's live music most nights, even if for only an hour or so. Last visit we saw The Trebletts, who were really enjoyable and put on a banger of a set. Once the show was over, the ladies mingled with the crowd to guage feedback and promote their upcoming gigs. Lavatories are lined with vintage comics. Totally old school, but brilliant none the less. You're hard pressed to find such a personable location these days. So The Drunken Poet wins this hands down for North Melbourne.

Some say this has the best Guinness in melbourne, I have to say it was very good but not sure I would say it’s the best. It was bloody good though. I came for one pint and left after 3 pints. Great little irish pub with great atmosphere. Only issue is there is only 1 toilet so after a few pints be prepared to wait. I will be back for sure

Amazing little locals haunt. It's a cozy bar with great music, both live and on the CD Player or Jukebox. The kind of bar where the publican remembers your name and your order and will have a pint waiting when you enter the bar. Siobhan is a great publican, giving out great bants and great vibes. Hands down the best Guinness you'll get in the Southern Hemisphere. A must visit location for travelers and a mainstay for locals!

The Drunken Poet is a compact, friendly, place with a warm atmosphere. The refreshments are of a high standard, and the service is efficient and very hospitable. The Poet has great entertainment 6 days a week, and features a number of successful acts. The Poet is usually closed on Mondays.

Great pub. Friendly staff. However if you are a visiting musician looking for a session I would NOT recommend this session on Fridays. Great players but the most UNFRIENDLY bunch. They didn't even acknowledge my presence...and I'm a professional who can play.

Best Guinness in Melbourne, great vibe. Actually feels like a pub in Ireland. Brilliant staff too, Siobhan the owner is lovely. Always have live music too which is great

Such a great little bar! The atmosphere is just fantastic! Friendly staff and we'll Pires beer! I couldn't be happier with the service!

Great little Irish pub. They don't do a lot of food (Toasties, crisps, and nuts). We went on a Sunday for the afternoon music session which was fantastic. Great vibe, great staff. The owner/manager there has been at it for 16 years, which is nothing short of a miracle given the energy she flies around that bar. I highly recommend dropping in for a Guinness

This bar is one of the most consistent and loyal supporters of original music and art in Melbourne, all musicians love the poet. You're always guaranteed a fun night out. A cozy relaxed bar with live music most nights.

There's a reason for them being the only pub, in the top 10 Irish pubs, outside of Ireland! Fabulous decor and style for a small pub. Live music showcases wonderful local talent, especially Irish bands. You are there for great affordable drink, nibbles and atmosphere ... and the live music and friendly patrons! Thankfully, NOT your ubiquitous typical sports / gambling pub!

Excellent little Irish pub. Very quick service, despite the busy Saturday night crowd and great live music. Yeah it can get a bit cramped and only a single male toilet, but space isn’t a commodity in that part of town which is understandable. Anyways, definitely coming back soon.

A pretty little bar near Flagstaff gardens. Had a red wine (shiraz) and a Gin and Tonic. Bathrooms were okay, but the ambience took our breath away. Must visit for a drink once.

Cosy Irish bar with live music most days. Enjoy a cider or a pint of Guinness all just a stones throw from the Queen Vic market on Peel St.

Great pub. Great music

good place hanging out with friends or one drink before going back home alone.

Dim. Moody. Classic. It's a great place to sit and chat quietly with locals and your friends. The beer is cold and fresh and the staff are welcoming and kind.

Unfair to ask about food they just do Irish crisps, nuts and toasties to keep you going . Their beers are beautifully kept, Guiness served at a more sensible temperature ie not so cold you can't taste it, a fabulous pint of Guinness. A wonderful pub with really good music from many eras. It'd definitely be my local if I lived anywhere close. Wide variety of decent whiskies too. Outside seating available.

Not much more to add, go! This little Irish pub is worth all the hype. Try and time your visit when live music is on. Easy to combine a Queen Vic Markets visit and a drop-in pint of Guinness.

A homely sensational well run local atmospheric Irish pub, surprisingly in the shadows of the Melbourne CBD opposite the iconic QVM. On tap Kilkenny and Guinness, the flavored crisps a bonus! A choice of the trams rumbling past the outdoor tables or the inside bar vibe ,or simply both, a great way to spend a few hours !

It's so great to see The Drunken Poet as vibrant and popular as ever (i.e. coming out of "recent times"!). Yes it gets noisy, yes it gets busy, but that's why people go - its a great atmosphere! Especially with their live music and the fun of Thursday open mic! The staff are great at looking after everyone, food hits the spot, and they easily cater for a wide variety of drink tastes. It's so friendly there, strangers will quite literally just come up and introduce themselves and have a chat. If that warms your heart like it does mine, then popping in on a busy night is a must.

Super cute Irish pub with dim lights, good beer, and lots of character! There’s events lined up for throughout the week like open mics and live music.

Nice little spot for live music and a Guinness with a great old school atmosphere. Definitely be back next time we're in Melbourne.

Finally ventured in after driving past many times and it didn't disappoint. Great music, vibe and atmosphere. Will definitely head back for a drink. Didn't have anything to eat but the toasted sandwiches smelt great 👍

Had a cheeky Pint and a toasted sandwich after visiting the Queen Vic markets over Christmas break. The place is scene set with a cold beer and the comforting Irish accents chattering around you. Loved it. Hehe

Absolutely loved it. Great music, great atmosphere, great beer

From the minute you walk into to drunken poet you just feel welcome & engaged. The Guinness is by far the best I’ve had in 25 years in Australia. Can’t live music as well. My new go to pub in Melbourne .

Great spot! Some say there's hype around this venue, I'd say just solid well deserved praise for great service and hospitality. In a time where service and skills are a rarity the Drunken Poet is an exception, greeted with a smile, great service and a cracking pint of Guinness! There are a tonne if Irish themed bars out there but the poet is well clear of the usual kitsch vibes it's the real deal. Can't wait to visit again soon for a few pints

Had no booking but the lady at the bar kindly gave me and the lady a table, and we had the best Guinness Stout you could ask for in Melbourne!! Creamy, smooth, and delicious!! Ladies behind the counter were friendly and hospitable too. Would recommend for anyone who needed a place to sit down and have a pint to some good music and an unbeatable atmosphere :)

Great place, trad Irish music, warm friendly staff, toasties, Guinness, even a cup of Irish Barry’s tea in a pot. Lots of Irish folks there, everyone friendly. Fun atmosphere!

Nice easy place to kick back and have some drinks. Bar staff were happy and often came over to our table and asked if we wanted another. Small, rustic, easy.

Great service. Honest pub. Local.

Great pub, staff super friendly & patrons very welcoming. Great option for a after work beer if coming from interstate. Guinness, best I had in Melbourne!

Best pub around. Excellent atmosphere and delicious pints of Guinness

Superace place, nice Irish lighting, live music free 6 days the week. Great pints, not a plastic paddy pub.

Nice little pub

My favourite pub in Melbourne. Great live music and atmosphere, best Guinness in town, and Siobhan is an absolute legend.

Very fun little pub with live music. Only downside is it can get very crowded and hard to move around and even order. But staff always try their best.

Best Irish pub in Melbourne. Excellent Guinness pours and Irish hospitality in a traditional ambience. They don't offer a full food menu, but do offer toasties and bar snacks. Often have live music as well which is always a good show

What a gem of a place, small cosy Irish bar with awesome Guinness and photos of all the Irish greats on the walls. Owner is lovely, so very friendly and up for a yarn. Looking forward to the next time I get a chance to pop in!

What a great ambience the traditional Irish music created and Grim Fawkner is just one of our best singer/songwriters so great to see him play a local gig. This could be a new regular venue.

Best Irish pub outside of Ireland. Even beats some I know back in Ireland. Lovely staff, great music and top craic

It is a narrow space once inside and a little on the dark side at night however has a nice area to sit out front and really friendly bar staff. Overall has a cool vibe and decent drinks options. This may be a better option for an afternoon beverage.

Fantastic venue. The Drunken Poet is ‘a must’ on our annual footy trip to Melbourne from Adelaide. The owner is brilliant and always remembers us. We always feel so welcome. Great friendly atmosphere & music. Thanks & we’ll be back next year😀

Have been going here for years. Great music and Guinness. Will always visit when in Melbourne. Good whiskey and Scotch too.

This place is GREAT! Guinness on tap, live music, great staff. Highly recommend 💖

Love the Poet! Definitely a piece of green among the gold. Stellar pints, outstanding whiskeys, and brilliant art. Good to be home. ☘️

Favourite Irish pub & pint of Guinness in Melbourne. The ones in CBD can be a little more party-oriented / lively, whereas this is more like a quiet pub. Live music and interesting events like poetry nights. Nice spot.

Great authentic Irish pub.

Friendly

Best proper pub in Melbourne by a mile and probably the whole of Australia too

Great craic and Guinness was great live band as well

Brilliant lively place, great owner xxx

Live Irish music, crowded. The patrons are certainly drunken

Always a treat....poetry 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month

One of the better if not the best pubs near the CBD. Top service , reasonably priced drinks and free live music 6 days a week . Gold .

Love it, the best

The music was great!

Nice Irish pub how it should be

This is the best pub in Australia. Siobhan who runs it is one of the nicest people you could meet and she has created the nicest vibe in Melbourne. Food consists of great toasted cheese and ham sandwiches and taytos etc. What more could you ask for.? The best Guinness outside of Dublin. A great and eclectic bunch of regulars and tourists who all mingle and chat (if you want). It's a great place for trad music on a Friday night or other live bands and singer songwriter types. There is no bright lights or tvs to distract . It's just a proper pub. Thank god for it! Ps great place for a tinder date as its nicely lit so your photos from 10 years ago on your profile will match.A++

Fab-u-lous pub. My favourite in Melbourne. Great music, cold beers (Guinness of course) simple fare (hope you like toasties) and a relaxed patronage. Just dont try to sit in the owners seat...

Amazing place

Great bands (the Keynes Brothers tonight), good beers and wines, cosy atmosphere, yet surprisingly spacious down the back.

Lovely Saturday afternoon, live music and a great dram of whiskey! Ireland in Melbourne! Oh yes, Guiness is a must!

Love the cosy vibes of an almost all wooden bar, if you like rock music then pop some dollars in the jukebox and live it up

Best bar, Irish Trad music and the looming wall of CDs (old school). Very busy on a Friday night, but makes for a great atmosphere... and i gotta say, seems like a good place to pick up- lots of irish fellas around

Quaint cozy place with awesome beers and cider. Some nice live music was playing as well to add to the ambiance.

The landlady was on her own Sunday night. Rushed off her feet she was. But she had a smile and a friendly word for everyone. I was so impressed. And it's true about the Guinness and the music there. Definitely going again.

Great pints and a good spot to people watch on the patio.

Great atmosphere with live music. Plenty of people dancing and taking in the good vibes.

Great pints, lovely people. Always has a lively band on the go.

Only if you like proper Guinness and kilkenny while enjoying some entertaining live events of varying quality

Was curious about this place, The Drunken Poet, so had to pay a visit, and so glad we did, and I reckon it’s our new little local. We called to make make a booking, left a msg, and Siobhan tried 3 times to contact us-that’s well impressive! The ambiance is excellent, music, Tayto chips, amazing toasties, and a few frosty beverages later, we left, ready to make a booking for the next visit. Siobhan and the other bar person, I feel awful as didn’t get her name, were very welcoming, friendly and made the night all the better. Absolutely a definite revisit.

Best Irish bar in Melbourne, the ladies always sort me out with good beer! Live music every night and cosy atmosphere. Locally sourced Toasted sandwiches are out of this world and you can never have just get one!

The Drunken Poet is one of Melbourne's living treasures, nurturing local independent musicians, sourcing fine Irish whiskeys and serving solid Guinness with crack. Do yourself a favour.

Love the music, the service is kind and fast, good range of beers, they will always say hi with a smile!!! Perfect for a quick beer after job by yourself or a night with mates

Not exactly a welcoming bar or with adequate toilet facilities but the beer's good and live music carried the night

Good

Great atmosphere. Great Guiness

Top blues/rock guitarist last night ..nice atmos .friendly staff.

(Translated by Google) Guinness dark beer is really delicious and the atmosphere is Australian. If you go live between 6-9 o'clock, there are occasional invited singers, but usually you can sing or play in front of anyone. Best Beer Bar in Australia (Original) 기네스 흑맥주가 진짜 맛있고 분위기가 호주느낌 시끌벅적 사람들도 많고 음악도 좋은 밴드들 많이 나옴 6-9시 정도 사이에 가면 라이브를 하는데 초대 가수도 가끔있지만 보통은 신청하면 누구나 앞에서 노래나 연주를 할수있는 그런 곳이다. 호주에서 최애 맥주집

What kind of Irish pub doesn't know what a boilermaker is? EDIT: So we're debating etymology now? How Irish is Carlton Draught?

Great little Irish pub. Drinks great price send there toasties A+. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Incredible pub to relax and have a quiet drink with EXCELLENT Guinness

Nice vibe and friendly staff.

Best Guinness in Melbourne

Great place

(Translated by Google) Sometimes I watch a band performance here at night (Original) 有时候晚上在这里看乐队演出

Fantastic irish pub....As close to any found in Ireland.

Great craic Sunday sessions great music and great staff

Best pint of Guinness in Melbourne, and a nice atmosphere to boot!

I wish I stayed longer in Melbourne to frequent this place. Guinness is really good and the lady(owner?) is the best!!

I performed in the open mic here and enjoyed the facilities and Mornington IPA beer. I admit, I wasn't flattered when I saw the bar filled with much older men. But I'm happy I got a free drink from one of them, who was exceptionally handsome! One of them read their poems as well, and it did sound like he wrote it when he was drunk. So "The Drunken Poet" is really a perfect name for this place. (I'm sorry, to whoever I just insulted) But really, It is nostalgic. Every time I come back to this place I'll remember: Open mic, beer, and drunken old people reading their poems. Toodles!

Good music and service.

The Drunken Poet Pub offers a delightful experience with a standout feature being its exceptional bar staff. Their attentiveness, knowledge of the PINT, and friendly demeanor create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the pub. The staff's expertise adds to the charm of this establishment. Cheers to the Drunken Poet