Catfish

Any place that has converted an old CRT TV into a fish tank has to get multiple stars in my book. Being true to form this fish tank doesn’t just have any old fish inside — it has a catfish, and a pretty big one at that (okay, it’s probably not THAT big because it wouldn’t fit in the fish tank otherwise). To say I love this place would be a massive understatement. In fact I discovered it completely by accident. My tram had to terminate due to track faults so I got out and walked, and walked past this place. Actually no, I didn’t walk past it, I stopped and walked inside. Basically it’s a craft beer bar, with some decent drops available and while it looks small on the outside, there is an upstairs area complete with pool table and a pretty cool beer garden out the back. This place is definitely a place I’ll be going back to again, and again — especially since it is on my way home from work.

Catfish is a cosy local nestled in the good beer neighbourhood of Fitzroy. This is a place to pull up a stool and have a chat with mates. There is a rotating selection of craft beers on tap and some helpful staff pouring those tasty beverages. If you’re looking for more street cred in addition to Unilocal — Catfish was awarded Publicans of the Year from Time Out and you’re likely to find professionals from the craft beer industry drinking a pint here after a festival. The venue also hosts live music and it was the hub for the Gertrude Street Projection Festival. Catfish seems to be everyone’s sweetheart.
Plus you can soak up all that craft beer with Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks. They serve up meat and veggie sandwich options, laden with goodness and gooey cheese. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, you can take it all to the small outdoor beer garden in the back.

Awesome selection of craft beers and ordered a dark beer and some chilli cheese fries from the food truck at the back. Both were great.
We’re also pumping some sweet old school tunes on the turntables.

It was a hot afternoon, not yet late enough for dinner but sweltering in the 102 F temperatures early January. Ducked into this dark little bar, found the barman ultra-​friendly and asked about their choices of cider. He kindly gave me a small sample, loved it, ordered and pint and chilled for a while just listening to the cool blues playing over the sound system.

Well, this is The Man’s favorite place and while I like to play salt to his pepper, I have to agree with him on this one. The bartenders are super friendly, the beer selection is amazing, there is always a band jamming out somewhere… Oh, and cheesesteaks. So, this place cannot not rock. The outdoor space in the back is also great for groups and when you want to escape the music. And if you’re bored, there is usually a fish show on the tele.

Great craft beer and awesome staff! Come and hang out at a non-​pretentious bar on Gertrude st!

This is, by far, my favorite bar in Melbourne. Which is not to say it is the best bar in Melbourne, it is just the one I like the most. It has a great selection of constantly updated beer on tap and the prices are very reasonable given the quality. They also get beer that almost no one else in Melbourne gets. The bartenders are also universally friendly and helpful. If you don’t know what to try, they will suggest something good.
This is idiosyncratic I know, but I like that there is actual place to sit at the bar, a feature that is virtually absent in most Melbourne bars. There is a nice outdoor area and upstairs too.
A great spot on Sunday afternoon and evening when they almost always have a blues musician sounding an elegy for the weekend. Other nights there are also bands and I have yet to encounter a cover.
I am usually there for the beer, but they have a decent wine selection and the bartenders can make good cocktails if you prefer.
I can’t end without mentioning one of the best features of the bar, namely Sparrow’s Philly Cheese-​steaks in the back of the bar. They deserve their own review and they will get one, but they are worth mentioning here too. As I have heard Kieran the bartender say to more than one patron, they are a separate entity, like a food truck inside the bar. Their cheese steaks are amazing. Get a beer and order a cheese steak. Their onion rings are also amazing.
This is where you should be drinking.

Awesome local. When I was planning to make the move to the north side, I initially focused my search on places within walking distance of Catfish. Why, you ask? The bartenders are very friendly and attentive (and they remember you when you come back!) not to mention they have a kitchen serving up Philly cheesesteaks in the back. Oh, and they have a good selection of craft beers if you’re into that sort of thing.

I’d been mystified by the location of Catfish for some time now.
I know that end of the street quite well, but couldn’t place it. I then realised it was in the place of that crappy Gertrude’s brown couch or whatever infernal dive bar was there before. The opposite side to Cutler, radio etc.
Catfish is great; beers on tap out the front, as well as cocktails, the Lynch berg lemonade is pretty tasty, and on my visit I had some Golden axe cider on tap.
Friendly bar staff and a pretty decent beverage selection are good too.
Out the back you’ll find the food; The Philly cheese steaks are in essence, crispy hot plate grilled minute steak with fried onions in a hot dog bun with sauce.
mystery solved. Jalapenos too, if you get the hot version. They’re damned tasty.
Fries are pretty darn good. Your order is given a true holler when it’s done, they essentially yell out your name.

This place is awesome. Great craft beer on tap, and great food. Sunday’s are cheese steak days. I honestly didn’t try one, but my friends did and they loved them.
The vibe here is relaxed and friendly, absolutely not try hard vibes here — which is awesome. The bartender is cool, and knows his beer.
There is an place to sit in the back, which is slightly hidden, if you don’t want to sit out on the street, but still want to sit outside. If I lived in Melbourne, this place would become a regular.

Super friendly and engaging bartenders. Hidden gem of a beer garden spot out the back, with a cheese steak kitchen sandwiched in between.

This is a great local with an excellent selection of spirits, wines and craft beers. The old Gertrude’s Brown Couch has been scrubbed up and the shady backyard is great on a warm day. They host live bands and beer tastings and the big sports events. Best of all, its a 2 minute walk from the Exhibition Center/​Carlton Gardens so a lovely spot for a drink after a long afternoon there. Great staff too.