I was going to suggest that this pub wasn't too fancy, but in fact it is actually quite fancy, but…read morethen again it does happen to be located in one of the fancier parts of Melbourne. I didn't mind it, but it didn't really stand out in the way that some other pubs have stood out in my mind. There were some good beers available on tap, and the service wasn't too bad either. Still, I can't really say that this was one of my favourites, but it still does have some charm, and I have to admit that I sort of liked it, but not too much.

This place has a great vibe and is an excellent place to bring business guests over for a bite to…read moreeat. The service staff were attentive and the barramundi was delicious. Will definitely repeat.

Okay, we have this traditional pub in the heart of a gastro infected North Melbourne and I have to…read moresay that it is a bit of a refresher. There certainly aren't any of the trendy crowds piling into the doors of this place (and in fact it still boasts the collection of old guys sitting at the bar staring into their beers). It also serves traditional pub food, and even comes with a happy hour (something that I very rarely see anymore). Okay, it isn't my favourite pub, and is a little out of the way for me, but I still don't mind coming here occasionally. The one thing that did annoy me was that the beer garden closed early and I was directed out the front when I indicated that I wanted to sit outside. Personally, I really don't like sitting out on the side of the road, but what can you do?

I needed something close by to an event, and this was it, and it was good quality pub food at a…read morereasonable price. I came for Bangers and Mash, AKA Sausages and Onion Gravy on top of mash spud, but got a fantastic replacement of Rissoles with Onion Gravy on top of mash spud. Standard set of side serve vegetables and one had a complete meal to power me into the rest of the day.

Despite the mixed reviews I really loved this place. We strolled in at 1:00pm before a footy game…read morenot expecting much, but were given a great table, served lovely draught beers and ate some great fish and chips. The vibe was very relaxed. It's pubby but not grimey. Although it's a tad pricey. However, all considered, I'd definitely return and had an overall great experience.

I have to say that this is one pretty cool hotel, if only for the rooftop bar which has an awesome…read moreview of the city, though you also get the opportunity of watching multiple trains roaring by, especially during peak hour. The pub itself has three levels, and each of this levels has its own outdoor area (though they are not undercover, which means that you might get wet during incliment weather). The ground floor has a restaurant and the front bar (which gets pretty crowded at times), and the second floor has a live music area (which is trying to compete with the Corner across the road). However it's the rooftop deck that I like the most, which is accessible both from inside and from outside.

There are a few draw backs to this place: a bit of a surly TAB crowd, an all-too inclusive 'local'…read morevibe, and you're guaranteed a few lingerers around the periphery. Equally, there are pluses: hearty pub food, warm lounge bar in winter, friendly staff, and (most importantly) they show live music. I will never begrudge any place that supports the live local music scene, so the Clifton Hill Hotel gets my (albeit small) tick of approval. They don't show the kind of stuff I'm really into, but they do cater to a slightly older (forty-something) audience and in doing so, they do the youngsters the service of keeping these folk out of the trendier bars in the area. So, whippersnappers, before you roll your eyes and go 'what a shit hole, I wouldn't be caught dead in that joint', spare a thought for your future drunk-arsed self and imagine the kind of haunts you'll be patronising. If it is to be the Clifton Hill, you're future's not as bad as it could be.

The first time I came here years ago there wasn't all that much about this place that impressed me,…read morethough it was a pub, it served beer, and that pretty much satisfied me. However that was when I first came to Melbourne so I hadn't caught onto the bar scene yet. Over the few years my tastes have changed, and so has this pub. What used to be a standard pub has been transformed into a craft beer bar and micro-brewery. I have to say that it is a pretty cool place to grab a beer, especially with their various options available. They also have a pool table, a small beer garden, and seating out the front (and well as a fancy looking restaurant). What is also cool are the huge vats sitting in the middle of the pub. I have to admit that this is a pretty cool place.

Well this was a surprise - this pub was actually quite a fancy place, though in many ways it felt…read moreas if it was a restaurant, with the 'please wait to be seated' signs and all that (that usually gives a good indication that the place you have wandered into is a restaurant, though it could be a fancy bar that insists on sitting you where they want you to be seated). Well, once again I decided that I would just have a beer, and once again, true to form, they were more than happy to take my money in return for said beer, despite me not actually having anything further to eat. Well, they do happen to have an area with does pretty much look like the 'sit here if you are having a drink' sort of area, so I guess that works out well.

Nice little gem in Footscray. So fancy looking inside and out. The food is absolutely delicious!…read moreThe steak sauces are spectacular, their hand cut chips are also great. The pie of the day on my first visit was steak and onion and it was divine. The eaton mess was definitely memorable. Presentation of these are very pleasing. The food here is not your average pub meal prices, but I guess you could have figured that out as soon as you step in. This place is very popular with families and couples so be prepared for a bit of a wait of you come after 7ish most nights. Service is hit and miss unfortunately. Not very consistent based on the 2 trips I've made here. The first lady was super awesome and explained the specials and what was the pie and fish of the day stuff. The guy we had the second time skipped on all that and was quite hurried in demeanor. Still, I'll come back - maybe when it's either celebratory of I'm feeling like I can splash cash

I'm not really sure what to make of this place. First of all despite it being in the middle of…read moreChinatown it is your standard, typical Australian pub - nothing Chinese (or Asian) about it. Mind you, it is a bit grungy, but not in a hugely bad way. As a pub I don't mind it, though like a lot of the pubs in the city it can, and does, get pretty crowded during Friday evenings. Also, on the second level they have a venue where live shows are performed (as well as a back yard balcony, which is really only for the smokers, but since it does look over the adjoining alley it does add a bit of character to the place). Okay, I don't come here all that often, but I don't actually mid the place - it's pretty relaxed, and doesn't get anywhere near as crowded as some of the other pubs I've visited.

So here are the reasons to like the Exford:…read more Right down in Chinatown, by some of the cheapest, best food in Melbourne Right on a street with Tram service Not far from Federation Square Kitchen, TV, lounge Bar on the ground floor + daily brekkie Liquor store on the ground floor Quibbles: Internet blows and is expensive. No elevator (not awesome when you are carrying your luggage to the third floor) Check-in isn't the most obvious. I would stay again in Melbourne, if none of my friends were in town :-)

This is actually what I would call one of those hidden gems, and I am quite surprised that it took…read moreme so long to actually get around to writing a review on the place. Mind you, when I passed by here the last time it looked pretty quiet and a part of me expected it to be closed, however that was not the case and the bartender was more than happy to serve me a beer. In fact I am quite surprised that I don't get buy here more often, but that probably has more to do with this pub being a little too far out of my way. Still it is a nice pub with friendly staff and a quiet atmosphere about the place. Oh, the prices aren't too bad either.

I've now attended two events here…read more I'll say the event rooms are large and it is a great space for an event. There's also public transportation near by, so it is easy to get to if you aren't staying at the hotel itself. The hotel staff I interacted with was friendly and accommodating. I did not stay at the hotel, so I cannot speak of the rooms. For an event space, I'd recommend.

Really closer to to 3.75 Star... it's got potential. This hotel is all about location, location,…read morelocation. The Pros: * Great Location - right across from MCG Stadium + Close to AO Courts... and parks. Close enough but not to far from CBD. * Rooms are clean / Comfortable but smallish - dark colors in rooms and common area make it seem small. * Bathrooms are small but adequate. Good hot water pressure. * Comfortable beds. * Nice pool area and views. * Friendly staff and reasonable prices... * Lots of TV Options. Cons: * Just feels sark and dated... needs a refresh - especially common areas. Some plants / flowers + fresh paint would help. * Entry doors are poorly labeled and confusing, * Not in category of 5 star hotels and not trying to get close... * Lots of room service trays left in hallways all the time.