The Lincoln Carlton: Old-School Pub Charm Meets Modern Gastropub Brilliance

A Proper Local – But So Much More

Carlton might be full of uni bars and pint-slinging institutions, but The Lincoln isn’t just another pub on the corner – even though, technically, it is (Queensberry and Cardigan, if you’re mapping it). This grand old boozer has been pulling pints since 1854 and, thankfully, still looks the part with its Art Deco bar, heritage façade, and air of well-earned confidence. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a kitchen and cellar that punch well above their weight.

Eat & Drink Well

This is not your average parma-and-pint affair. The Lincoln’s menu leans into seasonal, regional and sustainable produce with serious flair. Think housemade sourdough, XO prawns on crackers, and sticky toffee pudding with hot cross bun ice cream. You’ll spot the classics too – like the famous chicken schnitty and fries – but they’re done with the kind of care usually reserved for fine dining.

Head chef Andy Beswick keeps things elevated but accessible, whether it’s a $25 weekday counter meal or a full Sunday roast with all the trimmings (hello, Yorkshire puds). And if you’re in a sharing mood? Go for the $68 or $88 set menus – ideal for group feeds in the dining room or the stunning private dining space, The Lincoln Arms.

Pints, Pet-Nats & Pour-Over Cocktails

The Lincoln doesn’t muck about when it comes to drinks. There are 12 rotating taps pouring everything from Carlton Draught to limited-edition oyster stouts and passionfruit sours. The wine list is a love letter to Australia’s most interesting small producers, peppered with drops from France, Italy, and beyond. Whether you’re after a wild skin-contact number from the Adelaide Hills, a juicy Barossa shiraz, or just a glass of Prosecco – it’s all here, with the kind of down-to-earth knowledge and service that’s rare to find.

Feeling fancy? Order the Café de Paris steak and a glass of South Aussie pinot from Gentle Folk. Feeling classic? A cold pint and chicken schnitzel will do nicely.

Celebrate, Don’t Hiberate

From casual knock-offs to full-blown birthdays and boozy Sunday lunches, The Lincoln has the space and charm for every occasion. Their private dining room offers that hard-to-find combo of good lighting, good sound, and zero weird interruptions – and the same quality food and drink you get out front. Got ten mates? You’ll be looked after. Got thirty? Sorted. Got dietary requirements? They’ll make it work.

Weekly Specials Worth Shouting About

• $25 Counter Meals – Monday to Saturday ‘til sold out. Think steak, schnitzels or pies with all the good stuff.

• Sunday Roasts – $34, with seasonal sides and always sourced from top-notch producers like Cape Grim and Roaring Forties.

• Set Menus – $68pp for the restaurant, $88pp for the private room. Both are hearty, clever and worth every penny.

TL;DR

The Lincoln is an old-school Carlton pub with a fresh new attitude. Behind the Art Deco bar and timber trims lies a killer gastropub menu that champions regional produce and seasonal flavours. There’s a top-notch wine list, 12 beer taps (constantly changing), an banging Sunday roast and one of the best chicken schnitties in town. Weekly counter meals start at $25, there’s a private dining space for events, and the staff know their stuff without a hint of snobbery. You’ll come for a pint, but stay for the parfait, set menu, and maybe a dessert too. Classic Melbourne, but better.