If you live or work in North Melbourne, you’ll have passed the Three Crowns Hotel a number of times. From the outside things look the same as they always have.

Inside is a different story.

Victoria’s own Mountain Goat, Cavalier Brewing and Thunder Road all feature on the taps. The food leans towards modern trends with six different burgers, plus wings and ribs. Pub standards such as a classic parma or beer-battered fish and chips are also available.

It’s a Friday favourite among local workers and feels familiar in all the right ways. The fit-out is unpretentious. Traditional pub leaners populate the front bar. There are dining tables out the back and a covered beer garden. The pool table sees a lot of use and live-music is a Friday night fixture.

Regulars are greeted cheerily by name, and locals chat over a pint. It’s an old-fashioned pub with modern food and drink. Easy to pop in for a quick drink, stay for a burger, and settle in for a night.