Pub of the Week review: Three Crowns Hotel in West Melbourne
PUB: Three Crowns Hotel
WHERE? 365 Victoria St, West Melbourne
PHONE: 9326 5033
SCORE: 13.5/20
WHEN? 8 April 2016
WEB: www.threecrownshotel.com.au
VENUE
Second time – my last last visit was in 2004. Neat, compact pub on corner of Errol and Victoria.
Set over three smallish areas: traditional front bar facing Victoria, a (slightly) sunken dining room with kitchen exposed, and small courtyard. Polished floor boards and tables in front with a pool table to the side sends out ‘good ol’ boys’ vibe.
Not too trendy, not too shabby. Think Goldilocks porridge; it’s just right.
No pokies or Tab, Fox for the footy.
The Three Crowns has had a facelift rather than full reno, and simply speaking has been sharpened enough, with the dining room, seating around 40, a gem.
Food is modern pub Melbourne – easy eating designed to go with beer. Slight drawback on warm day is the open windows allowing the traffic noise in the front bar.
Food specials with real savings Mon-Thurs; Sundays for live music.
MENU
The menu loves burgers in all forms and ramps them up with sauces/extras/chilli of deep south influence.
House smoked pork ribs is a speciality. 450g rib eye, full whack is $34, but the pub is about easy eating. It’s fun.
Curiously, the house does snapper all year round as its go to fish.
Entrees $10, mains $22. House Burger, the ‘American’, is $18.
TRIED
Mac and cheese croquettes, ranch sauce, 4 for $12. Ok. Served as thick fingers. Nice dipper, not a bad start.
Beer battered snapper (lunch special) $15. Good. Coming with steak fries, and a mound of apple slaw and citrus tartar. The two thick fillets were well coated and hot, and shining. Good pub tucker, and at lunch an extra $3 gets a beer or wine.
Flaming Crown Burger, $22 ($15 on Thursday night). Great. Big Angus beef pattie, dense, spiced with cayenne and jalapeno. American cheese/bacon/onion, chimichurri, fries, hot mayo on brioche. Lot going on but so tasty. A ripper.
DRINKS
Carlton Draught – very good and in 200ml glass, some Crafts (Cavalier IPA) and cider.
Smallish wine list – priced as expected – but offering different. Simple, uncomplicated.
SERVICE AND STYLE
Owner/operator pub gives it a personal touch. The pub is ticking over nicely. The front bar can get noisy – TV, Music, traffic all at once – but there are nice quiet spots to take refuge if that’s your thing. Definite all ages appeal.
SUMMARY
The Three Crowns is a pub that easily fills the breach of a place to meet for a quick bite before heading into town or a place to linger and enjoy the atmosphere. Working very well on all levels at the moment.