The Tote

The Tote sits on Johnston Street in Collingwood, in Melbourne's vibrant inner north — and is one of the most legendary live-music pubs in the country. A genuine icon of the Australian music scene, it's been a beloved fixture for decades, renowned for its gritty, authentic atmosphere and its place at the heart of Melbourne's celebrated live-music culture.

The appeal is that combination of a fantastic live-music program, a characterful, no-frills pub setting and genuine cultural heritage: seeing a band at The Tote is a rite of passage for music lovers, and the venue's history and atmosphere are part of the experience. It's a treasured Melbourne institution, beloved by bands and punters alike.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 900 reviews, it's clearly a firm favourite. The live-music line-up, the food and drinks, opening hours and ticketing vary entirely with what's on, so it's worth checking the current program before you go if you're after a specific gig — though for a beer and a taste of one of Melbourne's most legendary live-music pubs, it's often just a matter of dropping in.