My friend and i encountered this quiet treasure on a Sunday morning breakfast run (after Auction Rooms had a 45 minute wait) and found this venue to be amazing! There was two uber friendly staff working who engaged in a hilarious conversation with us. We were seated immediately (we were actually the only patrons in the venue at this time) and were met with friendly smiles and a menu. Instead of standard menus, we were given old school books that have been converted in a chic menus. A diverse range of food was available on the menu, i choose the organic muesli and my friend had the pumpkin pizza. The muesli and pizza were brought out in 10 minutes and the lovely waitress had remembered that i had a soy latte and brought out my muesli with soy milk as well. That was a total surprise (You never get service that notices you don't drink normal milk!) The vibe was quiet but i can imagine it would pick up later in the arvo / night. I was impressed with everything about this venue. I won't need to find a reason to come back here, it was a marvellous breakfast experience. read more

I don't think I can write enough good things about Prudence. North Melbourne locals have been savvy to this bar for years and word is spreading. The deceptively small entrance houses comfortable booths, faded red upholstery, warm timber interior and a seriously stocked bar. Between pouring beers the bartender/DJ is often spinning records locals have brought in and want to share. Walk through to the outdoor courtyard and enjoy that nostalgic smell of beer and cigarette smoke. Long tables are able to accommodate larger groups as well as more intimate spaces at the very back. Head upstairs to the first floor of the converted terrace building and there are several rooms that allow groups to hide away and drink in relative seclusion. Along with a decent wine selection Prudence also offers a lengthy.......board game selection. Its difficult to say no to a 'Connect 4' duel after a few beers. This is a relaxed night for two or a fun night out for friends, the kind of bar you can turn into whatever you want it to be. read more

Prudence - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

See all

Let's keep this short and sweet. This is a cozy bar on an otherwise quiet street. A competent bar staff serves up a few beers (among other things) that are still from independent from the major corporate conglomerates. (Ex. Four Pines and Mornington on tap). Intimate beer garden out back, with both heaters and a retractable cover. In the 'hood? It's an excellent local destination. read more

The main reason I moved to West Melbourne was so that Prudence could be my local neighbourhood bar. I'm not exaggerating. Bless you, Prudence, for your low-key vibe, old rock records, and gorgeous bar staff -- you have made this San Francisco transplant feel right at home. read more

If I lived closer to here, I would be in big trouble. Well, my wallet would be in big trouble as I'd likely be paying for wasted rent as I'd be spending so much time here. Just has a great, interesting feel. Cosy front bar, fireplace, then a huge back space and upstairs - it seems to just keeps going as you explore more. Music seemed ripped from my own iTunes. Beers were excellent..gah, I wished I lived closer! We make the rookie mistake of eating up at Little Africa two doors down and then coming to Prudence only to discover that you can order from the restaurant and get it delivered to you at your table here. (No disrespect to Little Africa, but it was pretty cramped in there - food outstanding though). Will be back ASAP to remedy this error. read more

Well, this bar effing rocks. It was with great relief that I discovered Prudence, which is a hop, skip, and a jump from my westside abode: Finally I can go to a bar with character, excellent beer, and an amazing soundtrack (Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground, Talking Heads) without undergoing an hour of public transport hell. I literally may never go to Collingwood again. I mean Prudence has Four Pines IPA on tap. They have an amazing, cozy back patio. They play Iggy. They have nice bartenders. Oh, and the interior looks like the boudoir of a New Orleans prostitute circa 1910. Yep, it's official, now that I've discovered Prudence and nearby Town Hall Hotel, North Melbourne is my new go to neighbourhood for a night out. read more

Suppose you want a drink after a shuffle around Vic Market and wouldn't mind a comfy seat surrounded by old time decor. Prudence offers a feel good vibe and promises to host good times if you stick around. There's a beer garden out back if you're too cool for public school. read more

Prudence - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This is one of the first bars I went to in Melbourne and, for me, is a perfect reminder of what is great about Melbourne's nightlife compared to my hometown of Perth. In Perth each bar looks like it has had the same interior decorator sweep through with stainless steel and a modern touch and now they're all so generic it's disorientating after a few beers to know which pub you're in. Prudence is great, the old wooden bar and décor inside gives the feel of a pub with stories to tell and the small unassuming front room has cosy, intimate booths where seating is always at a premium. From the bar you squeeze through a narrow doorway into another small room before you reach the holy grail of this pub - its lovely beer garden. Covered and heated with ample bench seating, tables and plants it has the feel of being in somebody's backyard and a really relaxed vibe as a result. Beware if you don't like cigarette smoke however because almost everybody out here lights up. There's a few different drinks on tap here as I discovered when I ended up with cider instead of beer because I forgot to ask before trying something different. Prudence is a good place for a date or a catch up with mates, there's not much else around North Melbourne in terms of nightlife but stop by, it's worth it. read more

Love it. It's the perfect local. It looks awesome, there are heaps of different spaces you can sit in depending on how big a group you're with, the music is great, the staff are relaxed, and you can order take away food and have it delivered from any of the neighbouring restaurants. If you're hungry you HAVE TO try the food from the African restaurant nearby. They'll deliver to your table at Prudence and it's amaaazing. Now I just need more of my South-dwelling friends to travel North more often. read more

So, what's the definition of a cool bar - yep, that's right, the Prudence. I simply love this place, it is just so exotic. In fact when I first walked in here my first impression was the impression that really did count, and every other time I have come back it has just got better and better. The Mornington India Pale Ale I had the first time here was really good, and I just love the beer garden out the back. However you do need to get here early because that beer garden is really small, and there are a lot of people that seem to want to get a seat out here. The staff are also tops, I have never had a complaint about them. Oh, and there is an Indian theme to this place that just adds to its exotic nature. read more

Good beer garden, good front bar, good music, good staff! The highlight though is being able to have the nearby Thai, Vietnamese, African, Indian, and pizza delivered to your table/booth! You can't underestimate choice. Oh and also, Kirin on tap! And an amazing cheese platter read more

Yeah, so every motherfucker loves Prudence huh? Huh? Yeah, you're all kinda right. What can you say really? The place has great ambiance. The place has great staff. The place has great patronage. The place has a great drinks menu. The place is just great. If I think about it, it does suck that it's in North Melbourne. I could really use a joint like Prudence in my lousy suburb. Then I get to thinking about how shit it is where I live. And then I get to thinking how much better it would/could be if I moved. But then I remember that if I ever moved then North Melbourne would be one of the last places I'd go. Y'know, it's one of those suburbs where everyone goes 'oh North Melbourne is sooo good, I just love it'. Or, 'I've got sooo many friends and they all live in North Melbourne'. Gag. Yeah, so Prudence sucks for just making me revisit all those feelings. You suck! read more

I do love a night out in North Melbourne. Prudence is the best of both worlds. A nice starting point, and finishing point. The staff are chill as. Terrific smoking area out the back i.e covered. Meeting people is do-able too. It's kind of well discovered now, kind of not. Will have to wait and see. read more

I always feel cool in this place. My favorite spot in my area of North Melbourne. Good drinks, knowledgeable bartenders, great music, usually a hip crowd, young and old, yet not pretentious. The african spot a few doors down delivers excellent food there as well. I haven't walked in during the busy times but I've walked by and it does get packed. read more

I'm going to give this hidden delight 3 out of 5 stars. Basically because of non air con. And over crowding. The staff easy on the eye and friendly .if your after local beers then this is the place, you have the house special being prudence lager, but do try the M. Goat steam ale which sounds like it came out of a steam punk movie yet if you turned up in steam punk I really don't think you would be noticed. The beer is cold and I'm pretty sure the bees attacked my beer due to a honey subtle under tone. The music is alternative. Head up the steep tiny stair case and do not attopy this after a slight pub crawl as we call it on Qld, your bound to fall back a few steps not that I did. Upstairs you will discover hidden booths as you will find towards the back of the deceiving pub if you can call it that. It's a hidden shop front that you would find in narnia movie. There is food on offer but I arrived to late to review it. But the people and staff made up for it. Cuteness alert 4/5 stars ;) read more

See all

Prudence is definitely one of my favourite places to hang out in Melbourne for the following reasons: - It has a really relaxed vibe - The music is good and not intrusive - It has a decent sized covered and heated outdoor area for smokers - In the afternoons, they have a selection of board games laid out for anyone to play, which is a really good ice-breaker if you're looking to meet new people. - They have an arrangement with the Ethiopian restaurant from a few doors down, so you can have inexpensive and delicious food delivered to you without having to give up your table. - There is an intimate upstairs area that can be used for private functions, but is otherwise open to general punters. There's something really 'Melbourne' about Prudence that I can't quite put my finger on. I think it's just fairly free of pretences and is a perfect place to go for either a quiet catch up with friends, but is also good for a more wild night out. The drinks, the music, the surroundings and the company are all quality. Make sure to check it out. read more

Great vibe and excellent service for a busy night. Tasty drinks and love the tunes on vinyl spinning all night. There is ample room for large parties out back or upstairs. Highly recommended! read more

A bar with character and plenty of characters. Might have something to do with the comedy around the corner. Good cocktails and friendly staff. read more

Prudence - perfect for a cold Sunday arvo. Always order African from next door to fill the belly.