Review The Penny Black - Brunswick

Been one of our favourite hangout places with live band performances. Sadly the Japanese menu has been removed, really loved the eggplant tempura!

The vibe deserves the 4 stars but for me, and just my opinion, the food was just ok. I ordered the beef sando hoping for the soft white fluffy Japanese sando you’d get in Kyoto. But alas, the bread was lightly toasted. Perhaps it wasn’t super soft white and fluffy to start with, but for me that was enough of a disappointment and one reason I wouldn’t go specifically to eat. On the plus side the vibe was chilled, the staff super friendly and awesome. Definitely will return for beers and chilled vibe. Good sounds, good bar service, not too overpriced for beers, and worth hanging out and drinking beers in their pup friendly garden bar.

The Tuna Melt is so good that all of my thoughts, aspirations, memories and dreams went out the window. The only thing on my mind was the Tuna Melt. I can’t stress enough how good the Tuna Melt is. Remember that scene in Ratatouille when the critic remembers their childhood because the food was so good? Yeah, that. It’s kind of like Interstellar. It was so good but I know in my heart I can never experience it for the first time again and that is really sad.

Stopped by Penny's for a beer and gotta say, wonderful vibe. A stunning music filled paradise tucked away on Sydney road. Some could say it’s Brunswick’s best kept secret (second only to Welcome to Brunswick maybe). Penny's best attribute, however, would have to be their wonderful staff. Especially Lauren, Michael and Ash who treated us exceptionally well.

So happy to have my favourite place back! Great vibe. Staff are so lovely. My go to for a drink or twelve.

Went there first time for a meet up, was surprised to see the ambience. This place is a hidden gem in brunswick. The outdoor sitting area is very spacious. Staff is really friendly. Also loved the live music. Overall, really nice place to chill with friends.👍

We just held my son's 21st Birthday celebrations in the undercover beer garden and I couldn't be happier with the way things went. The staff bent over backwards to make sure it was the best night ever. Finger food was awesome (avoid the mushrooms), bar staff Ashley and Daniel alsways had a smile and worked so hard all night! Thanks so much for all the behind the scenes preparations - nothing was too much trouble. Can't thank the team enough.

Went to penny’s tonight and had the best time! played pool, drank some amazing cocktails and were treated wonderfully by Michael, Lauren and Ash. Will definitely be back

I was back here over the weekend for a hens party and I have to say the food is a complete bargain. Pretty much nothing over $15. I got quite a yummy steak sandwich with some seriously tasty chips for $15 but others among us did even better grabbing the pizzas which are typically only $10 but during happy hour a mere $5. I thought it was a bit weird when I had to pay the same $5 for a glass of post mix coke mainly filled with ice but never matter. They also serve espresso martini’s in tall water glasses but what do you want for $14? Insane value! <br/><br/>Original review<br/>This is definitely more of an alternative/indie vibe that is not really my scene so it was an interesting experience at my friends birthday. Plenty of space for large groups, plenty of uber young patrons that made me feel like a dinosaur (I imagine the happy hour drinks pricing is the drawcard). I didn’t care for the smoking post 10pm when it was an open arena to blow cancerous fumes everywhere but I suppose it turns more into a nightclub at that time. If you aren’t a fan of dangerous second hand smoke you can always head in to the inside bar where they appeared to be having some sort of reggae open mike night or something. You’ll meet all sorts!

Came on Wednesday, $10 parmas. Very tasty, good portion size. Staff are very nice

Dope place, really love the back area, have had a few group dinners and hang seshes here absolutely would reccomend for a chill time with brews, food, and friends. (=

after reading online that the parma's here are $15 - we were already sold!! i loved the area outside that they had, it made the experience extremely enjoyable. in a convenient spot, close to the train station as well as near tram stops too. loved the parmas, though like many i don't recall being head over heels for it. However it's definitely great if you need a good meal in you!

Came here for my birthday, with zero patrons inside. All the boys got turned away despite being an equal ratio to girls. Bouncers think they’re above the general public but actually are the worst in Melbourne. Stay away ladies, you’re better heading to one of the many places down the road xx

To sum up my experience with the Penny Black:<br/><br/>Tasty, cheap food served on sticky tables, sticky walls and sticky people.<br/><br/>Burgers are served on the lid of a rusted garbage can so I’d recommend ordering a pizza if you haven’t had your tetanus shot.

The few times I've come down here on a Saturday, the music was pretty good, all I did for hours was stay moving. I don't drink alcohol, so can't comment on that sorta thing, but their soda and water on tap is just fine

Fo0die dined as a guest of The Penny Black and as such, the rating does not give any consideration to customer service.<br/><br/>We arrived at 12:30pm on a Saturday after finding parking in the nearby streets. There is a parking around the back which we had not known about. The Penny Black is opened on Friday and the weekends for lunch and opened during the night Wednesday through to Sunday.<br/><br/>>> Interior<br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/>The exterior is unsuspecting, looking like an older structure with a large sign reading 'The Penny Black'. The space inside is pub like with a stage that clearly would be filled with live bands and show during the evening and at one corner is the bar. Out the back is an outdoor area which a larger group occupied while we were there.<br/><br/>>> Food/Drinks<br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/>The menu itself has a range of share plate options as well as a burger, pizza and salad section for those not as keen to share. One would say this a little different to the usual pub offering which may offer one or two types of burgers, a pasta or two and a few types of pizza. We had a range of dishes from the share menu and between the three of us, 4-5 dishes off the menu was more than enough to fill the belly.<br/><br/>Poutine chips was a delicious side to munch on while the croquette and crumbed crab meat cake was deliciously crisp and crumbed (the crab meat was a little seafoody/fishy). And the chicken salad was the perfect tasty salad for those who want to steer clear of the deep fried goodness.<br/><br/>While the space is pub-like, don't let that fool you. The food was a level above pub food and is definitely something we would enjoy catching up with friends over a beer or wine. And if you want to beat the evening crowd, lunch time is very pleasantly quiet!<br/><br/><br/>>> Dishes that make up this review<br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/>Montreal-style poutine with pulled chicken, gravy and cheddar cheese curds ($12)<br/><br/>Cauliflower & roasted broccoli croquettes, served with pepperberry aioli ($11)<br/><br/>Trio of ancient grains with roasted winter veggies, sherry vinaigrette, almond milk poached chicken breast and toasted nuts and seeds ($15)<br/><br/>Crumbed crab meat cakes<br/><br/><br/>Follow me on Instagram for more photos: @fo0die (with a zero)

The Penny Black is an interesting place. It's technically a pub, but at night it comes alive into a dark, wondrous beast.<br/><br/>That might be a little too imaginative, but I wanted to paint a slightly vivid image. Unfortunately, I didn't try out any of the food they had which seems reasonably priced and the menu had a decent selection. However, I couldn't comment too much here which is a shame. That will be for another time, maybe lunch on the weekend?<br/><br/>They have $12 specials such as a parma on Monday, $12 steaks on Wednesday and $12 roast on Sunday. Tasty bites (I would hope anyway) to keep in mind if you're in the area. It's good value for those sorts of meals.<br/><br/>The atmosphere is quite friendly, so you always feel comfortable, it's a good place to go to with friends. In saying that, if you come at night (on a weekend) and you're male, depending on the time you go in, if you haven't got a few female friends with you (as the security guards repeated several times to many guys), you're not going to get in (which is a strange requirement for a pub, even if you're invited to an event such as a birthday). Even more so after it hits midnight which is the time I left, the line is quite long. To skip the queue, go before 10 PM.<br/><br/>Another factor which might discourage a few is for those of you who can't stand smoke, I would advise to avoid the outside area (beer garden) at the back. It's where most people are, but it becomes a mushroom cloud. So if you don't mind breathing in smoke for the good part of 2-3 hours, it's best avoided. That's where the DJ resides as well.<br/><br/>The Penny Black is nothing too far out of the ordinary, you will enjoy yourself with a group of friends and if you enjoy the food here (which I didn't try), you can add +1 to the review.

I wasn't blown away by the venue. But it was ok. Drinks weren't bad either. However, the noise from the beer garden carried throughout the venue making it even louder to hear and talk to the persons next to you. <br/>It didn't live up to my expectations but overall it wasn't horrible. <br/>I would not recommend this venue.

what use to be a great bar/pub/live music venue with a good/friendly and social atmosphere for people of ages 24 and up, has been turned into a very over packed R&B cheesy nightclub for ages 19 and up with terrible food, typical outer suburb crowd, regular fights... real shame

Awful. <br/>I arrived to Penny Black last Saturday to join my friends' going away drinks. I was well dressed and sober. <br/>I was informed at the door that I needed ID. I duly produced my government issued ID , only to be told (with attitude) that it was not acceptable. <br/>Why? Because it was an international ID card.<br/> I'm visiting from Europe, how could I produce an Australian ID card? The door man proclaimed it would not work in the scanning machine..but refused to try.<br/>(I later went to another bar where it worked perfectly without question). <br/>There was no question, I would not be getting in to join my friend and the other 40 people he had invited. <br/>The door man told me I could go home and get my passport...one hour away for me...<br/>I was upset but remained calm.<br/>My friend came out to see what was happening. The door man told him I was swearing at him so I wasn't getting in...A total lie and when I asked him why he said I had sworn at him ... he had no answer. I exclaimed "I thought this was Melbourne, not Sydney (lock out laws)"! <br/>So perhaps you are thinking...well , rules are rules...<br/>IT WAS BEFORE 7PM...!<br/>They lost a lot of custom that night and all 40 plus people left early as a result.

Ordered a few pizzas on a Tuesday night and waited a long long while before receiving it. Luckily the music and atmosphere kept us busy while we waited.

The beer selection is pretty good and the service is good. But they kicked us out in the middle of the 5th set of the Australian Open grand final. They said it was a licensing thing. It was 10:38. They are allowed to stay open until 11 at the very least, but they closed the bar at 10:30 (without calling last drinks) then kicked us out minutes later despite many people in the bar watching the tennis.<br/>Super weak effort from what was supposed to be a good bar. 👎🏼👎🏼 I know it wasn't the bartenders fault who kicked us out as she was probably doing the work of the managers, but still so shit.<br/>Also no way to review on Facebook so venting my opinion here.

I'm not reviewing this as a music venue or a club, just as a restaurant and even then you just have to go at the right time. $4 pizza and $4 drink specials (usually colonial draught and small ale cans) on a Monday night just can't be beat IMHO.<br/><br/>But last week (16/1) when I was there they didn't have any drink specials, so I thought I'd get this review in while the memories of getting a pizza and a couple of good beers for $12 after going for my bi (twice) weekly run were still fresh.<br/>Hopefully they bring back the Monday cheap drinks again.

Was quite skeptical trying this place considering mixed reviews.. we enjoyed it not really a fan of the interior seating or outlay. However food was great.. Maybe we had the right staff on the right day..

Penny Black is a live music haunt and local drinking spot for those traversing down Sydney Road in Brunswick. We stopped by to try their dinner menu and for the launch of Bulldog Gin leading into the summer!. We are big gin drinkers and this type of alcohol is perfect leading into the summer, served tastefully simply with tonic and lime (or lemon, or cucumber depending on your type of gin) or as a base for a variety of cocktails. We enjoy Bulldog Gin for its crisp flavour.

Not really a great fan of Penny Black. It gets always crowded with teenagers on Saturdays. Food just ok, they don't sell pots, only pints (wth)!!! However, good spot for Sunday chill because of the live bands and garden (I would miss the cheesy music, though...)

Didn't even get a chance to eat!! <br/>A group of us were out the front of Penny Black at 6pm on a Friday night thinking about having a bite to eat. The rude security guard told us to clear the walkway out the front of the entrance. It was completely dead! We thought he wasn't being serious and told him we were looking at a menu. He then approached us 4 ladies attempting to be intimidating and got unnecessarily close and told us to get in line. There was no line! We decided to leave instead as we felt threatened by this security guard who was obviously on a power trip. Won't be returning.

The penny black is most definitely ately worth a visit. The food is up there with its offerings and the prices are pretty good too. <br/>Spent many a weekend afternoon in the beer garden and the love music at night always goes down well. Definitely a must visit when. Your in this neck of the woods!

The only good thing I can say about this place is that the music from the 90's (RATM, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Breeders etc.) is awesome. After that it's all downhill due to the arrogant and ignorant hipsters hired as staff. Was it the fact that I'm 40 or that I have an Italian accent that makes these people look down on me? Because it's not hip to wait to be served a beer while being ignored but I was happy to ignore the hipster in return. Then came the wine and the supposedly friendly little girl serves it in a glass with lint on the outside and I have to clean it away so there's a clear spot on the glass that I can put my mouth to.    When encountering the aloofness of hipster bully culture, here's a retort: MAY YOU BE RELEGATED TO PENNY BLACK.

I went here last night with 3 friends and we all loved it! Expansive outdoor seating that is warm enough for winter, great music, cheap drinks and a good vibe. We had an amazing dinner and the food was all amazing! Despite having some dietary requirements (vegan and a gluten free) the staff were super friendly and accommodating. The food was so so tasty and great value for money. We had sizzling fajita plates and $4 pizzas. Bonus points for a fantastic array of hot sauce.

Bouncer 769 totally inappropriately touched a friend of mine. Then continued to refuse entry as she rejected his advances. Absolutely terrible. Beware

Housed in a historical building, vintage, yeah ...<br/><br/>I'm here for the coffee only NOT the restaurant, it looks more interesting than the restaurant. Judging by my other reviewers I think I'm on the right track.<br/><br/>On the coffee front, we've tried a few of their offering, we can happily said that they are above average.<br/><br/>Trust the restaurant will get better too.

Local haunt, quite the little gem, looks good from any angle.<br/>Spent entire Sundays in the beer garden and drank many nights away to whatever band they've got going on.<br/>I remember being here for a rock-a-billy night one time, that memory kind of stuck.<br/>The $10 Sunday Roast was my choice for eats, and the others got pizzas.<br/>Quite satisfying.

Good spot for hipsters who need somewhere easy to flock to, but is more about gimmick than quality. Quite reasonably priced though, with plenty of food options suitable for those who want a night out on a budget.

They have great weekly specials and the pizzas are pretty darn tasty. I recommend going in on Tuesdays as you can eat and drink pretty cheaply. The outside area is big and covered. Makes for good summertime arvo drinks with mates.

The only reason I go here is for the movie nights and $4 pizza. If it wasn't for those two things probably wouldn't bother. Every time I've gone for the past couple of years I'm served by a rude/sassy bar member. If you dislike your jobs so much quit seriously. Wouldn't hurt you guys to smile or even pretend to be polite.

While at Penny Black you can be entertained by the grunge chic decor and DJ and live music it is not a top pick for decent pub grub. However if you're just looking to sink some drinks and have a few snacks along the way it is a great location especially taking advantage of the huge covered beer garden. Having said that the cheap pizzas are actually really really good with fresh and simple flavours combos and the parmas are better than average but steer clear of the Mexican-inspired side of the menu of you are a foodie at all as it will leave you disappointed.

Shocking food had nachos and they tasted like cardboard <br/>Crap food and we waited an hour for the rubbish <br/>Shocking I'm sad for the owners <br/>Cheap food does not need to be tasteless

Worst food and service I have ever experienced. If I could give a 0 I would. Food took far too long to come out and then was tasteless and cold. We ordered pizzas and burritos the serving were a decent size but didn't even eat a quarter (we stopped in at the Brunswick green for a second dinner) Staff were rude and the security was overly forceful with two people being escorted out (on two separate occasions) for what appeared to be no reason. There are plenty of good options for food and drink in Brunswick so I'd say go somewhere else, anywhere else really and you'll probably have a better luck

A much different experience since last year. Now everyone has to submit ID cards and have their photo taken just to enter the premises. 1984 in action. <br/>The food has suffered considerably. Penny Black has tried to catch onto the Mexican craze about 1 year too late, resulting in terrible, undercooked or overfried food that frankly is nowhere near the standard of the previous kitchen before the menu change. Overall Penny Black has become another average bogan bar with terrible pub food in Brunswick. Don't waste your time

Very disappointing! As regulars we were disappointed to find the menu had been changed, but decided to give the new menu a go. Ordered a burrito which was incredibly dry and tasteless, and the 'cheesy Mexican dip' which was full of oil and very bland. Bring back the old menu!!

I came here for the $2 Pizzas and lo and behold - that's what I got. Haha. I'm not complaining because really, what we got was $2 worth! I think pizzas at Bimbos are a little bit better but still enjoyable. The venue is pretty big, and the outdoor area is nice. Probably will just come back for drinks here though

I would not bother stopping here again. Went on Saturday night to find the staff were pleasant enough but the food was appalling! The chicken snitzel patty was burnt. It was served on a cold 'toasted' bun and tasted revolting. My friends dish was similarly distasteful; just looked much worse. Sloppy, cold, microwaved fish on a bed of soggy salad. Makes you wonder where they found the chef. The amenities could have done with a good clean too. We went in with no expectations but were still disappointed! Next time I'm over that side of town I'm going to McDonalds. Would save half the price and the food would be more edible.

Our favorite pub. The place is great, nice atmosphere and the food really nice especially for the price. The steaks are perfectly cooked, the onion rings are among the best I had. The pizzas are really good too, the dough is really tasty as well as the garnish. Highly recommend it.

They don't know the meaning of "hospitality". I came here last night for a friends birthday!<br/>Ordered the parma with cheese and gravy on my chips.... A a waiter comes to my table and informs me that the person who served me didn't charge me the extra $4 and card is $10 minimum... Everyone on my table checks for coins ..no one has any... My friend stands up for me and mentions it being the girls fault... The waiter doesn't care to take ownership for the mistake or even offer it "on the house" for a lousy $4 for gravy and cheese that cost them less than $1 ...cost them A LOSS OF A CUSTOMER IN THE FUTURE... It's the point of principle.... Their mistake they should of resolved.... $4 extra for a small half dish filled of powder gravy and a sprinkle of cheese.... Wow...... What debt I would have put them in.....

Lighten up.. Thought I would give this place a go after walking past the day before thinking that the lunch pizzas sounded mighty fine. After walking up to the bar and having the staff stair at me like some idiot, I proceeded to order. They could not have been more rude. I work in a bar and honestly, it doesnt hurt to smile once in a while and ask how the customer is. Hey even suggest something to get them over the $10 minimum would be a start! Never again. Oh.. And the pizza is crap.

Well...i liked it. I just got home from this place and was interested to see a lot of the negative reviews below. <br/><br/>i was here early on a sunday afternoon, so there were no door thugs about. the bar staff were obvious borderline indifferent, but i didnt find them rude - though the guy serving the back bar was stoned.<br/><br/>the beer garden out the back is excellent; i turned up here because the retreat was shut for easter sunday and was pleasantly surprised - nice space and chilled vibe. the food was excellent; the burger especially so. i also appreciated the kölsch on tap.<br/><br/>i'll be back.

Today’s award goes to their $6 pizza special, because as you can see by the picture, they are not the tiny cheapo variety. Many a night have spent by locals, gorging on this quality pies, in a beer garden that rivals the best in town. Imagine an astro turf laden ground with booths to the side, that can equally facilitate session with the mates, to romantic first date. Clever.

Here at The Penny black to purchase their 4AUD pizzas, available only during happy hours. Happy hour for these absolutely cheap pizzas goes on all day on both Monday and Tuesdays, and from 12pm-5pm during the rest of the week. Old school posters and newspaper articles from the 1800s-1900s glued to the walls were pretty much their decor. That's not an easy job just pasting random posters on the walls, there is a certain theme they stick to. Restrooms were usually easily forgotten, but The Penny Black's ladies room had posters pasted on every side of the wall featuring beautiful women from the olden days. I thought that was smart, quirky and fun. Sausage Fest, 4AUD We had one pizza each for ourselves. These pizzas were not hard as wood, it had just enough crisp on the crust. The Sausage Fest was a tomato based pizza with sausages, bacon slices, salami chunks, mild chili, onion rings, The Penny Black's special BBQ sauce and melted  mozzarella  cheese. Salmon Pizza, 4AUD   Smoked salmon wa

Penny Black is huge. It has two outdoor areas, one in front and one in the back, and two indoor areas, one at the front, and one in the back. Tuesdays are pizza nights, where all of their pizzas on the menu are 6 bucks each. Six. That's such a bargain! Can't say the same for the drinks, though.

Sydney Road in Brunswick is a strange place. Made up of fifty percent bridal shops, fifty percent Asian restaurants, Penny Blacks sticks out like a sore thumb with it’s brightly lit sign and slightly indented location. It’s easily accessible, given that the tram runs straight from the city to the front of the pub. When I visited on Thursday, a band was performing hardcore music with lyrics in some eastern European language, so there was a minor complication with the bill

Whilst The Penny Black is great place to come for a few drinks, whether it be pre-drinks before a night out or a good day time session, I am not sold on the food yet. I am keen to come back and try their shredded chipotle beef tacos [$8.90] or to give their 100% Wagyu beef burger [$17.90] a go before I make up my mind.

The schnitzel, while a little small on circumference, was thick as buggery, over an inch thick of pure breast for the majority of the parma. The topping coverage was great with almost zero schnitzel nudity and a slice of ham that didn’t overpower everything else, the napoli was a little bit thick and tomato paste-ish for my liking but it held together well. The only complaint would be the parma was bordering on overcooked, not burnt, but getting there.

Check out Penny Black for a huge packed beer garden and to dance the night away. Kinda unique Melbourne crowd as well.

If there's one thing Brunswick is good at, it's making you feel at home. And even if I didn't live there, I would totes love the place and why not? Between cheap food, Asian bargain stores and op shops, there rests bars and pubs, big and small, all with that same Brunny charm. The aforementioned charm usually comes in the form of second-hand shop couches, affectionately mismatched furniture, inexpensive brews and a red brick interior with homey wallpaper with various works of art, old and new, on the walls. Plus, a pool table (every pub should have one). Though the pub is one of the lesser-known Brunswick music venues, it has a sizeable stage for bands of all types, though folk-pop and indie rock are particular clientele favourites. The huge beer garden is a stand-out; heaps of chairs and benches (sounds dull but this is important come Friday and Saturday nights). Decorated with verandah furniture, leafy trees, fairy lights and comfy boot

Lacklustre cluster F. Unfortunately my partner and I had the beef burgers, They were small and lacklustre , average flavour with not a lot of love put in. I don't like generalising but it seems the kitchen could do with good old fashion razzle dazzle of love and excitement put in there. If you can't do a classic beef burger well don't do it all or at the very least charge 10 bucks for it. Just makes me feel a bit sad, it's very easy to make a good burger.

Never witnessed a venue as sexist as this place! got there at 9:30pm on a friday and they were letting all females in and No males unless with a female. Despite a half empty band room. Will never go back... If you are male don't waste your time.

Male? Don't Bother. After around 10pm they only let 1 guy in for every girl that leaves. This means you end up with queues of 100 plus guys while anybody with a female jumps the queue. This is such a sexist way to treat customers. If its not day drinking its not worth it.

Like and no like. I love the fact that the Penny Black is around the corner - literally - and really do good pizza for $4. It is a great default for dinner when you can't be bothered cooking and the pizzas are very generous normally with their toppings and the bases are nice and thin.<br/><br/>What i don't love is walking in and staff are "like, you know openly sharing their phone / facebook" stuff with eacthother. Its hard to know if they are actually working and give a sh*t about the place? Also not loving the huffing when finally served and no eye contact made - take a bit of pride in yourselves and give the establishment you are hired by a bit of respect......you can't ride on the great repuation of $4 pizzas all your life.<br/><br/>PS - Little Mess is a great wee joint for a drink.....doing well post Etiquette.

$4 pizza outweighs borderline unfriendly service.. Every time I visit The Penny Black, there is a discussion about how the service is such a let down to an otherwise great atmosphere. A smile goes a long way!

My partner and I were terribly unlucky to have walked into the Penny Black during the private conversations of the staff who COMPLETELY ignored us, even as we stood at the coffee machine with our wallets out, Making eye contact. So sorry to have interrupted you guys. Enjoy the festival.

A penny is all it's worth. Walking in not expecting too much, and not much was what we got. The atmosphere was fairly good, but the service was horrendous. The guy behind the bar couldn't even take an order correctly, we ordered 6 pizzas but to our dismay we only received 5 because he couldn't hear us in a nearly empty pub at that time. So when the pizzas came out it was off of pre-made pita bread from aldi and what I can only hope was meat. The sauce was like they just reheated a bottle of pasta sauce and chucked it on. Can't exactly expect much from $4 pizzas but alas will not be going back to this dump anytime soon.

Kind of a tough one as we walked in especially for the $4 pizza special, so really, we shouldn't be expecting much for that price. That being said, you can only eat what's put in front of you and on those terms, the pizzas at Penny Black can certainly not be considered good. Pre-packaged pizza bases with a dollop of sauce and very little topping is all you'll get.

Worst service ever. This place has the worst customer service I have come across. the barman has the personality of a wet rag. when a complaint was made to him his reply was " you don't have to come here" and "write an email". I informed him I was a paying customer and expected a level of service.. but that was thrown back in my face with the above... avoid!!

Dropped in for 3 $4 pizzas with a mate on a Tuesday afternoon. We were very happy with everything! Will be back again soon

Fun times :). I came here last night for the first time and really enjoyed it. $4 pizzas, a cool band, and heated courtyard. I'll definitely be back!

This is the worst place you could possibly end up if you are on Sydney road.. They couldn't even serve a decent chicken Parma .. Worst ever disgusting food ... Please don't visit this place you would end up falling sick after eating their chicken Parma and eye fillet steak.

Never again. Don't bother. An absolute dive

Ripped off by girl in gold. Tonight I asked for 3 pints of carlton. The waitress told me it would be 21 dollars total. I gave her 25 dollars. She gave me no change with my beers. So I confronted her, with her reply of "honestly I don't remember". So I lost 4 dollars here, which is not much until you add up this vixons nightly quota!! Great pub until you include the horrible staff!!

I ordered smoked salmon piazza was disgusting! They use cream instead of cheese on the pizza and they didn't cut pizza base so It was like a nan bread.

Brad. Won't be back. Appalling attitude by security staff who rule with a misguided sense of entitlement. Respect for the punters from these arrogant people is absolutely zero.

Worth the Visit. Discovered on a recent trip to Melbourne. It’s another good hangout place in Brunswick. Good crowd for early in the week and I loving the Monday $10 long necks. The tap and fridge list of beer and cider looked solid. My partner is a celic vegan & with her vegetarian mates sometimes getting together to eat out is hard, so it’s great to get solid options without hassle. Hard to fault the night. The staff they were really helpful, and all of our food was consistently good. Standouts from our group were the vego burger and the roasted beetroot salad with sweet potato crisps as the only beer drinking meat eater I smashed a Chicken Parmy and a couple of pots of Colonial Kolsch and it did not disappoint. Recomend a visit looks like they have got it going on all week, Ill be back.

Worst place I have been too! Not only are the bar staff slack, the security guards are disgusting and only about themselfs!<br/>I had two friends come to meet us and they said no to them at 10pm at night because it was too full..(the place was dead) 10 seconds later a group of 10 walked in straight away!!!! Because they had a couple of girls with them!!! I'll never go back!!

The food was not bad, but a very loud crowd ( not a place to enjoy a few quite drinks) oh and don't leave to go out side back to your car , because the security won't let you back in, unless you start fights at the front and your a local!<br/>Disgusted the way I was treated!

A festival within Penny!. Went to the Sydney Rd Festival, after wondering up and down the street,it was beer time! Beers, good food, live music... we couldn't leave. we enjoy seeing Jack Jack Jack inside, and came to the beer garden later on to devour their burgers! when I saw it I though I couldn't finish that plate! but it was so tasty. great vibe, cool staff, generous serves of food.

Food is awful here. Slider tasting plate was 3 burgers that all had same sloppy sour cream oozing out, chicken burger was terrible and the Portuguese chicken wings tasted microwaved. Seriously, how do you stuff up chicken wings??? Bland sloppy tasteless food. Pity because the bar and atmosphere is great.

Extremely rude employees. Prices are nothing to be proud of. Quality of food is poor. First and last visit.

This bar should win an award. The award for the worst establishment this side of the equator. <br/><br/>After being questioned regarding how many drinks I had even though I was sober, and almost being refused entry... I attempted to order a meal. The soft shelled tacos appealed to me, but unfortunately, the kitchen had run out of beef (probably the main ingredient) at 7pm. As such, I chose to order the nachos. <br/><br/>I then proceeded to wait 80 minutes for these Nachos. In this time, I could have gone to the shops, bought the ingredients, cooked and consumed my meal... and the food still would have been better. <br/><br/>Overall, I would rather dig a trench with my nose than go to The Penny Black again.

Awful customer service. Imagine the irony when a group of teachers having Christmas drinks are given two 'warnings' by rude and unpleasant staff for using chairs from another table. The big table, which took up a third of the deck space was reserved for 6pm, with a handful of the first patrons arriving at 7:10pm. (I have photographic evidence) Most of our group was forced to stand while the chairs sat unused for most of the night (I have photographic evidence). I will never go back there after being spoken to and treated like a child. Rude.<br/><br/>As a side note: Who doesn't serve chips with a parma and leaves a half eaten plate on a table for 2 hours?

Wonderful place! Great for .... Wonderful place!<br/>Great for Sunday sessions, packed Saturday night dance floor! And chilled out during the week, what more can you want?<br/>I love this place, the best in Brunswick and one of the best in Melbourne! <br/>I've never had an issue with the penny black and the staff are great, very friendly and helpful! I always tip these guys well!<br/>Well deserved.

Good burgers. Huge place that serves awesome burgers. Great vibe and the best place to eat on Sydney Road.

"Not helping "Your clause"". I have never written a review or blog on Urbanspoon however, the service I received on Saturday night at the highly reputed bar 'Penny Black' was absolutely disgraceful, rude and uncalled for. I have been to the Penny Black on several occasions and have had fantastic service, with fantastic drinks and food provided from friendly staff - now this is probably why I'm incredibly disappointed and will not be returning to the venue anytime again. <br/><br/>The blog is directed to the bar staff as a male bar staff quoted "It's not helping your clause" - when standing at the bar for around 20 minutes waiting to be served and then in the middle of being served from either his supervisor/manager or boss whom was multi serving, as I gestured "hey" to keep on serving me. The supervisor/manager did apologise the mis understanding however for this not to happen again, I suggest you either prep your bar staff to have some etiquette and to remember the customer is always right! I am a fine dining waitress/bartender whom takes my job very seriously and understand how hectic and demanding and stressful being a bartender can be. No one should ever lose their cool and back talk a customer like that. HERE IS YOUR CLAUSE - to the bartender. <br/><br/>Refuse to return and will tell friend and family not to return either. <br/>Disappointing.

Management lets this place down. Normally a fan of the place however my experience last night left me disappointed. After being over charged for drinks I raised this with a bar staff who then referred me to the female manager on duty (Monday November 4). She was rude and condescending and at no point did I feel she had any intention to resolve my complaint. I've been a loyal customer over the years and this left me questioning my return.

Best of the best on sydney road. Great service and the food is consistently good

Awesome pub and beer garden. Have a great time dancing when they have 50s rocknroll band Juke Box Racket play there.

Wow what can I say. Great place highly recommended!!!! We had a few drinks in a pub with loads of character. We were served by fantastic bar staff in particular Jess and Cheez. They were super friendly and gave us great food recommendations - $1 tacos, the chicken and pineapple and also pumpkin and zucchini pizza. STONE THE FLAMING CROWS AMAZING! Will definitely be back on our next trip to Melbourne. Could do with toothpicks only complaint :)

Really dissapointed with the service. I love this venue, one of my favorites in Sydney Road. But, unfortunately one of the waitress is VERY VERY RUD.

Nice fitout and staff. The coffee was the best in the area too. It was lovely

Great Food, Friendly Staff. Had high expectations, and they were met. Great pizzas, great wedges, friendly and helpful staff - and all at a great price!

I have to say this for the Penny Black - they know how to please the locals. Being from Kew, I wouldn't call this my local, but if you amble down Sydney Road, you can't miss this laid back and quaint, laid back place. <br/>Drinks and coffees (from Half Penny accessed via the street) are great. Food I have found to be great, if only from the Special Night menus. If you go there on a weekend and ask for Jess - you'll see a professional young lady who is casual but friendly and super lovely!

The Penny Black has a really laid-back atmosphere. It has a great beer garden at the back, two bars, an onsite cafe and a stage for performances. The decor is quite scungy and Brunswick-esque, however you get a good mixture of people coming through - young hipsters right through to mature career-minded folk. Go along for a quiet cider in the sun and grab yourself a pizza and fries - very basic ingredients (a little light on the chicken) but still delicious...look out for their daily specials where you'll find $6 pizzas, bargain! Penny's is pumping at night too, perfect for day to night drinks on the rekorderlig in casual attire!

Sunday Roast. $12 Roast with all the trimmings..... yummy! Great way to warm up this winter. Family friendly on sundays so nice to bring the kids along. <br/>Pizza looked great too!!

Amazing atmosphere and experience. Cheap food and lovely drinks! Great place to meet up with friends. Very unique and awesome outdoor decking area. Great in summer!

One of my favourite places to go for a drink and a dance, and a cheap pizza now and then. HOWEVER.. I went there with a group of friends this Saturday night and when I asked a man, who was taking up alot of space at the outside bar, if I could politely 'squeeze in' next to him as he already had his drink. He rudely replied "f off. I work here. Wait your f.ing turn b$&#*." (among other profanities). I suggest you get rid of the tall tight Tshirt wearing guy who is doing nothing positive for the reputation of your staff.

Terrible Staff. The Penny Black on 420 Sydney Road has the potential to be a great venue if the staff were better trained and more professional. The so called "bouncer" was sitting on the ledge to the right of the entrance in plain clothes eating a bowl of rice. This male did not look like a bouncer at all and so I was surprised when he asked for my ID. Since I thought this was a joke because well, lets face it, he looked like a homeless person, I did not want to have my ID stolen by this man. So I walked inside with my friend who was a male that did not get carded and this man followed me in and insisted for my ID specifically. I complied because after he did this as I assumed it was safe to show him my identification as I was already inside and there may have been someone to chase him down if he ran off. He told me after looking at my card and realizing I was over the legal drinking age that I was not allowed in because I was too drunk. When I asked to speak with the floor manager he refused to go and find him or her. I do understand that I looked happy, was having a good time and clearly do not know the up-to-date "fashions" at the Penny Black but I do find it appalling that because I made an honest mistake I was not able to attend my friends celebration. I am more than okay with being asked for proper identification and I carry it around with me for this reason. I do not appreciate being called "too drunk" when I had only had one pot just prior to coming in.

Staff are VERY RUDE. Our meals came out half an hour apart. Very disappointing.

Please cut your pizzas. Great place for a beverage but they really need to CUT their pizzas. Was a nice pizza but maybe a bit more topping or cut the pineapple bits smaller to seem like there is more. Parma looked good and seemed to go down well. Apart from the uncut pizza, a great place to grab a drink!

Good Cheap Local Dinner. Food is great for the price (on the $12 nights) & the staff are really friendly. The price of cider was a little on the expensive side for me but I guess they make back from the cheap food in the drink prices. Ive been going to this place for years (through the names changes) & still like it.

Haloumi burgers. Best thing ever. Except on Thursday when they're cheaper, but leave out half the good stuff.

I love the atmosphere at this Sydney Rd pub! Wait, let me qualify that-I love this pub during the week. I tend to avoid it Friday/Saturday nights when the place fills to the brim (tight, standing-room-only-full) with (mostly) young'uns- makes it awkward to order food and seating is at a premium. But weeknights have a great, laid-back vibe, grab an outdoor booth (near a heater) and order your drinks and food from either bar- indoor or beer garden. The food is consistently good pub grub, great value- more so if you take advantage of their specials ($6 pizza on Tuesdays). The vegie burger is pretty amazing- haloumi and juicy mushrooms and the corn fritters are a must- greasy/awesome. Service is efficient and friendly, can't go wrong.

$20 for a flavorless, over cooked Parma. Very disappointing

Good atmosphere have eaten there two or three times great value for money had the Waygu beef burger for 12 can't go wrong ! Fast friendly service !

Specials. Go on specials night, simply cannot go wrong. Brilliant atmosphere.<br/><br/><br/>-----08 Jul, 2012-----<br/><br/>Specials. Go on specials night, simply cannot go wrong. Brilliant atmosphere.

Cheap Specials. I like this place, quite cool for a cheap drink and nibbly type share food with friends. Went here last Sunday afternoon/night and had quite a few drinks and a couple of pizzas to share and we all had a great night, overall good atmosphere and nice outdoor area and nice cheap pizza's. Would go back again.

The Racist Penny White.. What a pathetic vibe , was there last night with some mates having a drink and a good time only to be told that our circle had 10 min to finish our drinks and leave for no apparent reason other than an ego-IC racist manager feeling the need to be important amongst her rude work gollegues, it was obvious to all that she hasn't had much human interaction or maybe has forgotten what's its like to feel unconditional love and absolutley no hospitality what so ever, after speaking with security we were told that our kind was not welcome here, I think they meant human beings are not welcome here and that the manager has been trying so hard to clean up the venue and clear out any Black people, I didn't think that kind of attitude existed in Melbourne, at least not in Brunswick, thank you to security for the information cos I can now share my opinion with the world. The food was very poor or maybe its just plain obvious that the kitchen has been pressured to serve crap so the owners can make rent, the sound system is pathetic, the music was pure commercial crap, the Dj looked like he was reading his emails playing off a lap top with his hands in the air like he was presenting something incredibly rare, the audience had nothing better to do than feel the urge to stare at one another rather than being honest about their confusion of stardom. The place absolutley stunk of vommit, the drinks tasted like they had been watered down, the wanna be cool bar tenders had no manners and no personality, no energy and no charisma, it surprises me how these venues are allowed to have a liquor license when they have trouble serving clean water. The Penny Black is a joke, it's a venue you shouldn't tell your friends about cos it will ruin your reputation.

In two minds about this place. The pizza was ok, and I had some really yummy tacos, but my friend ordered the rather expensive burger and it looked fairly average. It came with enough chips to feed a family. Less chips and a smaller price tag would have been better. Not bad value for money if you get the specials.

Spacious pub. Were there with the family last evening and thought the food was good, spesh the steak and chicken parma. The kids had the islander pizza which wasn't that special though. Tasted like something u can make at home although they had fresh pineapple instead of canned ones on it. I want to really comment on the service though. It was typical pub service. The bartender and waiter were nice and friendly. No one was rude.