Emerald Hotel

South Melbourne’s pub scene is fierce, but the Emerald Hotel delivers pure, old-school hospitality. A proper, family-run institution. Forget pretentious gastropubs. This is where you grab a perfectly poured schooner in the front bar—eyes locked on the big plasmas for the footy. Out back, the dining room flips the script. White-tablecloth bistro vibes serving up unapologetically generous pub classics. Southside pub purists consistently pack the tables for their mammoth, two-handed beef burgers and a classic, golden-crumbed parma. But the ultimate insider move? Wednesday nights. The venue absolutely hums. Traditional New Orleans jazz takes over, courtesy of Stevenson's Rockets. Jazz heads and interstate visitors make a point to catch the brass-heavy sets—some even jumping up for an impromptu jam. Unbeatable value, genuinely warm service, and a cracker of an atmosphere. Round up your mates, secure a spot, and settle in for a proper pub feed.