Best live music venue in Melbourne! For decades this iconic venue has been a champion of Indie, Grunge, Alternative, Punk, Grindcore, Rockabilly, and more. Residencies in the front bar, often free, are a great platform for emerging talent, while paid gigs are in the main room and sometimes upstairs. The atmosphere may look intimidating, but I usually find the crowd more courteous and friendly than in the bogun venues in the 'burbs. Yes, the carpet is sticky (which is part of the charm for me), the outdoor courtyard is smoky, and the bathrooms are, well, gross. But this is the Tote, supporting cool, live music. And I love it.

Live loud music, dual beer garden, pool table, rank stinky floor ... the classic pairing of awesome music with great location. Seriously the only downside is the floor occasionally smells of vomit, maybe the toilets are a little well passed their prime. Service is always swift and mostly friendly. Occasionally their under the pump so it’s understandable. I’ve never been disappointed at a gig here wether it’s seeing mates or bigger acts the venue and the bands always seem to deliver. I’ve had a few special nights in the front bar too. A classic and a favourite venue, just needs some love.

I have never been here before and enjoyed my experience here. Reasonably priced drinks offering a beer garden and stage to appreciate rocking performances. Crowd is very diverse and so is the music offerings. Staff were incredibly efficient and pleasant to order from and it was nice seeing them actively clear the breakages of glass out the back quickly. Bouncers are also quite imposing and just the right amount of approachability as you would like. I recommend this venue for a great Friday night out.

Love this place! Had an awesome time at the El Riot Festival a couple of months back. Everyone is really awesome, it attracts a great crowd and the staff are really cool. They put on terrific events with some of the best live bands I've ever seen at ridiculously cheap prices. They even have awesome food! I recommend the nachos. There should be more places like this. Support the Tote instead of going to some bullshit night club or pub!

I was there 2 weeks ago sober. The toilets smell like a wet old man, the beer fridges are only 15% full and rusty with black mold on the seals and now I know why - The two owners are money-grubbing dogs who don't pay their staff, withold super and are possibly the 2 most dishonest, back-stabbing individuals in the Melbourne music scene (and I know black metal bands, so that's saying something).

$15 for a Pint of flat cider on a Sunday afternoon!! Criminal Prices. Obviously the profits don't go into the venue at all. Humidity in the front band room was horrendous and when asked to put the ceiling fans on for some relief, was looked at like a leper. All a bit too much for the Arrogant Bar Staff to deal with. Time to Detonate this Hovell.

Ya gotta love the tote, great staff very friendly and awesome bands on all the time and can get pretty crowded on a good night. Bathrooms are typical pub tier disgusting but what can you do about that really? The food is actually really great here too would definitely recommend for a pint and burger on a cold winter evening.

This is one of the great old school pubs in Melbourne. It personifies the rock culture that Melbourne is so famous for. Go for a drink knowing that no one there is judging you who ever you are. Watch bands in full freedom that everyone around you is enjoying the same moment. It's a great safe zone full of beer and music!

What I wouldn’t give for a venue like this back home. The Tote has a great layout for shows, offering two dedicated stages and a large bar area in the front. Its convenient location near some of the best food and attractions in the area means arriving a little early is never anything to feel put off by.

I attended a gig on saturday night at the Tote with my partner, the staff and security were more than accomidating as i'm disabled, they even opened doors just for me to use etc. The staff and security went above and beyond to help me so thankyou so much gang, keep up the good work!

This place came back from the dead, and in many ways you can TOTALLY tell. But that's one of the many reasons to come here. It's a Melbourne institution, with countless amazing bands having graced the many stages here. Have a beer or six and check out some great Australian music.

I enjoy myself, friendly people at the bar and good company. Thought security was good although hovered around a bit to much, but generally a good earthy safe space, just watch where your stepping in a private party. But nice to know you can do that still. Book the space!

Iconic. Been going there for 35 years under different managements. Seen hundreds of bands, possibly thousands there. It has always retained it's charm and sense of purpose. Thankfully it was saved from closing for good a few years back. It holds part of Melbourne's soul.

Had a comp ticket to see Bloods + Palms from PBS but was told they use the ticketek app, didn't bother staying lol they do a Coopers stout though and the music I could hear from the front bar was pretty sweet, ticketing needs some work or not lol

Justifiably famous rock n roll mecca. Bands in the front bar, in the larger room at the back and upstairs. Your feet stick to the uneven floor. Everything a rock pub should be. Seen some cool music here since I arrived. Get along and support it.

Iconic venue. Gets a bit jammed at times but overall the staff are generally friendly and range of drink options. If sticky carpets, punk rock, broken toilets and a diverse crowd of people isn't your thing, you probably won't enjoy this place.

Played there last night with my band PL and loved the Stage, Band room, Sound system, Staff and outdoor beer garden. Looks like it's seen better days but as far as going to places deep into Melbourne's rock and roll history this is a must.

Still love this place, dark, dingy and yet so full of charm. Saw a fun local punk rock band Human Crayon here. Ive been watching shows here for 30 years. Service is friendly and there's a great little patio out back

If you love punk rock and screamo, this is the place for you. Also, there’s a pool table, which is fun. But the beer tasted funky and the setting was grubby. Not my type of place but I’m sure someone would enjoy it.

One of the essential Melbourne live music venues, seen a lot of great acts here. Classic dive bar as well, great location and close to smith st for transport. The outdoor courtyard is awesome in the summer.

Edgie and fun. Awesome bands and awesome people always. Pool table on the ground level and 2 band rooms. The price of beer cans is a bit much but overall it's a great joint.

It's a dive, what do you expect. Smells really bad and my son was almost killed by a falling speaker. Young bands don't play here. There are other venues so much better.

Gig section is okay, needs more seating though. The entrance needs a thorough clean and some air fresheners. The e tire venue smelt like gross sweat!!

Currently owned by actual stains. Don't give them any of your money until they sell and move out of the Melbourne music industry once and for all

One of the greatest music venues in Australia's rock and roll history. Hard to find a pub in Australia these days with this much character.

Something different and awesome on every level, so sometimes you want to be 2 different levels at the same time. What to do?

Stop leaving 1 star reviews about the current owners as it will negatively impact the ratings for the new, awesome, owners.

Still as grungy as it ever was. Still a venue for punk, metal and experimental music and young australian bands. XXX

I love this bar. Always a great atmosphere and friendly people. Both band rooms are unique and cool. …

Classic rock venue, a Melbourne institution! Haven't experienced life until you've had a band and a beer here

What an awesome night. Pub was on point, went and saw the band "Backbone" A great night out with the wife

Great venue supporting live music scene caught great acts from Beakin and Rihno tonight …

Vintage Melbourne live gig bar, with all the trimmings. The band room's got one hellava punch.

Great place offering new talent a go. Get down and support our locals.

Love a club that stays up all night. The "Tote", never disappoints!

Was there for death match wrestling show. Really enjoy the show

amazing live gigs, beers and a smoking beer garden.. chill as!

You can really smell the history. Love it.

Dank. Dingy. Awesome!

Long live The Tote!