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Cross Keys, Essendon, AU-VIC

Cross Keys

4.4
4.4
263 Reviews
$40 and under
Australian
350 Pascoe Vale Rd, Essendon, AU-VIC 3040

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
A local favourite for over 150 years, The Cross Keys Hotel is the perfect spot to bring the family. The Cross Keys boasts an impressive bistro serving up tasty meals Monday through Sunday, a fun kids room, a lively sports bar showing all the must see games on the big screens, a modern TAB facility and two spacious event rooms. With weekly specials and all your favourite pub classics, what isn't too love? See you at The Keys !


Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Australian, Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (03) 9379 7477
  • Website
    http://www.crosskeyshotel.com.au/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Chef Matthew Lawdorn
  • Catering
    Call (03) 9379 7477 to book a tour or email functions@crosskeyshotel.com.au
  • Private party facilities
    With two spacious and modern function rooms available for hire, The Cross Keys take the hassle out of party planning. Whatever the event, we are here to help ! Call (03) 9379 7477 to book a tour or email functions@crosskeyshotel.com.au
  • Location
    350 Pascoe Vale Rd, Essendon, AU-VIC 3040
  • Neighborhood
    Essendon
  • Cross street
    Situated on Pascoe Vale Road.
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Public transit
    Conveniently located directly across the road from Strathmore Train Station.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 263 people are saying

Cross Keys reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Inner City North

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Inner City North

    Good for groups

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cross Keys offers a welcoming atmosphere with "friendly and helpful service," making it a "great spot to catch up." Expect "generous portions" and "reliable, consistent food" at "excellent value for money." While some dishes could improve, most patrons "enjoy their meals," praising the "attentive and professional staff."

263 Reviews

  1. Lisa

    Victoria1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Young staff, they were so professional and attentive

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rhonda VIP

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service is always friendly and helpful and food is always hot and fresh.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Shane

    San Diego5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    That has experienced her first time back at the cross Keys for many many years

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sue

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great venue - little a few noisy patrons made it hard to hear others speaking

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lisa

    Melbourne1 review

    3.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Meals were quick but a bit average and overpriced. Staff lovely.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Helen

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a great night, allowing friends to catch up and in a lovely bistro

    Is this helpful?

  7. Rhonda VIP

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was hot fresh and delicious. The service was friendly and very quick. Obviously we enjoy coming here as we come pretty regularly.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Tony

    Melbourne3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    As a group we left discussing the quality of service. Every staff member was professional, well informed & courteous. What stood out was the serving staffs communication & willingness to help. Everyone enjoyed their meals, (everyone being, 2 x Boomers, 2 x Gen X & a couple of kids cheeseburger meal eaters). Definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kerryn

    Melbourne2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food terrible had the Roast had been reheated Friend had CornBeef half the plate was Cabbage

    Is this helpful?

  10. Pam

    Sunshine Coast3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food is great and served promptly, portion sizes are generous We come here all the time haven’t been disappointed. Only complaint I have is the air conditioner works too well and it’s cool if you’re sitting underneath the vents.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cross Keys is rated 4.4 stars by 263 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City North
  5. Essendon

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Cross Keys

350 Pascoe Vale Rd, Essendon, AU-VIC 3040

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Situated on Pascoe Vale Road.
  • Neighborhood
    Essendon
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Australian, Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Public transit
    Conveniently located directly across the road from Strathmore Train Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Matthew Lawdorn
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.crosskeyshotel.com.au/
  • Phone number
    (03) 9379 7477
  • Catering
    Call (03) 9379 7477 to book a tour or email functions@crosskeyshotel.com.au
  • Private party facilities
    With two spacious and modern function rooms available for hire, The Cross Keys take the hassle out of party planning. Whatever the event, we are here to help ! Call (03) 9379 7477 to book a tour or email functions@crosskeyshotel.com.au
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