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Cross Keys, Essendon, AU-VIC

Cross Keys

4.3
4.3
266 Reviews
$40 and under
Australian
350 Pascoe Vale Rd, Essendon, AU-VIC 3040

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 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 266 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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.2Value

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 "friendly and helpful service" with "hot and fresh food." Ideal for casual gatherings, it boasts "generous portion sizes" and "great value for money." While noise and occasional service delays can occur during busy periods, the "professional and attentive staff" ensure a welcoming experience for all diners.
266 Reviews

  1. Antonio

    Melbourne1 review

    1.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    For starters, my table was not on there system after all that, lucky there was a table spare, Everyone at my table of 8, were disgusted with the food, food does not match it prices. All the Parma's were way over cooked and dry, we struggled to cut through them, especially with the butter knifes we were given, the snitzels were dry and over cooked, when i asked the boys who would come back, every guy at the table said Definitely no. I asked the waiter what the 3 dishes were she just put on the table, and she yelled out (i just told you what they were Mate) and walked off. Goodbye Cross Keys, way better places than that place

    Is this helpful?

  2. Susan

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Friendly staff tasty food. Good value for seniors meals

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mary

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Great place but it would be nice if they upgraded the kids area we would go more often with our Grandkids. The food though is excellent

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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?

  5. 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?

  6. 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?

  7. 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?

  8. 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?

  9. 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?

  10. 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?

FAQs

Cross Keys is rated 4.3 stars by 266 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 10 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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