The Best Pubs in Melbourne
These institutions have stood the test of time, serving pints and parmas to their devoted regulars for longer than anyone can remember.
It's that time of the year when there's a certain buzz that starts around town. The anticipation is building. People have been patiently waiting for many months. The countdown is on before...footy is back! And that means it's time to start hitting the pubs even harder than usual on the weekends.
There aren't many more iconic ways to spend a Melbourne afternoon than with a beer in a hand, a parma on your plate, having a laugh with mates, and with your team kicking goals on the big screen. But where you choose to do so can make or break the experience. You're searching for that perfect pub that's bustling and lively, where you're welcomed like a local and can make friends with whoever lands up on the stool next to you. You want easy access to cold bevs, hearty, tasty food, and an unpretentious, laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. Look no further, because with our handy guide of the best pubs in town, you're in for a stellar time.
Recommended reads:
The Best Bars in Melbourne
The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The Best Boutique Bottle Shops in Melbourne
The Best Bars in the Melbourne CBD
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BarCollege Lawn Hotel
36 Greville Street, Prahran
Relax on the astroturf and enjoy cheap pub grub along with ice-cold beers at this no-frills local.
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BarBuilders Arms Hotel
211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Andrew McConnell's refined pub offers British-inflected fare, a strong wine selection and a lovely little courtyard.
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BarPrince Public Bar
29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
The legendary venue is still one of the best spots in town to watch the world go by.
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BarThe Fitzroy Pinnacle
251-255 Saint Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Fitzroy North's oddly-shaped corner pub gets a new lease on life under new management.
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BarThe Lincoln
91 Cardigan Street, Carlton
A much-loved Carlton gem serving up local craft brews and top-quality gastropub fare.
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PubPalace Hotel
893 Burke Road, Camberwell
Come for classic pub meals, or try something new with a native-ingredient forward small plates menu.
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BarMount Erica Hotel
420 High Street, Prahran
Watch the footy, shuck some oysters or enjoy a Sunday roast at Melbourne's oldest pub.
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PubMarquis of Lorne
411 George Street, Fitzroy
Drink down on the street, dine at the second floor restaurant or soak up some rays on the rooftop.
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BarThe Corner Hotel
57 Swan Street, Richmond
A Richmond live music institution with a banging rooftop.
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PubTerminus Hotel Fitzroy North
492 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
Find your classic pub vibes in the beer garden and public bar, or head to its restaurant for a classier affair.
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PubDoutta Galla Hotel
339 Racecourse Road, Kensington
While many things have changed, much remains the same, including the recognisable red doors, as a nod to the pub's legacy.
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BarThe Post Office Hotel
229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg
A refined gastro-pub experience in bare bones Coburg.
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BarRoyal Saxon
545 Church Street, Richmond
This bar-bistro hybrid has a little something for everyone.
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PubHigh St Hotel
213 High Street, Prahran
On the menu, you'll find tried and tested pub classics and snacky small plates to get you through an afternoon of bevvies.
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BarThe Great Northern Hotel
644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
A pub for pub-lovers in Carlton North.
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BarThe Rainbow Hotel
27 Saint David Street, Fitzroy
Toast your outsides by the fireplace, while warming your insides with any of 100 different beers.
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RestaurantGreen Man's Arms
418 Lygon Street, Carlton
A vegan pub with house-made falafel, halva ice cream and sparkling kombucha on tap.
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BarGarden State Hotel
101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
This always bustling pub is a favourite post-work hangout for many city workers who swing by for a care-free, good time.
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PubBanjo's Social Club
Stanley Grose Drive, Malvern East
With open space, live music, and even a petting zoo, this is how you really do family-friendly.
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BarWindsor Castle
89 Albert Street, Prahran
Sink beers with neon pink elephants and stuffed peacocks south of the river.
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BarMiddle Park Hotel
102 Canterbury Road, Middle Park
An inviting gastropub overlooking Albert Park Lake and Melbourne city centre.
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PubThe Waterside Hotel
508 Flinders Street, Melbourne
The revitalised venue now showcases a beer garden, a Southeast Asian restaurant, a rooftop bar, an outdoor terrace, a ground-floor pub and additional event spaces.
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BarThe Gertrude Hotel
148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
The Fitzroy corner site has been reborn once again — this time as a Med-inspired bar and bistro.
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BarThe Local Taphouse St Kilda
184 Carlisle Street, St Kilda East
This Carlisle Street institution boasts 19 taps, two fireplaces and a sun-soaked rooftop.
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BarThe Orrong Hotel
709 High Street, Armadale
Go glam or keep it simple. The choice is all yours at this classic gastropub.
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RestaurantThe Albert Park Hotel
85 Dundas Place, Albert Park
This historic Albert Park pub now has a new look and a modern Chinese food offering worth crossing town for.
