Overview
This summer has been all about rooftop bars. Bomba this, Loop Roof that — it's as though no one's noticed the apocalyptic heat and general exhaustion of the entire city. On the fifth day of a 40 degree heatwave, a roof is the last place you want to be. Perched at the top of a concrete jungle with some saccharine monstrosity melting in a martini glass? I'll be at my local, under the trees, with a cold pint pressed to my forehead, thanks.
So, to save you the trouble, here's our round-up of the best beer gardens — the quiet achievers of a summer wisely spent in the suburbs.
The Brunswick Green
This large and welcoming watering hole is a mainstay of Sydney Road's already impressive pub circuit. Inside, the place is decked out in a loving and knick-knacky fashion that will make you feel snug and homely during winter, and outside, the expansive paved beergarden provides a relaxed oasis during summer's hotter days. Drop in for a cheeky pint during the day, or catch up with a group of friends under the coloured fairy lights at night. Note: bring your pocket money, it's unfortunately a cash only bar.
313 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, (03) 9381 2413
The Boatbuilders Yard
We're not 100 percent sure if this is considered a beergarden, but it sure is pretty. Located right on the harbour at South Wharf, this relatively new bar is the place to go if you like your drinks served with a view. Designed by Six Degrees architects — the same people behind Auction Rooms and De Clieu — the venue operates with a functional simplicity that's refreshing to stumble upon on a summer's day. And, owned by the same people behind Riverland, the venue has some decent bar know-how. Aside from the extensive wine list, punters can look forward to pitchers of summer cocktails including a Spiced Rum Cooler, Aperol Spritz and the classic Pimms No. 1.
23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf, (03) 9686 5088, theboatbuildersyard.com
The Standard
Even Fitzroy locals would be forgiven for not knowing this place exists. Strategically tucked away on a one-way road off Brunswick Street, The Standard seems to punch well above its weight. Outside, an outdated Carlton Draught sign hangs from the awnings coated in flecking old paint, but inside lies a labyrinthine and tree-shrouded beergarden that's up there with the best of 'em. Similar to The Brunswick Green, the bar offers a comforting retro vibe with accumulated clutter covering the walls and faithful old bar staff that seem equal parts dependable and scary. But outside is where you'll be spending most of your time — a breezy little oasis that's well worth the search. (NB: If this were an article about parmas I would rave a little about their offering, but for now just trust me — it's good.)
293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9419 4793, thestandardhotel.com.au
Village Melbourne
Located on the former grounds of the much-loved Belgian Beer Cafe, Village Melbourne is a platinum player in the local beergarden circuit that has already made a huge name for itself anew. Located just off St Kilda Road, this sprawling and versatile venue was the home of last year's extremely popular Trailer Park, and will operate this summer as a stand-alone bar and brasserie with a largely American-inspired menu. Hello chilli dogs!
557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, (03) 9529 2899, villagemelbourne.com.au
The Great Northern
Carlton is known for its poky little places. There are hundreds of small pizza joints with very large men spruiking them, there are great cafes down tight laneways — but people don't talk much about its big sprawling pubs. The Great Northern is a pub for pub-lovers — the ones who like to watch the footy and really know their beers. Boasting 22 taps with a regular rotation of craft beers including Mountain Goat, 2 Brothers, Stone & Wood, and a selection from the ever-present Brooklyn Brewery, this is definitely the place to go for a pint.
644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, (03) 9380 9569, gnh.net.au
College Lawn Hotel
Nestled in the terrace-lined backstreets of Prahran, this southside pub and bistro is a dependable local that no doubt gives its neighbours some grief over the weekend. In addition to a main bar, dining area, public bar, and bottle shop, the large astroturf-lined beergarden can house hundreds on hot summer days, and conveniently has an outside bar to cater for it. While it can be hard to get a table during their infamous Sunday Sessions, during the week this place is a relaxed little hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Chapel Street and offers great specials on pub grub including a $12 locals' night on Mondays.
36 Greville Street, Prahran, (03) 9810 0074, collegelawnhotel.com.au
Northcote Social Club
As you know, this place is an institution of the Melbourne music scene. But what you may not remember from those groggy head-banging nights, is that it also has a pretty decent beergarden out back. With big timber tables and some of the strangest assortments of people you'll ever see, NSC is not only a great venue to catch a cheap gig (seriously, most things still sit at around the $15 mark), but also the perfect meet-up for parmas and pints. It may not have a degustation menu or a long list of craft beers, but hey, maybe you can sneak into a show for free.
301 High Street, Northcote, (03) 9489 3917, northcotesocialclub.com
Windsor Castle
The brightest offering of the bunch, Windsor Castle, comes from the same school of thought as the Carlton Club — everything looks better with taxidermy. Sporting a kooky exterior coat of pink and lime-green paint, and a kookier interior of antlers, tusks and peacocks, this southern gem is really trying to make you take notice. That's not a bad thing though — you should. Come summertime, you'll want nothing more than to abscond to its suburban wilderness and bask in the light of its neon pink elephants.
89 Albert Street, Prahran, (03) 9525 0239, windsorcastle.com.au
The Retreat
This aptly-named Brunswick local is a step back in time — a time where pubs had character, live music was free, and every chair was vinyl. Still standing after 150 years, The Retreat is the first point of call for the Brunswick faithful, and a worthwhile trip for outsiders. The menu is a strange (but totally great) mixture of regular pub grub and mexican food, the drinks flow freely till 1am, and the beergarden, with its beautiful overhanging tree and constant buzz of laughter and conversation, might just be the best in Melbourne.
280 Sydney Road, Brunswick, (03) 9380 4090, retreathotelbrunswick.com.au
Disclaimer: the author of this piece is currently employed pulling pints at the College Lawn Hotel. She was not influenced to include the venue by her managers, but rather by how nice it is to spend her breaks in its big beergarden over summer.