The Northcote Social Club is a veteran of the Melbourne music scene, and like many classic venues of yore, it’s had a few facelifts over the years. Gone is the faded glory of an ageing Aussie pub, with a thoroughly modern venue taking its place.

This Brunswick pub located toward the top end of Sydney Road has been around for yonks. It has had a few little makeovers in its storied past, but an old school boozer it remains. 

Long considered one of Melbourne’s best steak destinations, The Station Hotel sure knows how to make a great piece of meat shine. Hit this gorgeous heritage pub in Footscray from 12pm each week and enjoy one of the ten different steak options on offer.

Touted as the best Irish pub outside of Ireland, this tiny spot located at the top end of Queen Vic Market is easy to miss. Come for live music five nights a week (both traditional and contemporary), genuine Irish charm and the perfectly poured Guinness.

St Kilda’s Local Taphouse is a Carlisle Street institution and must-visit location for draught lovers — its 19 rotating taps go through more than 400 different beers a year. 

Lovingly known as The Townie, this old school boozer has changed very little over the years. Walk into the front bar to find the walls covered in vinyls and music memorabilia, an old chandelier and carpeted floors that smell like they’ve been around. 

Better known by Melburnians as The Espy, this hallowed Melbourne pub made a triumphant return at the tail-end of 2018. A mighty revamp added two levels, brought in an innovative art program and restored the pub’s live stages.

Brighton’s Half Moon pub — run by the same group that owns Lucky Coq, Portsea Hotel and The Albert Park Hotel — is huge. Behind the building’s original historic façade, lies six separate drinking and dining spaces, split across two levels.

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 Hotel seems to punch well above its weight. 

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, this is definitely the place to go for a pint.

Historic Carlton pub, The Lincoln, is best known for its progressive booze offering and its produce-driven pub feeds. Pull up a stool at the Art Deco bar and order yourself a pint of craft beer (or a Carlton Draught, naturally) from one of the 12 taps.

This Gertrude Street pub has existed in many a form over the years. But its 2018 renovation saw it become a quintessential locals’ pub with enough style to impress your mum. 

Better known as The Spready, this Richmond haunt is home to all your pub necessities. Come for a decent selection of beers, live music, Sunday trivia and a really great parma. 

The historic Albert Park Hotel unveiled its grand makeover at the hands of new owners Colonial Leisure Group at the end of 2020.  The Melbourne pub jumped back onto the scene with a brand new look and a modern Chinese food offering.

Rescued from demolition in 2014, the Terminus Hotel was reimagined, revamped and replenished from its former days as a local dive — all while holding onto its trademark laidback charm. 

A mere 50-metres from Brunswick Street, The Rainbow Hotel is home to a massive beer garden, regular live music gigs and a fireplace that roars all day and night during winter.

Closer to the classic British pub than most, The Napier Hotel is a winner all year round — but it’s the warm fire that makes this an excellent choice in the winter months. 

Like many a Fitzroy pub, the Marquis of Lorne has been through a few refurbs over the years, finally settling in its current form spread across three levels.