Best Bars in Thornbury

Updated 6 months ago

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Thornbury is one of our favourite parts of Melbourne for bar hopping. Though gentrification has well and truly arrived on High Street, its effects have been relatively gentle. The bars here are relaxed, down-to-earth places in keeping with the convivial spirit Greek and Italian immigrants brought to Thornbury following the Second World War. Nearly everything is within walking distance, but if you’re feeling lazy the 86 tram runs right past all the good spots. Remember to schedule a pizza stop at Wolf and Swill or the Moor’s Head.

  • Competition is fierce, but we feel comfortable calling this the best beer bar in Melbourne.

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  • Pallino Bar & Bocce revives classic cocktails and a vintage sport in Thornbury.

  • Cocktail hour, Italian style.

  • Pizza, side salads, beer and wine – this little corner bar keeps things delightfully simple. The pies here are basically Neapolitan, but go rogue with the toppings. Try one topped with honey-roasted garlic and rosemary, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder and goat’s curd.

  • Find easy-drinking cocktails, blistering pizzas and veteran hospitality at this neighbourly bar in a converted warehouse. Franklin’s has a 3am license, so there’s plenty of time to explore the selection of whiskies, cocktails and Victorian beers.

  • An all-vegan cosy local that’s committed to serving up affordable, plant-based dishes and wines. Go for its meat-free takes on pub classics, house-made gnocchi and small bites. Enjoy your meal and vegan vino at the bar, in a booth, or in the beer garden out the back.

  • Put your feet up at this dive bar that takes upcycling to the max and has a super-tight drinks list (that means no cocktails).

  • A friendly brewery and bar located in the industrial back streets.

  • Soak up the sunset above one of the city’s favourite (relocated) Italian restaurants, with a pina colada punch in one hand and a cheesy ‘nduja soldier in the other. And if you’re still hungry, you can always nip downstairs for a bowl of orecchiette with broccoli and anchovies.

  • Visit the Thornbury classic for coffee, cake and cards in the morning, or spritzes in the sunny beer garden in the afternoon. Plus, it makes one hell of an events space.

  • A Greek neighbourhood bar inspired by yiayia’s house. Go for comforting home-style plates, including pickled calamari and gooey vegan moussaka, backed by a tight list of Greek beers and wines; stay for the retro setting and vibrant vibes.