The Best Pubs in Collingwood

Gentrification has drastically changed the face of Collingwood, but its historic pubs continue to serve as pillars of the community. Young, old, four-legged – all are welcome at these relaxed boozers, which rarely have slick fit-outs or too much polish.

What really sets Collingwood’s pubs apart, though, is their commitment to live music. Whether you’re into folk, indie, punk or doom metal, chances are there’s a pub on this list for you. Only Brunswick and Fitzroy can really compete in terms of breadth and diversity of options.

Words by Dan Cunningham And Holly Bodeker-smith
Updated on 10 May 2024

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Goldy’s Tavern

Despite the modern refurb, this charming all-day boozer feels like it’s been around forever. Park up in the sunny, plant-filled atrium or out front for upmarket parmas. The knockout-style pool competitions here are a mid-week spectacle.

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The Tote

One of the most legendary venues in Melbourne’s live music scene, as well as a pilgrimage for interstate bands. Its three gig spaces (main room, front bar and upstairs) are sticky-carpeted tributes to the thousands of punk, metal and stoner-rock acts it hosts every year.

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The Gem Bar and Dining

This saloon-style pub has an Elvis fixation. The boot-worn floorboards feel lived in, and you might even catch a cowboy hat-wearing country act. The food sticks to the Americana theme: think Southern fried chicken and cheeseburgers.

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Le Bon Ton

A late-night bar bringing the flavours of New Orleans and Texan barbeque to Melbourne.

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Hotel Collingwood

A menu that flits between classic pub grub and modern, Asian-inspired “beer food” are what separates this historic pub, the former Robert Burns, from others in the area.

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Albion Hotel Collingwood

This historic pub will take you right to 1975. Find Bodriggy beers, a Latin American-leaning menu (think cheese-stuffed jalapeno tacos and 12-hour braised brisket tortas) and Marmadale Margaritas.

More options

Bendigo Hotel
The “Bendi” is a destination for heavy music of all varieties, punk and metal particularly. It backs it up with a short-order menu of American fast-food style burgers, a pool table and decent beer garden.

The Fox Hotel
A good, solid pub is the best descriptor for the Fox, which is gloriously unrenovated. It pours a good selection of beers (with an imperessive number in the fridges) and runs the usual parma, steak and burger nights.

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