The Best Pubs in Collingwood

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated 7 months ago

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.

Looking for something specific?

Goldy’s Tavern
Bar
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.
The Tote
Bar
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.
The Gasometer Hotel
Bar
The Gaso is one of the city’s best rock’n’roll pubs. Its cosy, red-brick front bar belies the size of the band room out back, where you can catch the cream of the city’s musical crop from the dance floor, or the upstairs mezzanine beneath a retractable roof.
Book a Table
The Gem Bar and Dining
Bar
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.
Le Bon Ton
Restaurant
A late-night bar bringing the flavours of New Orleans and Texan barbeque to Melbourne.
Hotel Collingwood
Restaurant
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.
Albion Hotel Collingwood
Bar
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.