Best Pubs in Collingwood

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated September 29th, 2022

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.

Related pages
Best Pubs in Fitzroy
Best Bars in Collingwood

Goldy’s Tavern
Bar
Despite the modern refurb, this charming all-day boozer feels like it’s been around forever. Park yourself in the sunny, plant-filled atrium or nab a spot out front for pub-style breakfasts and upmarket parmas. The knockout-style pool competitions here are a midweek 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
A saloon-style pub with an Elvis fixation. The boot-worn floorboards feel like they ought to be scattered with sawdust, and there’s every chance you’ll see a cowboy hat-wearing country act crooning in the corner. The food sticks to the Americana theme: fried chicken, burgers and fully loaded fries.
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.