The Best Pubs in Melbourne
Melburnians have long embraced pub culture. The city was founded in 1835 and within just four years, 20 licenses had been issued. And while the term “public house” seems quaint today, it continues to be a bloody good description for Melbourne’s pubs, which welcome all ages and walks of life.
Pubs have changed enormously since then, weathering multiple recessions, two world wars, the temperance movement , the 6 o’clock swill , the counter lunch wars , gentrification and deadliest of all, the wrecking ball and pandemic.
The few hundred that have survived are all the more special and important. Here are our top picks, from nostalgic sticky carpet joints like The Tote to modern envelope-pushers like The Green Man’s Arms, challenging our ideas about what a friendly local can be.
Words by Nick Connellan
Updated on 19 August 2026
City and Surrounds
North
East
West
South
City and Surrounds
Bar
The Lincoln
This 19th-century gastropub, with a vintage front bar and bistro, is among Melbourne’s best. It’s serving modern classics and a set menu that wouldn’t look out of place at all in a classy restaurant.
Bar
Garden State Hotel
This massive pub has room for 800 punters across four leafy levels. And you can’t go wrong in any direction. Hit the front bar for parmas and pints, the basement cocktail bar, or Tippy Tay for fun Italian vibes and Negronis.
Bar
The John Curtin Hotel
It was once Bob Hawke’s favourite watering hole; these days it’s a rock’n’roll icon. Bands pack out the upper level, DJs spin vinyl downstairs. Sonny’s, the in-house diner, has some of the city’s best fried chicken and burgers.
Bar
Town Hall Hotel North Melbourne
If Keith Richards were a pub, the Townie would be it: weathered by years of partying, yet somehow still as good as ever. It’s open till late, which means there’s a high chance of catching some live music and a late-night pint.
Restaurant
The Courthouse North Melbourne
At this 1857-built art deco pub, enjoy a meal cooked on the hotel’s parilla grill and English-style ales served from hand pumps. Plus, stunning Sunday roasts and a record player spinning Dolly Parton and the Beatles.
Bar
Central Club Hotel
Set opposite Queen Vic Market, this classic pub makes the most of its access to local produce. Come for house pasta and steaks from the grill and check out the basement whisky bar. Or spend the night in one of its hotel rooms.
North
Restaurant
Railway Hotel Fitzroy North
This charming neighbourhood pub changed hands in 2023, but held on to its nostalgic feel. Come for quiet pints in the front bar and an Italian-influenced menu that nods to the past. And there's an upstairs band room.
Bar
Builders Arms Hotel
Under the stewardship of star chef Andrew McConnell, this classic bar and dining room in a heritage building feels as vital as ever. Throw back easy-drinking lagers and cocktails with a burger or the rotisserie of the day.
Bar
The Great Northern Hotel
One of the city’s OG craft beer destinations, this boozer has dozens of indie brews on tap, and the beer garden is an excellent spot to work your way through them. Plus, footy on the big screen outside.
Bar
Marquis of Lorne
This three-level pub – which has stood for more than 150 years – is one of Melbourne’s best. It’s an ideal spot for a feed or knock-off pint, whether you’re in the front bar, upstairs in the dining room, or soaking rays on the rooftop.
Bar
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 are sticky-carpeted tributes to the thousands of punk, metal and rock acts it hosts every year.
Bar
The North Fitzroy Arms
The Arms is an ode to good old Aussie footy pubs. Mains are approachable pub classics and beers are largely local. The snacks and desserts keep it simple (think sticky date pudding) and there’s even a banquet menu.
Bar
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.
Bar
The Napier Hotel
Locals get misty-eyed when you mention the Napier, such is the respect for this backstreet corner pub. The menu is pure comfort, and the interior is full of pressed metal and Australiana kitsch. It’s the kind of local every suburb needs.
Bar
The Standard
Fitzroy’s dense with pubs, but The Standard commands one of the suburb’s fiercest followings. Rusted-on locals pack the all-weather beer garden (the owners claim it’s Melbourne’s biggest), and the front bar feels warm and lived in.
Bar
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.
Bar
The Terminus Hotel
This craft beer destination also has a sophisticated steak restaurant. Head out back to Cinder for incredible Josper-grilled steaks, or settle into the carpeted public bar for quality pub grub. Or go for a stone-baked pizza.
Bar
Northcote Social Club
A bastion of live music for two decades, this is the spot to see buzzy acts from Melbourne and beyond. As well as the bandroom, it’s got an all-weather deck that blends into the rest of the pub, plus exceptional parmas and roasts.
Restaurant
Hotel Railway
Once a notorious pub with a chequered past, this north-side institution is now a glowing venue for special occasions, date nights and good times. It offers a Mediterranean diner, late-night vinyl-only bar and sprawling beer garden.
Bar
The Cornish Arms
This warm and inviting pub is renowned for two reasons. First, it's got one of the most vegan-friendly menus in Melbourne. And second, its sunny and expansive rooftop bar ranks among the best in Brunswick.
Bar
The Green Man’s Arms
The green heritage-style facade and mid-century decor give all the impressions of another classic pub. Yet the plant-based menu says otherwise. The eggplant “schnitzel” and fried cauliflower stand out; the diverse beers are a bonus.
Bar
The Sporting Club Hotel
This corner pub is from some of the crew that revamped the Royal Oak Hotel and The Marquis of Lorne. Visit for a retro menu filled with fun takes on pub staples – plus an outdoor bar with a retractable roof.
Bar
Labour in Vain
The best-named pub in town is focused squarely on two of Fitzroy’s biggest obsessions: live music and beer. There’s no kitchen or TV here, making it a no-frills hangout with good local tunes, lively conversation and games of pool.
Bar
Union Hotel Brunswick
Look for the locals sitting out front drinking jugs, right next to the overpacked bike racks. Set in a former strip club, this is a true local – offering good pub grub, craft beer and live music.
Bar
The Rose
Fitzroy’s oldest pub is for the old guard and the new. You’ll find footy fans gathered around the TVs on game days. When the vibe’s right, it’s like you’ve got 100 mates, beer taps and better-than-usual food in your lounge room.
Bar
The Union Club Hotel
While a new wave of revamped pubs adopts the retro look, this old boozer has no need. Its old paintings, retro couches and warm red walls fit the bill. But it’s the pool table and cheesy parmas that locals return for.
Bar
The Tramway Hotel
Right near Edinburgh Gardens, the Tramway is an ideal spot for post-picnic pints. It’s best known for its towering burgers, stacked high with pulled pork or nori-crusted tofu. Plus, plenty of live music.
Bar
The Retreat Hotel Brunswick
Find indie, comedy and even mariachi shows at this live music stalwart, where there’s something worth seeing every night. If guitars don’t amp you up, head out the back to catch a vibe in one of Melbourne's best beer gardens.
Bar
The Royal Oak Hotel Fitzroy North
Serving the neighbourhood since 1871, this old boozer is now run by the Marquis of Lorne crew. Its pub staples are more elevated than most, from rock oysters to roast lamb rump. And there’s still plenty of old-school charm.
Restaurant
The Park Hotel Abbotsford
The vibe is laid-back at this 160-year-old pub by the team behind The Royston. Bring your dog to the courtyard for cheeseburger spring rolls and the crowd-favourite kangaroo fillet with crisp potatoes.
Bar
The Pinnacle
It’s business as usual at Fitzroy North's pointiest pub – pints, pub meals and plenty of sun in the beer garden out back. The focus here is on counter meals and pub classics, with happy hours, parma specials and weekly roasts.
Bar
The Retreat Hotel Abbotsford
Take a trip back in time – to 1915 to be exact. This is one of few Melbourne pubs with a true heritage fit-out. But it’s kept up with the times where it counts. Be sure to book on weekends, or you’ll eat your parma standing.
Bar
The Kent Hotel
Under its current custodians, this historic old boozer has a focus on steak dry-aged on-site. But rest assured, it’s retained a good dose of traditional charm.
East
Bar
Corner Hotel
You’re not a live music (or footy) fan in Melbourne unless you’ve been to the Corner. The band room – and its infamous solitary column – is rightfully an icon. There’s also the killer rooftop and beer garden upstairs.
Bar
The Royston Hotel
This backstreet boozer is a true locals’ haunt (spot them sprawled on couches and huddled around communal tables). It’s mastered pub staples like parmas and burgers, which pair well with the many beers on tap.
Bar
Union House
This Richmond pub is as polished as it is cosy. There’s plenty of spaces to settle in, including a downstairs bar with craft and classic beers, a dining room with pub and bistro menus, and a rooftop. Grab a table by the fireplace.
Bar
The Orrong Hotel
Shuttered for years, this classic pub was carefully restored to its former glory by a crack team of publicans. You'll find a generous selection of counter meals, a coolroom turned pool room and a knock-off-ready courtyard.
Bar
The Beehive
This pocket of Hawthorn was crying out for a pub, and The Beehive answered the call. The historic pub has lived many lives – these days, it’s pouring pints, running footy tipping and cooking over open flames.
West
Bar
The Bridge Hotel
West is best at the 1926-built Bridge Hotel. The brick building on Watton Street has heritage charm in spades, with vintage archways, three crackling open fireplaces and retro tiling throughout. Plus, there's weekly live music.
Bar
Mamma Chen’s
An inclusive, accessible home for the music scene in the west. Grab a reasonably priced jug, catch a gig, then plonk yourself down in the colourful beer garden – heated and weatherproof so you can enjoy it year-round.
Bar
Mona Castle Hotel
A horseshoe bar takes pride of place at this 1874-built pub. It’s a real local’s local – with hearty Sunday roasts, standout steaks and plenty of west-side pride. Plus, trivia nights and members’ raffles, naturally.
Bar
Victoria Hotel Footscray
A contemporary pub that swells with pride and punters during footy season. There’s a nicely balanced menu of pub favourites, plus a focus on minimal-intervention wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Plenty of great beer on tap, too.
Bar
The Cheeky Pint
This friendly Footscray pub brews its own beers, so there’s always an interesting pint to try. They’re poured from a British-style hand pump alongside a rotating cast of classic pub plates. And there’s always footy on the TV.
Bar
The Park Werribee
A few steps from Werribee Station, The Park is a craft beer-lover’s haven, with an overwhelming 26 taps pouring everything from hazy IPAs to big-name brews. The comprehensive menu spans pub favourites, woodfired pizzas and more.
Restaurant
The Plough Hotel
A true community pub, the Plough eschews the upmarket polish of many inner-city boozers in favour of family-friendly charm and an approachable atmosphere. Those giving it a nudge can choose to snooze in accommodation upstairs.
Bar
The Station Hotel
A contender for the best steaks in the west. This pub has a singular focus on great beef, and you’ll find every size and cut imaginable starring on a broad menu with French influences. Pair it with a bold red or Victorian beer.
Bar
Three Crowns
Locals are treated like royalty (and remembered by name) at this fuss-free spot. Devotees return for perfected pub classics in the undercover beer garden. And it dips a toe into Americana with fried chicken and chilli fries.
Bar
The Mount Alexander Hotel
This neighbourly pub comes from an experienced team of hospo pros. You’ll find a crowd-pleasing menu (with a top quality range of steaks), fun line-up of signature cocktails and outdoor area with a retractable roof for sunny days.
Bar
Hardimans Hotel
This art deco boozer was originally built to resemble a ship, which explains its striking, wedge-like facade. Snag a spot in the front dining room for a brewery-inspired menu and one unbeatable street-side vantage point.
Bar
Junction Hotel Newport
This polished pub, set opposite a train station, takes its wine seriously. Whether you sit in the beer garden or wine room, the steaks are a worthy pick. Locals have claimed you’ll find some of the best in the west here.
Bar
Hobson’s Bay Hotel
A sprawling corner pub with panoramic bay and city views. Head to the spacious dining room for flame-licked rotisserie meats, or the rooftop terrace built for lazy afternoons with a Spritz in hand.
South
Bar
The Espy
You might need a map to navigate this iconic seaside pub. Across its five floors, you’ll find multiple bars and two restaurants. Not to mention three stages for live music, including the legendary Gershwin Room.
Bar
The Flying Duck Hotel
The good times fly at this backstreet corner pub. Have a steak-led feast in the greenery-surrounded glasshouse. Or wrap your hands around a big burger in the charming dining room. Plus, weekly oyster and prosecco specials.
Restaurant
Mount Erica Hotel
This classic corner hotel has a little Wes Anderson energy. If you look past the lofty menu and exceptional wine list (though you probably shouldn’t), you’ll find it’s still a rowdy Melbourne footy pub at heart.
Bar
Windsor Castle Hotel
This quirky lime castle is an improbable oasis away from bustling Chapel Street – and it has a huge courtyard. During the warmer months it’s thronged with locals, all drinking iced beverages and frosty beers.
Bar
Middle Park Hotel
This welcoming pub nods to old English-style boozers. There’s a heritage-style facade, horseshoe bar and hotel upstairs for overnighters. But the menu brings you back to the present with plenty of contemporary plates.
Restaurant
Albert Park Hotel
It may have 19th-century bones, but this four-storey pub has plenty of modern flourishes. Its sophisticated restaurant serves contemporary spins on Chinese cuisine, and the calibre of drinks at the lounge upstairs is topnotch.
Bar
The Prince Public Bar
The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel has lived many lives. Today, it’s the best version of itself, with a beautiful island bar, bistro pub fare, and plenty of footpath seating for pints and people-watching in the sun. Live music, too.
Restaurant
Railway Club Hotel
Famed for its house-aged steaks, this 19th-century pub is a paradise for lovers of red meat and wine. Combined with a front bar that’s primed for a late-afternoon pint, it’s easy to see why this spot has held court for decades.
Bar
The Local Taphouse
If you love beer, a visit to The Local Taphouse is non-negotiable. It’s influenced by European taverns in the 1930s and has one of the most curated beer lists in the country. Enjoy them either inside or on the rooftop.
Bar
O’Connell’s Hotel
The heritage building on the corner of Montague and Coventry streets has been a South Melbourne staple since 1873. Come for beer on tap, a special Martini; and proteins cooked on the venue’s longstanding Josper oven.
Bar
The Lion & Wombat
At this neighbourhood pub, enjoy traditional English fare – including Scotch eggs, fish finger sandwiches, and classic roasts – while sipping on a cocktail inspired by a cup of tea.
-98676d480e.webp)
-093417e9f7.webp)
