There are certain pleasures in life that are almost universally enjoyed…like a good Melbourne beer garden. There are so many (almost too many) outdoor pubs and beer gardens in Melbourne to choose from; from beloved inner-north institution Welcome to Thornbury, to the more upscale Builder’s Arms in Fitzroy, to St The Local Taphouse on the water in St Kilda to the downright quirky at Leonard’s House of Love in South Yarra. So, here’s our round-up of the best beer gardens in Melbourne for food, drinks and a buzzy atmosphere.
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Best Beer Gardens in Melbourne at a Glance
Let’s look at some of the best pubs with beer gardens in Melbourne at a glance:
- Best overall: Howler
- Best for craft beer offerings: The Local Taphouse
- Best for food: Builders Arms
- Best dog-friendly outdoor pub: Welcome to Thornbury
- Best kid-friendly outdoor pub: Stomping Ground Brewery
Alright, now let’s go onto the big list of the best beer gardens in Fitzroy, South Yarra, Brunswick, Collingwood, Richmond, St Kilda and more!
The Pubs with Beer Gardens in Melbourne
1. Welcome to Thornbury
- What we like: The huge beer garden! Also love the variety of food trucks, so you’ll never go hungry.
- What could be better: It gets really busy, especially on weekends, so snagging a table can be a bit tricky.
The Vibe
Welcome to Thornbury is one of Melbourne’s biggest beer gardens in Melbourne; it can hold up to 530 people in its outdoor area! It’s got a bunch of picnic tables, colourful umbrellas, and a constantly rotating lineup of food trucks. It’s the ideal spot to kick back on the weekend, soak up the sun and just general vibes of a friendly crowd, which is a mix of families, younger professionals and some furry companions (yep, it’s doggo-friendly!) The staff here are super lovely, with a very “hands-off” approach. If you need ’em, they’re around, but otherwise you’ll be left to your own devices.
The Food
The food options here are varied thanks to a rotating schedule of food trucks. You’ll find everything from gourmet burgers and loaded fries to tacos and Asian street food. The lineup changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s a truck for that!
The Drinks
The drink selection at Welcome to Thornbury is just as impressive. They have a great range of craft beers, refreshing ciders, and cocktails. The drinks are reasonably priced too, so that’s always a bonus!
- Address: 520 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne VIC 3070
- Phone: +61 3 9020 7940
- Hours: Mon-Tue 3pm-10pm, Wed-Thu 3pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-11pm
2. Whitehart Bar
- What we like: The unique setting in a converted car park with a cool, industrial vibe.
- What could be better: Limited indoor seating (not ideal in temperamental Melbourne weather!)
The Vibe
Whitehart Bar might not immeditaly scream outdoor beer garden, but trust us, it definitely fits the bill! Its industrial setup, with shipping containers and cool graffiti, creates a super urban beer garden atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out in Melbourne CBD. Whitehart is also known for its live music and cool visual projections all over the venue. Overall, the crowd is friendly, and the whole place just feels effortlessly cool and inviting.
The Food
Food at Whitehart is simle but satisfying. You can grab some bar snacks or order a pizza from +39 Pizzeria, which gets delivered straight to your table. While it’s not a full dining experience, the delicious pizza and occasional food trucks keep things interesting.
The Drinks
Whitehart Bar really nails it when it comes to drinks. They’ve got a solid range of craft beers, boutique wines, and some of the most inventive cocktails you’ll find. We’d recommend: White Lie, a super refreshing mix of vodka, elderflower, lemon myrtle, and lychee syrup. Or, if you love apple and rhubarb pie, the Rhubarberbar cocktail is a must—it’s legit like drinking a dessert.
- Address: 22 Whitehart Lane, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9602 2260
- Hours: Mon-Wed 12pm-11pm, Thu 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-11pm
3. Howler
- What we like: With two bars, a performance space, and regular events including live music and DJ sets, there’s always something happening at Howler.
- What could be better: While the drink selection is excellent, some reviews suggest the drink prices are on the high side, which can add up quickly on a night out.
The Vibe
Howler is a Brunswick institution. From the outside it doesn’t look like much, but inside you’ll find an urban oasis – with the beer garden adorned with huge steel trees and floating planters. The main bar area is spacious, with padded booths and candle-lit tables adding to the cosy atmosphere. The crowd is super artsy – Howler is a space where creatives and music lovers come together to eat, drink, play and enjoy a bangin’ rotation of live DJs and other entertainment. Whether you’re there for a quick, Tuesday trivia or a night of dancing, the vibe is always welcoming and fun.
The Food
In terms of beer garden food, Howler punches above its weight with its food offerings, which include both snacks and bigger meals. On the menu you’ll find dishes like fried calamari, karaage chicken, vegan arancini, and a classic chicken parma. There’s a good variety of options for vegetarians and vegans too.
The Drinks
Howler’s drink menu is solid, featuring a range of local and international beers on tap. The cocktails are equally impressive, with creative concoctions that thankfully aren’t overly sweet. The two bar areas also offe a happy hour from Tuesday to Thursday, and cheap jugs on Fridays, making it a great spot to kick off a night out in Brunswick.
- Address: 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056
- Phone: 0435 101 887
- Hours: Friday 3.30pm-12am, Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 2pm-10pm, Tuesday 5pm-10pm, Wed & Thurs 5pm-11pm
4. Riverland Bar
- What we like: Riverland Bar is right on the Yarra River, giving you beautiful water views and a perfect spot to soak up Melbourne’s city vibe.
- What could be better: It gets pretty packed on AFL game days, so if you’re heading to a footy match or there’s a game on, we’d hedge our bets elsewhere. Also, the drink selection is on the small side.
The Vibe
Riverland Bar has very laid-back vibe that’s perfect for unwinding by the river. It’s definitely up there as one of Melbourne’s best beer gardens in the CBD. Located in the historic Federation Wharf vaults under Princes Bridge, it mixes old-school charm with a modern feel. The beer garden is a great place to hang out after work, or while away your Saturday or Sunday. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, and it can get pretty packed on the weekend due to its epic location, so just keep that in mind.
The Food
The menu at Riverland Bar offers a good mix of snacks and more filling meals. It’s also got a bunch of tasty options for vegans, and the gluten free among us. You can nibble on share plates like roasted pumpking dip with flatbread, or if you’re a meat eater we’d recommend the maple glazed lamb ribs or crispy chicken tenders. There’s also classic burger options (including vegan), fish and chips, parmas and a good selection of pizzas (GF and vegan options). We’d also recommend the bottomless spritz & pizza offering on the weekends (just $65 per person) – too good of an offer to refuse.
The Drinks
Riverland Bar’s drink selection is small but solid. They have several craft beers, wines, and cocktails to choose from. It’s not an extensive list, but it gets the job done on a hot Melbourne day!
- Address: Federation Wharf Vaults 1-9, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9662 1771
- Hours: Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm, Mon-Wed 12-9pm, Thurs 12-10pm
5. Arbory Bar & Eatery
- What we like: Arbory Bar & Eatery stretches for over 120 metres along the Yarra River, right next to Flinders Street Station. Prime CBD location!
- What could be better: Arbory can get quite crowded, especially during peak times. So if you want a quiet outdoor beer garden, this isn’t the spot for you.
The Vibe
Arbory Bar & Eatery has a cool, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for unwinding by the iconic Yarra River. Located along the old Sandridge railway platform, it’s got a unique mix of city and nature. It’s one of Melbourne’s best beer gardens to bring your interstate or international friends to! By day, it’s a pretty casual vibe and spot to enjoy the sun and river views. At night, it turns into a cosy, softly lit hangout that’s perfect for catching up with friends after work or starting your night out. It’s open until late every night, with a dedicate late-night snack menu after 10pm, which includes chicken wings, bolognese arincini, charcuterie board and more.
The Food
The menu at Arbory focuses on tasty comfort food with a creative twist. They’ve got a great selection of sandwiches and burgers. We highly rate the slow cooked pork & veal meatball sub with basil pesto and parmigiano reggiano, and the double cheeseburger with fried onion, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and crinkle-cut chips. If you’re vego, the crumbed mushroom & halloumi burger with tomato relish is a winner. For something more indulgent, the New England lobster roll with shoestring fries and truffle salt is incredible.
The Drinks
Arbory has a great drink offering. You can enjoy local and international beers on tap, a well-curated wine list, and plenty of cocktails. They also offer quick-serve classics like Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritz on tap. For something a bit different, try the Tommy’s Watermelon Margarita for a refreshing twist. They also have cocktail jugs for sharing.
- Address: 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9614 0023
- Hours: Open Sun-Sat 11am until late
6. The Local Taphouse
- What we like: The Local Taphouse in St Kilda is a dream for craft beer enthusiasts. With over 400 different beers rotating through their 19 taps each year, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
- What could be better: This place is popular, so it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
The Vibe
Located on Carlisle Street, The Local Taphouse is one of the best beer gardens in St Kilda. With a cosy, European-inspired feel and dark timber panelling throughout, it’s a welcoming vibe that that fits right in with the relaxed, beachside setting in St Kilda. The rooftop beer garden is stand-out feature, of course, offering stunning views and a perfect spot to soak up the sun. Bonus points – it’s dog friendly too. The crowd is a bit of a mix – popular by day with Gen X-ers and above, and a more Millenial/Gen Z crowd by night.
The Food
The menu at The Local Taphouse features a mix of classic pub grub and European-inspired dishes. You can’t go wrong with the chicken parma, beef burger, or fish and chips. For something different, the croquettes with chilli-lime mayo or the Taphouse fried chicken are both antastic. They also offer a banging Sunday roast for a not too shabby $27.
The Drinks
The Local Taphouse is a craft beer lover’s paradise with a rotating selection of fantastic brews. Some faves we’ve loved include the crisp Stomping Ground Laneway Lager, the tropical Stomping Ground ‘Big Sky’ Hazy Pale, and Willie Smith’s Organic Apple Cider, a distinctive Tasmanian farmhouse-style cider. For IPA fans, Hop Nation’s ‘J Juice’ Hazy IPA offers a creamy, hoppy delight, while the Escape ‘The Belgian’ Golden Strong Ale brings fruity esters with its European-inspired flavours. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, there’s always something exciting on tap at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda.
- Address: 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East VIC 3183
- Phone: (03) 9537 2633
- Hours: Sat & Fri 12pm-1am, Sun-Thurs 12pm-11pm
7. Builders Arms
- What we like: Great atmosphere, lovely staff and epic location.
- What could be better: The beer prices are a little higher than average, and sometimes serving sizes are on the smaller side.
The Vibe
As far as the best beer gardens in Fitzroy goes, we highly rate the Builder’s Arms Hotel. The Builders Arms blends old-school pub vibes with a distinctly up-market vibe. Located on the corner of Gertrude and Gore Streets, it’s got that classic Fitzroy feel inside and out. Inside, you’ll find a cosy pub atmosphere with dark wood floors and art deco touches. Outside, however, is where the magic happens. The beer garden, while on the small side, is absolutley perfect for a weekend brunch, lunch or dinner. Leafy and shaded from the sun, it’s a great spot to eat, drink and be merry. Plus, it’s dog friendly!
The Food
Hands down, Builder’ Arms does some of the best pub grub in Melbourne. The menu, crafted by renowned chef Andrew McConnell, has a bit of everything. You’ve got pub classics like the Builders Arms cheeseburger to some more fancy snack options like whipped cod roe with flatbread. For something more filling, try the fish pie loaded with seafood or a variety of steak options. They also have great weekly specials like Monday steak night and Tuesday chicken night.
The Drinks
You’ll find a great selection of drinks at Builders Arms. They have 12 rotating taps featuring local and craft beers, a well-curated wine list, and some killer cocktails. Their espresso martinis are a crowd favourite. If you’re just in for a drink, grab some bar snacks like Sopressa salami and caperberries to go with your pint or cocktail.
- Address: 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Phone: (03) 9417 7700
- Hours: Sat-Sun 12pm-11pm
8. Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall
- What we like: With a 24-tap bar, Stomping Ground offers a fantastic variety of craft beers brewed on-site. There’s always something new to try, from crisp lagers to bold stouts.
- What could be better: Service can be a bit of a hit or miss!
The Vibe
The Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall on Gipps Street in Collingwood is a favourite among locals for good reason. Inspired by the classic beer halls of Europe, the place has a cosy yet buzzing atmosphere, while the retractable roof beer garden is perfect for any weather. Inside, the long communal tables make it easy to have a friendly chingwag with fellow beer lovers.
The Food
The food is as exciting as the beer. The menu features a variety of tasty options, from small bites like fried goat’s cheese stuffed olives and muhammara with za’atar flatbread to hearty dishes like the BBQ rump burger and parmesan crumbed chicken schnitzel. You can also find fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and mouth-watering desserts like nutella pizza and spiced honey cake. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
The Drinks
The drink menu is dominated by their extensive range of craft beers, brewed on-site. You can find everything from IPAs to stouts, and they even have beer ice cream for dessert! The flagship APA, named after their Gipps Street location, is an absolute must-try. There’s also some vino options, cocktails and soft drinks for the non-beer drinkers.
- Address: 100 Gipps St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- Phone: (03) 9415 1944
- Hours: Sun-Thurs 11.30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-12am
9. Leonard’s House of Love
- What we like: Leonard’s serves up some of the best burgers, fried chicken, and nachos in Melbourne.
- What could be better: Service can be hit or miss, and it can get a bit rowdy after 12am (but this might be a good thing depending on your stamina!)
The Vibe
If you’re after the coolest / most unique beer garden in Melbourne, Leonard’s House of Love in South Yarra is the one for you. It transports you back to the 70s with its log cabin design, complete with wood panelling, a fireplace, and a (working!) pinball machine. Leonard’s feels more like a fun, retro house party than a typical Melbourne beer garden, but hey, it’s still a beer garden and it’s still local favourite. The crowd is a mixed bag, and it gets pretty messy after 12am. But on the whole, the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious.
The Food
The menu at Leonard’s centres on delicious American comfort food. Think juicy cheeseburgers with beef brisket and short rib patties, crispy hot glazed fried chicken tenders with chipotle mayo, and loaded nachos. Honestly, the food is some of the best in Melbourne. They also have a vegan-friendly menu, and plenty of gluten free options. Importantly, the portions are generous, which we love to see.
The Drinks
Leonard’s offers a good mix of beers on tap, including beers from Young Henry’s and Brooklyn Brewery, and a neat selection of bottled and canned beers. Their cocktails are fun and refreshing, and there’s also a solid wine and spirits selection.
- Address: 3 Wilson St, South Yarra VIC 3141
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am
10. Harlow Beer Garden
- What we like: Harlow consistently brings the good vibes, with events like drag rooftop brunches, live sports screenings, and weekend bottomless brunches.
- What could be better: Food service can be slow at times! It’s also not super vegan friendly.
The Vibe
Located on Church Street in Richmond, Harlow is a hot spot with locals, both mid-week and on the weekends. Harlow is super welcoming, featuring a cosy ground floor bar and dining area, a spacious split-level beer garden, and a neon-lit basement bar. The dog-friendly courtyard is a highlight, with string lights and vibrant street art, fitting up to 250 people – so you know when it’s busy that the vibes will be high. With weekend DJs and a mix of great tunes throughout the week, Harlow always has a lively, fun atmosphere.
The Food
Harlow’s menu gives a fresh twist to pub classics. We’d recommend the starting with the yummy buffalo fried cauli nuggets or crispy pork belly bao. t with yummy bites like mini crab doughnuts or duck and bacon sausage rolls. If you’re hungrier, the beef nachos and chicken parma are excellent, and so is the Okonomiyaki burger with spring onions pancake, nori, Japanese BBQ sauce, and wasabi kewpie.
The Drinks
The neon-lit basement bar is the best spot for creative cocktails. But if you’re in the beer garden, there’s a rotating beers on tap, and a great selection of tinnies and wines. There are also seasonal cocktails to sip on while you soak up the fresh air.
- Address: 447 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
- Phone: (03) 9810 0082
- Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
How Man of Many Chose the Best Beer Gardens in Melbourne
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly experience Thai food from the best spots in Melbourne.
It is also based on our experience, in-depth research and customer reviews of Thai restaurants in Melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating our selections.
Our editors have taken into account food, service and atmosphere while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few spots outside of the CBD.
You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
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Best Beer Gardens Melbourne FAQs
Absolutely! Melbourne is very equipped for the colder weather! Most of these beer gardens will have gas heaters, fire places or blankets to keep you warm in winter.
Policies vary by venue, but many beer gardens in Melbourne are family-friendly and allow children, especially during the day. Some places even offer kid-friendly menus and play areas. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific venue beforehand.
Most beer gardens in Melbourne are pretty laid-back when it comes to dress code. You’ll usually find that casual clothes are fine. However, some beer gardens might require things like closed in shoes or collared shirts. To make sure, it’s a good idea to check the venue’s website or give them a quick call to see if there are any specific dress guidelines.
