From Richmond to Fitzroy, Melbourne is the unofficial culture capital of Australia and its pubs stand out with a relaxed atmosphere, great selection of beers, and delicious pub grub. Given the endless number of pubs scattered in and around Melbourne, finding your next local can feel like navigating an urban labyrinth. Luckily we’ve done the leg work for you, so sit back and enjoy a pint or two as you crawl your way around the many hotels gracing the streets of Victoria’s capital.
Best Pubs in Melbourne at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following venues:
- Best pub in Melbourne overall: Wesley Anne
- For pub grub: The Sherlock Holmes Inn
- For craft beer: The Palace Hotel
- For live music: The Corner Hotel
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of Contents
- Best Pubs in Melbourne at a Glance
- 1. The Station Hotel
- 2. Marquis of Lorne
- 3. Wesley Anne
- 4. Builders Arms Hotel
- 5. The Tote
- 6. Retreat Hotel
- 7. The Catfish
- 8. Edinburgh Castle Hotel
- 9. The Fox Hotel
- 10. The Irish Times Pub
- 11. The Boat Builders Yard
- 12. Labour in Vain
- 13. Woodlands Hotel
- 14. Gasometer Hotel
- 15. The Curtin
- 16. The Crafty Squire
- 17. Flying Duck Hotel
- 18. Leonard’s House of Love
- 19. Hotel Esplanade
- 20. The Local Taphouse
- 21. The Palace Hotel
- 22. College Lawn Hotel
- 23. Stomping Ground
- 24. The Sherlock Holmes Inn
- 25. The Great Northern
- 26. Plough Hotel
- 27. The Lord Newry Hotel
- 28. The Lincoln
- 29. The Drunken Poet
- 30. The Standard
- 31. The Corner Hotel
- 32. The Railway Hotel, South Melbourne
- 33. The Royston
- Why You Should Trust Our List
- Alternatives to These Pubs Melbourne
RELATED: Want a great cake with your coffee? Check out our favourite high spots in Melbourne.
1. The Station Hotel
Doubling as one of Footscray’s most iconic pubs as well as one of the best steak restaurants in town, The Station Hotel holds a special place in our hearts and stomachs. Beyond its reputation “for serving the best steaks in the west,” The Station Hotel takes pride in a menu inspired by high-quality, French-inspired comfort food with all your favourite beers on taps, and a decent wine list, too.
Address: 59 Napier St, Footscray VIC 3011
Phone: (03) 9810 0085
2. Marquis of Lorne
Marquis could refer to a hereditary title of nobility, a town in Grenada or village in Saskatchewan, or a 1989 film – but in this case, the Marquis of Lorne refers to a killer public bar and dining room, slightly off the beaten track on Fitzroy’s George Street, famous for some of the best pub meals in Melbourne. Don’t forget to head up to the rooftop bar to soak up the sun on summer evenings, it’s worth the walk up all those stairs!
Address: 411 George Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 3 9417 5001
3. Wesley Anne
By far one of the most underrated of the best pubs in Melbourne, The Wesley Anne is a Northcote institution. There is always something going on here, whether it be trivia or live music, and paired with the kitsch decors in this former church and rustic pub grub, you can’t get much better than this place for an all-rounder pub. Grab a pot or a pint and order yourself the Cauliflower steak – it’s something else.
Address: 250 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
Phone: (03) 9482 1333
4. Builders Arms Hotel
The Builders Arms Hotel is an ambient landmark pub with a lively front bar, bistro, private dining room, and courtyard. Home to probably the best trivia night in Melbourne, and the best rotisserie meat in the land, the popular front bar is lively and loud and a perfect spot for a few drinks with friends. Fancy some food? Head to the Bistro, where famous restauranteur Andrew McConnell has created an amazing menu for his venue, a must-try is the whipped cod roe dip (which is in itself a reason to visit here) and the incredibly hearty fish pot pie.
Address: 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9417 7700
5. The Tote
The Tote Hotel is a Melbourne institution, and it’s lovingly nicknamed by locals as the ‘Home of Rock’. Here you’ll find an absolutely KILLER jukebox, alongside incredible live music gigs by some outrageously talented raw and edgy bands. But it’s not just ‘all about the music. The Tote also offers mouthwatering $10 burgers (not just during happy hour) and they have recently brought out their lager, which washes it down a treat!
Address: 71 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: +61 3 9419 5320
6. Retreat Hotel
Brunswick’s home of live music, Retreat Hotel hosts an incredible offering of music to dance, revel and sing along to. After a show, catch your breath out the back in the eclectic and vibrant beer garden. These days The Retreat is known around Melbourne to always having a great crowd and an even better pub lunch (their jalapeno poppers go off.) Head down on a Thursday night or for a Saturday boozer.
Address: 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
Phone: +61 3 9380 4090
7. The Catfish
The Catfish is a renowned live music venue and, a bloody good local watering hole with top-notch booze to boot. With weekly comedy nights and the famous Wednesday night ‘Blues Roulette’ (Blues music nights in the front bar with a rotation of new musicians each show), there’s something for everyone. And, if that doesn’t sell you, the best pub steak in Melbourne, Sparrows Philly Cheesesteaks certainly will.
Address: 30 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 3 9417 6420
8. Edinburgh Castle Hotel
This old-school Brunswick pub is perfect for social gatherings, a nice beer garden out back, a pool table in an adjacent room, trivia nights with the best trivia host this side of the Pacific Ocean. The list goes on. And with the bustling hub of other bars on the vibrant Sydney Road just a stone’s throw away, the Edinburgh Castle Hotel is the perfect place to start a night out…a night that if pub-crawled south down Sydney Road correctly, will no doubt, end up at The Retreat (see above!) You can’t go wrong.
Address: 681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Phone: +61 (03) 9386 7580
9. The Fox Hotel
With rustic charm and an amazing contemporary menu, The Fox Hotel provides an unparalleled experience for both avid diners and drinkers alike. They have a fantastic outdoor area for summer days and the clientele are always friendly. Over 100 varieties of beer are on offer, 7 days a week (including the ever-sought-after Guinness!) and with $6 pints between 4-6pm on weekdays, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t sneak off work early and take a cheeky little visit to the Fox on your way home! When it comes to food, we can’t go past the smoked tofu tacos.
Address: 351 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: +61 3 9416 4957
10. The Irish Times Pub
We all know the Irish know how to drink. And hand in hand is their ability to establish homely, high-spirited pubs that guarantee a great evening out. The Irish Times Pub loves things live and loud, and there’s always sports on the big screens. Traditional Irish pub grub is the flavour of the day here, expect big and hearty dishes such as Beef and Guinness pies and chips and curry sauce. So grab the boys, and head down after work for a pint o’ Guinness and a ‘t’riffic’ pub feed.
Address: 427 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 9642 1699
11. The Boat Builders Yard
Located on the Yarra’s edge, The Boatbuilders Yard is one of the best pubs in Melbourne for waterside views. Good beers on tap, nicely spaced outdoor areas, and fun but chilled relaxed vibes make this pub one of the best along the river. They even have deck chairs out the front! Top tip: they also open early on weekends, so it’s a great spot for a brekkie and bloody mary to soak up the booze from the night before.
Address: 23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
Phone: +61 (03) 9686 5088
12. Labour in Vain
Perfectly situated in the heart of Fitzroy, Labour in Vain is the perfect place to start (or finish) a local pub crawl down the bustling hub of Brunswick Street. It boasts a sunny rooftop beer deck, pop-up BBQs and regular free live music. And there’s a pool table thrown in, for good measure. Nothing too flash, Labour in Vain does exactly what it says on the box. FYI – they don’t have a kitchen but we are happy for you to order in from your favourite restaurant.
Address: 197a Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 3 9417 5955
13. Woodlands Hotel
The Woodlands Hotel is a hidden wonderland, built within the walls of the oldest pub in the Moreland. It’s a little rabbit warren of surprises, from its leafy outdoor atrium to its plush dining room upstairs. The Hotel is a true local gem, championing local produce, both in the kitchen and behind the bar. With beers on tap, from local breweries Two Birds and Moondog, and a menu consisting of a multitude of flavour combinations from local growers and producers (try the grilled lamb backstrap with creamy garlic mash, honey roasted baby carrots, charred broccolini and mint jus,) this place has to be seen to be believed!
Address: 84-88 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Phone: +61 3 9384 1122
14. Gasometer Hotel
The Gasometer Hotel band room features not only regular rumbustious local bands but also a retractable roof, mezzanine seating, a separate bar and a Nexo sound system throughout. And that doesn’t even cover the Gaso’s front bar and menu that qualifies it as some of Melbourne’s best pub food. A must-visit on the Melbourne pub scene if you like your pubs loud, divey and full of character.
Address: 484 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: (03) 4240 4276
15. The Curtin
The title of best pub in Melbourne for live music goes to The John Curtin Hotel in Carlton. Best known for its “Beers, Bites and Bands”; here you can pair your top local gigs with their famous 24hr brined Sonny’s fried chicken and wash it all down with a local tap brew. This pub is a fan favourite, with its quirky bathroom wallpaper and fun and friendly bar team, this is one night out you certainly won’t forget!
Address: 29 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 9663 6350
16. The Crafty Squire
Proudly the only working microbrewery and one of the best pubs for sports in Melbourne CBD, the James Squire Brewhouse – The Crafty Squire is perfect for beer lovers. You can get lost in here, there are so many areas, both in and outdoor, making it great for larger groups. Beer is the overarching theme here, and we’d highly recommend trying the tasting paddles; a handpicked selection of 4 of their delicious beers for only $18. And if you haven’t had enough beer after all of that, you can even tour the brewery!
Address: 127 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 9810 0064
17. Flying Duck Hotel
The Flying Duck Hotel has so many different areas, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one! The indoor dining area offers a nice cosy pub feel or head outside to The Glasshouse for a new experience. The sophisticated indoor/outdoor area is bright and airy and perfect for those wanting to explore somewhere a little bit different, for that afternoon drink with friends or relaxing after work bevvy.
Address: 67 Bendigo Street, Prahran VIC 3181
Phone: (03) 9240 5376
18. Leonard’s House of Love
Walk into this unassuming building on the backstreets of South Yarra, and you will be delighted by what’s inside. Reminiscent of an apres-ski bar, with wood-panelled walls and kitsch decorations Leonard’s House of Love is the funkiest place to be south of the river. This place must be seen to be believed and with $12 house lager jugs, sessions here can last all day. Our favourite burger is the Rodeo Burger with a beef brisket and short rib patty, American cheese, Jack Daniels onion jam, burger sauce, bacon, onion rings and pickles. We promise that once you discover this place, you won’t be leaving any time soon.
Address: 3 Wilson Street, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: +61 428 066 778
19. Hotel Esplanade
St Kilda’s iconic Esplanade Hotel had a short hiatus and returned in 2019 in the same venue but with a shiny new facelift. The impressive space now boasts 3 live music stages, 12 bars and 2 restaurants. Old vintage furniture and ’80s gig posters keep it nostalgic inside, while the airy garden terrace gives it that ocean-front exclusive feel. Every visit here allows you to explore something different. Mya Tiger is an impressive Cantonese restaurant on level 1, with wonderful bayside views to impress your friends and an even more impressive cocktail list. Bustle your way to the front of the main bar for a pint and a pub lunch for a more classic St Kilda experience or for something more exclusive, ask staff for the key to see the Ghost of Alfred Felton, a super-exclusive VIP prohibition-style bar on the 5th floor!
Address: 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: + 61 (03) 9534 0211
20. The Local Taphouse
This multi-award-winning tavern is one of the best pubs in Melbourne on account of its mouthwatering menu, European-inspired decor, and an incredible range of craft beers. The Local Taphouse taps more than 400 different beers every year, meaning you can sample a different drop on every visit! Find out which current beers they have on tap right now, by heading to their website. Alternatively, pop your head in and ask the friendly staff for a schooey.
Address: 184 Carlisle Street, East St Kilda VIC 3183
Phone: +61 3 9537 2633
21. The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is all about offering local beers for locals. So, if you’re around South Melbourne be sure to head in for daily specials, a huge range of craft beers and a wide selection of sports, depending on the season. The bangers and mash as well as the eggplant parma are our go-tos. Plus, you’ll always find some company looking for a friendly yarn and a passionate discussion on how the Swans shoulda never been stolen by Sydney.
Address: 505 City Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: +61 3 9682 3177
22. College Lawn Hotel
Nestled in the back streets of Prahran, College Lawn Hotel is famous for its Sunday sessions, complete with live music and a lively atmosphere. The venue is predominantly outdoors which is great for the summer days and they even offer a ‘paws on the lawn’ area for doggos and their owners. No need to get up from your table with an innovative QR code printed on the menus, that allows you to scan on your phone and order food from the comfort of your own seat, and it’s brought to you once ready, leaving you to sit back and relax in the great atmosphere.
Address: 36 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181
Phone: +61 (03) 9810 0074
23. Stomping Ground
Expect this European-inspired brewery and beer hall to be exactly as the name suggests – your new stomping ground and one of our top picks for the best pub in Melbourne. Stomping Ground pays homage to Collingwood’s history as the epicentre of Australian brewing. They provide the very best local indie beer, a giant 30 tap bar, cubby house and an unparalleled community feel.
Address: 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: 0477 006 962
24. The Sherlock Holmes Inn
A hidden gem in the heart of Melbourne’s busy CBD, The Sherlock Holmes has over 30 years of rich history. Full of character, complete with low ceilings and hearty pub grub, this pub transports you from Melbourne to London in the blink of an eye. A must-visit for anyone who likes old-English-style pubs, cozy nooks, and a bloody good old time. A good night out is guaranteed. It’s elementary, my dear Watson.
Address: Basement 415 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 9629 1146
25. The Great Northern
A great local pub, The Great Northern is best known for its impressive turnout of punters watching live sports from across the world. With huge screens both indoors and around their huge courtyard, this is the go-to place for big sporting events such as the World Cup or the NFL. Pints are decent prices and the service is relaxed and friendly. Even if you travel from elsewhere, the vibe here is that you’re in your local pub so you can wear your team’s colours with pride. Doggos are encouraged to attend, so much that they even make housemade dog biscuits made from peanut butter and pumpkin to keep your furry friends happy while you enjoy your pints!
Address: 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054
Phone: +61 (03) 9380 9569
26. Plough Hotel
The Plough Hotel is a fresh, modern-looking pub that we love for a mid-week pint and feed. It’s urban but not too polished, so you can bring your best mate here, or even your sister or your nan! It offers a selection of the most original wines and beers from around the world, so great if you’re looking for something a bit different than the usual night out on the cans. And, if Footscray seems a bit far to travel, or you’ve had one too many and can’t drive home, stay the night in their incredible boutique accommodation.
Address: 333 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Phone: (03) 9687 2878
27. The Lord Newry Hotel
A little bit off the beaten track, but the best place to go after a game of barefoot bowls at Fitzroy Bowls Club, The Lord Newry, is a popular local gem. With a pool table and mini arcade game tables in a separate room to the main bar, this is a cool, kooky pub for an after-work pint or an evening sesh. And with the outdoor seating area, and hitting the sun in the mid-afternoon, what better excuse for a pint on a sunny Melbourne day?
Address: 543 Brunswick St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Phone: +61 (03) 9481 3931
28. The Lincoln
One of the best pubs in Melbourne since 1854, The Lincoln has transcended generations. Their award-winning, art deco bar has 12 rotating taps, a curated wine list and a seasonal menu with sustainably-sourced food made in house – we love the steak tartare with oyster cream, cured egg yolk and Yorkshire pudding. After a recent reno, the Lincoln is looking fresh while still holding its authentic vibe. Best for: chilled days or nights out with good friends who enjoy a cheeky ale or two.
Address: 91 Cardigan Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 9958 8663
29. The Drunken Poet
Voted one of the 10 best Irish pubs in the world (outside Ireland) by the Irish Times, The Drunken Poet is a cozy, friendly local-style pub. It is full of charm and with one of the finest selections of Irish whiskey in Australia. You’re destined for a good yarn with the locals and a well-poured Guinness straight from the tap. The small venue is always bustling and always promises an interesting night out.
Address: 65 Peel Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Phone: (03) 9348 9797
30. The Standard
The Standard serves their beer cold, their pub food hot and their live music loud. They also promise quality conversation, drunken poetry, and a chameleon-like courtyard that stays cosy in the Winter, festive in the Summer and offers the best pub food in Melbourne all year round. We’ve never been there ourselves but the talk around town is downright legendary, and we hear especially good things about the food – the pork, fennel and chilli sausage rolls are a crowd favourite.
Address: 293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 3 9419 4793
31. The Corner Hotel
Best known for its gigs from international and local acts, The Corner Hotel hosts an 800 person capacity band room. Smack bang next to Richmond train station, it has always been a popular watering hole for locals, the beer list features heavily lots of local Richmond breweries (also a short walk away if beer is your thing!) But perhaps the most impressive on the drinks menu is the mad, scientist-level cocktails. Go for the ‘Popular’; dark rum, bitters, and popcorn syrup. This is the only stop you’ll ever need for a great night out.
Address: 57 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: +61 (03) 9427 7300
32. The Railway Hotel, South Melbourne
For one of the liveliest and best pubs in Melbourne CBD, you can’t look past the Railway Hotel in South Melbourne. The Monday trivia, $14 parma Tuesday, Wednesday steak, Thursday pie night, Friday happy hours and Sunday roast are a great incentive to visit the bustling pub – and Saturdays are great too. Start with a day drink in the beer garden and order a cocktail when happy hour kicks in. Thank us later.
Address: 280 Ferrars St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: +61 3 9690 5092
33. The Royston
Part pub, part underground bar, part restaurant, this is the place to come with all your mates for good old knees up and a bloody good time. With epic burgers and a good selection of tap beers, The Royston is a seriously good pub oozing with vibes. Found in the heart of Richmond, locals love it and it’s well worth the trip if you haven’t been before.
Address: 12 River Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9421 5000
Why You Should Trust Our List
With more than 10 years of experience reviewing bars and restaurants, Man of Many’s team of editors has selected a list of the pubs in Melbourne we love. They’ve taken into account price, atmosphere and menus when compiling this list, while also leaning on author Aimee O’Keefe who is a North Melbourne local with a wealth of personal experience pub-crawling around Melbourne. As our resident Melbourne team member, Aimee is the perfect person to decode Melbroune’s thriving pub scene.
Alternatives to These Pubs Melbourne
If you’re looking to bar-hop to a restaurant after a few drinks why not check out the Best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne? Alternatively, you can also check out our list of 100 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne or if you’re looking to keep the party going, we can also help you with your search for the Best Live Music Venues in Melbourne.
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