The Best Pubs in Melbourne CBD for a Bevvy and a Bite
Need a knockoff? Treat yourself to a pint and parma at one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD.
For many Melbournians, popping into a pub is the best way to unwind on the weekend, or after a hard day at work. With a casual, fuss-free vibe, these humble haunts beckon us to come in and relax with the help of an ice-cold bevvy and a crispy schnitty, or fare that’s on the fancier side. The city’s pub scene is packed with everything from old-school boozers and gastropubs to beer gardens, rooftops and party pubs.
So next time you're in need of a beer and a break, head to one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD.
Morris House
Formerly the European Bier Café, this new inner city boozer has quickly cemented itself as one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD. Morris House, which has undergone a 4-million dollar transformation, is set across four floors. Expect comedy in the NYC-style basement, elevated dining on the entry level, live music on the first floor and glorious views of the city on its sprawling, leafy rooftop. Pair the slushy-style Iced VoVo margarita with house-made focaccia and a classic burrata with pickled veggies for the perfect knock-off treat.
120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
The Mitre Tavern
The Mitre Tavern sits within a 19th-century building (the oldest building in Melbourne, in fact) and possesses a huge beer garden, warm ambience, and a rustic bistro serving gourmet burgers.
One of the city's most beloved meeting places, people of all walks of life can be found intermingling at this convivial and cherished tavern, whether that be over casual Friday night drinks or perfectly charred steaks.
Step within the centuries-old doors to discover both delicious pub fare and a fabled history. It's quite like an old-world English pub - and for that reason alone is why it's up there for us as one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD.
5 Bank Place, Melbourne
The Natural History Public Bar
The underrated pub in Melbourne CBD award has got to go to this Collins Street haunt.
A classic pub inspired by the classic museums of the world, The Natural History Public Bar offers consistently good pub grub and happy hour specials amidst red and black checkered floors, stained glass windows, a 15-metre diorama that includes a mountain goat, deer, badger and various birdlife.
There's a dedicated steak section to slice through from their refined pub menu, as well as excellent vegetarian options and weekly specials including steak, burger, and fish and chip nights. These always hit the spot.
It's also a cracking spot to play a round of pub trivia with friends, or to host an event in a space that will be talked about for years to come.
Unique and charming and relaxed and fun - this is one of our favourite pubs in Melbourne CBD.
401 Collins Street, Melbourne
Kirk's Pub
Just off the corner of Hardware Lane sits this blink-and-you-might-miss-it pub. Attached to beloved Kirk's Wine Bar, Kirk's Pub is its casual little sibling, where a diverse and excellent selection of vino and beer can be enjoyed as post-work bevvies, alongside some of the best hot chips around town. Ever wanted to try a blue-coloured sour beer? This is where to order it.
Other brilliant, shareable dishes include pickled mussels with charred sourdough and pickled green peppers, charcuterie and cheeses, scotch eggs, and arancini. If the spicy mussels pop up on the menu, you must get them.
A little pub, next to a wine bar, under a restaurant - we can't rave about this stellar venue enough!
382 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
The Black Prince Pub & Grill
Settle into the first Indian pub and restaurant in Melbourne's CBD. It's a fantastic spot for every day happy hours, delicious cocktails, live sport watching, and luscious curries.
Food wise, The Black Prince offers Pakistani, Lahori and North Indian, and Anglo-Indian Royalty cuisines - so you can get your hit of spice from sizzler plates to samosa, Amritsar spiced fish and chips to Kashmir style goat Rogan Josh.
A warm, inviting energy, outdoor seating and live music come the weekend ensure that this is one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD that needs to be on your radar.
45 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Captain Melville
A well-worn venue for raucous revelry – Captain Melville is Melbourne’s oldest public house. For over 150 years, the bluestone walls of this landmark establishment have serviced thirsty locals with its impressive assortment of classic and bespoke brews from Victoria and beyond. To satisfy your comfort food cravings, tuck into elevated pub grub dishes like Korean fried chicken wings, pasta, parmas and curries. Upstairs you’ll find Loch and Key, a cosy hiding place with a completely different demeanour. It features multiple rooms to explore, warm wood finishes and booths for private tête-à-têtes. Trading until 5 am in the morning on weekends, it lends itself to late-night hijinks.
34 Franklin Street, Melbourne
The Garden State Hotel
Epic, four-storey pub The Garden State Hotel is a lush oasis and one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD. Glowing spherical lights and full trees bloom from within their central atrium, while vines and planters make the whole place feel like a magical indoor garden. An intimate cocktail bar downstairs and sprawling spaces above mean plenty of cosy nooks to hide away in even as the hotel reaches heaving capacity towards the end of the week.
101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Imperial Hotel
The best pubs in Melbourne CBD consistently draw a crowd and this laid-back spot is no exception. The first two floors are made at the Imperial Hotel are made up of a sports bar, dining room and large function space with picturesque views of Parliament House. Climb another set of stairs, and you’ll reach the rooftop bar. With panoramic views facing Parliament, it’s ideal for date nights and friendly catchups, complete with delicious share bites and sun-soaked seating.
2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne
The Mint
Historic and trendy all at once, one of Melbourne’s oldest pubs is also home to the CBD’s biggest beer garden. Primely positioned on William Street, The Mint keeps things traditional with happy hours, meal deals and free trivia nights. The tastiest of their locally loved offering, their 'pie of the week' deserves an honourable mention which features the likes of beef, Bourbon and sage or chicken, white wine, and sweet corn. Pair it with your beverage of choice and you’ve got a mighty fine pub meal on your hands!
318 William Street, Melbourne
Saint & Rogue
With its character-laden charms, centuries-old venue Saint & Rogue does relaxed sophistication faultlessly, with a cracking menu to match. Serving comfort food with an upmarket flair, Saint & Rogue opens its arms to those looking for a refined touch to classic pub plates. Buttermilk fried chicken bites with house smoked tomato sauce and apple & pine nut rémoulade make for a moreish snack while the Wagyu cheeseburger will leave you wanting more. The warm chocolate macadamia cake rounds out the indulgent experience seamlessly. One of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD? We think so.
582 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Workshop
To join the locals for a cheap bevy and bite, head to Workshop – a lively, unpretentious drinking spot that’s known for its thriving creative culture. While they title themselves a bar, it's leafy, laidback and gives us big pub energy featuring industrial interiors, soft lighting and a cosy outdoor courtyard that is adored year-round. Playing host to Melbourne’s best DJs alongside a rotating roster of visual artist exhibits, there's always something cool to check out. And, with drink specials running throughout the week, it’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to stretch your dollars until payday.
1/413 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
The Duke of Wellington
Occupying prime real estate on the corner of Flinders and Russell Street, Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub is also one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD. Established in 1853, The Duke of Wellington has a lot to offer: a wine bar, dining hall, multiple lounges and a newly opened rooftop that lends itself perfectly to sunset drinks. Keeping it pretty standard foodwise, choose from pub classics such as The Duke parma with crinkle cut chips & slaw, the 300g Darling Downs scotch fillet with chips & aioli or the 1853 classic cheeseburger. Wash it down with a range of beers on tap, local and international wines and a cocktail menu that changes with the seasons.
146 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Worked your way through the best pubs in Melbourne CBD and looking for somewhere to eat? Be sure to check out our list of the hottest new restaurants around the city. Keen to head home and kick it on the couch? Your favourite eateries have you covered with the best takeaways and dessert delivery for the ultimate sofa-fuelled feast!
