The 26 Best Pubs in Melbourne For a Pint & Parma

Vibey cocktail bars and classy wine bars, are a sure bet for date night, but pubs are where our best memories are made, with bubbly conversations among friends corralled by rounds of craft brew or jugs of Carlton. Melbourne’s a city full of destination-worthy pubs, from neighbourhood legends packed with footy-loving locals to contemporary showstoppers with gorgeous interiors.

These are the best pubs in Melbourne to score a spot at.

Botanical Hotel

For an elevated pub experience that'll have you feeling as though you're not even in a pub, head to Botanical Hotel. This South Yarra spot is a favourite amongst locals, and it's not hard to see why. Sip on wines out the front of the hotel as you watch people walk on by, or stay nice and toasty by the fireplace after your meal. Here, the vibes are high and the food is great. Start off with freshly shucked oysters and assorted sashimi before moving onto hearty steaks, succulent duck and comforting spanner crab pasta. We'll take one of everything!

169 Domain Road, South Yarra

Central Club Hotel

This newly refurbished boozer has quickly joined ranks as one of the best pubs in Melbourne. After a sustainable restoration, the space is warm and elegant, boasting both a sleek fit-out and food and drink of the highest caliber. All that, yet it still maintains the feel of classic corner pub we all know and love. The drinks list is 100% Aussie. The food menu shifts from excellent share plates through to quintessential pub meals with added refinement, and features market produce brought fresh from Queen Victoria Market. Start with the burrata, roasted beetroot and persimmon and the kingfish sashimi and wind up a quality steak, beer battered fish and chips, or handmade pumpkin cavatelli with black garlic oil and sage. We're quite certain Central Club Hotel will be a hotspot for North Melbourne locals and visitors alike. 

240 - 248 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

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 Standard Hotel

Bringing some of the best pub food, cold beers and specialty wines to Fitzroy's already buzzing ol' boozer scene is The Standard Hotel. It's a little hard to find, tucked away in one of the back streets but it's more than worth it for the lush beer garden that awaits (come summertime, you'll want to get in early, trust us). 

It's gimmick-free and character-rich, having been properly dedicated to the fine art of the good times since 1865. The warm and convivial front bar is forged on a winning combination of quality conversation, drunken limerick and retro décor, with an inescapable nostalgia that seeps into the dining room. Dive into an eggplant parma or heaped plate of fish and chips and feel like a true local. This Fitzroy favourite is one of the best Melbourne pubs in the business. 

P.S. It's dog friendly to boot!

293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy 

The Drunken Poet

Voted as one of the 10 best Irish pubs in the world (outside of Ireland), The Drunken Poet is equally adored for its taps as its whisky selection. This West Melbourne mainstay also happens to play host to a stacked calendar of local and interstate original artists almost every night of the week. The food is simple but hits the spot – toasted sandwiches and pickled eggs (plus bags of Taytos for a nibble). Pouring pints of Guinness with a side of toe-tapping beats, The Drunken Poet is one of the best pubs in Melbourne and it's helped turn the city’s west into a crafty destination.

65 Peel Street, West Melbourne

The Edinburgh Castle Hotel

Open seven days a week and brimming with atmosphere, The Edinburgh Castle Hotel is the kind of all-inclusive community-minded pub where mum, dad and the three kids are just as welcome as the local rock band. With a leafy beer garden, an extensive craft beer list and gastro pub food that features everything from Spicy Kung Pao Cauliflower to Steak and Ale Pie – Brunswick’s longest standing pub is also one of its finest.

681 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Marquis of Lorne

Comforting and cosy Marquis of Lorne may just be the best pub in Melbourne. Known for serving polished pub grub that’s a cut above the rest, it's sporting old school charm in spades. There’s nooks for hiding away in, beautiful stained-glass windows and plenty of local brews. Settle in by the fireplace, amp up in the front bar on game day or relax into an afternoon session on the open rooftop; this local haunt is a place for all occasions. 

411 George Street, Fitzroy

Bobbie Peels

Bobbie Peels may look like a classic watering hole on the outside, but it quickly reveals itself to be one of the best pubs in Melbourne inside. Sure, they still serve steak nights and pot pies, but there’s also falafel bowls and a bevvy of quirky craft beers. It's an easy place to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon, helped along by live music from blues bands and footy on the telly.

351 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne

Green Mans Arms

Green by name and green by nature, this friendly neighbourhood pub is entirely vegetarian, but visitors won't be missing steaks and parmas when they're being offered jackfruit sliders, brothy ramens and lush salads, with much of the produce coming directly from the owners' Yarra Valley farm. To drink, Green Mans Arms offers plenty of craft brews and even kombucha on tap, while regular live DJs and Sunday sessions keep the place lively.

418 Lygon Street, Carlton

Retreat Hotel

In a city full of slick bars and minimalist dining, the Retreat Hotel is keeping things old school. A traditional style pub, their accomplished kitchen makes things current with a menu full of fresh, local produce, served alongside an array of local wines and craft beers. Friendly, tasty and open every night of the week – what more could you want. One of the best pubs in Melbourne? We think so.

280 Sydney Road, Brunswick 

The Orrong Hotel

Having recently undergone a beautiful refurbishment, Armadale's The Orrong Hotel has all your pub needs covered. A 150-year-old boozer with classic charm, it has cosy booths, a leafy courtyard, a pool table, a fireplace, and most importantly a generous menu of hearty pub grub. Expect all the classics like parmas, burgers and Sunday roasts, as well as elevated dishes like Portarlington mussels, gnocchi and tuna steaks with a garlic lemon butter and cauliflower puree. In our humble opinion, The Orrong Hotel might just be one of the best pubs in Melbourne.

709 High Street, Armadale

Station Hotel

This classic pub hides an elegant bistro heart, where premium ingredients and French influences mean the steaks here are a cut above. Wagyu, Kobe and Cape Grim beef are all on the menu at Station Hotel alongside European classics like liver parfait, black pudding terrine and venison pithivier. Despite the upmarket fare, the Station Hotel is by no means a stuffy venue. Their relaxed suburban-feel front bar is pouring Furphys and spinning plates of fish and chips like any honest neighbourhood boozer.

59 Napier Street, Footscray

Cornish Arms Hotel

Boasting eight craft beer taps, a rooftop with views of the city and a dedicated vegan menu, there's something for everyone at friendly local Cornish Arms Hotel. By allowing plant-based fans of pub grub to join their omnivorous mates for a mock chicken parma, seitan souvlaki or even fishless fish and chips, they're doing their bit to bring people together. When it comes to watering holes, this is one of the best pubs in Melbourne.,

163A Sydney Road, Brunswick 

The Garden State Hotel

This epic, four-storey pub is a lush oasis and one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD. Glowing spherical lights and full trees bloom from The Garden State Hotel's 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

The Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel is more of a seaside mansion than a simple pub. A lavish top-to-bottom refurb has transformed this historic venue into a labyrinthine funhouse (and one of the best pubs in Melbourne). Scope out the wide front bar’s chandeliers, grand iron staircase and retractable glass ceiling, as well as the hallowed rock’n’roll history of the Gershwin Room. Then settle into one of the lush cocktail bars and restaurants that are tucked away in all corners of the building.

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

Stomping Ground

Most brewery pubs lean more towards functional, but Stomping Ground in Collingwood is a merrymaking wonderland for young and old. There’s a forest-themed cubby house for the kids and an expansive food and drink playground for everyone else. You can sidle up in booths next to wide glass windows that offer a direct view of the brewery’s huge steel vats in action, while indoor greenery and a retractable roof afford the space a summery feel all year round.

100 Gipps Street, Collingwood

Great Northern Hotel

Mention the Great Northern to anyone who’s been around the traps, and you’ll be unfailingly responded to with a twinkle in the eye and the affirmation “now that’s a good pub”. Great Northern Hotel has all the magic ingredients that go into a legendary watering hole. Always busy but deep enough in the ‘burbs to feel neighbourly, a leafy dog-friendly courtyard out back, effusive staff and a cracker list of beers.

644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North  

The Local Taphouse

Every Melburnian wishes that this was their local. Warm lights and wooden panelling evoke the feel of a vintage European tavern at The Local Taphouse, while the rooftop terrace is busy all year round, thanks to a fireplace that keeps it toasty warm. The vibes here are always top-notch, with a cosy volume of friends and lovers bonding over craft beers and comforting bistro fare. Whether you're a local or visit the area, this is one of the best pubs in Melbourne to add to your hit list.

184 Carlisle Street, St Kilda East 

Teller 

One of Lygon Street's favourite locals, Teller is where to go to enjoy an icy cold beer in one of the best beer gardens in the city, or have an intimate dinner in the cosy front bar. The food is exemplary modern pub fare; wine and dine over fresh oysters and smoked ham and pea croquettes, whipped feta and lamb meatballs with smoked eggplant and chermoula. Classic dishes like their bacon cheeseburger, chicken schnitzel and battered flathead and chips are also crafted beautifully here - and don't skimp on dessert; the mango and passionfruit crème brulee kicks. 

81 Lygon Street, Brunswick East 

Builders Arms Hotel

A corner pub fashioned under the exacting eye of Andrew McConnell was never going to be ordinary, and indeed, the Builders Arms Hotel is an exercise in pared-back elegance. Vintage pub tiles hint at the venue’s history while a muted palette, minimalist furnishings and ample indoor flora point to modernity. Come summer you’ll find the inner north’s young and hip sipping natural wine and snacking on charcuterie under the bougainvillea in their leafy courtyard.

 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Lamaro’s Hotel

Classed-up Lamaro’s Hotel feels more like a fine diner than a neighbourhood boozer these days thanks to its wide marble bar, indoor orchids, backlit wine shelves and plush carpets. Sure, they’ll do you a quick pint after work, but we’re here more often for long lazy lunches full of fresh seafood and fancy French wines under the glow of their beautiful stained-glass windows. elevated and upmarket, this is one of the best pubs in Melbourne.

273-279 Cecil Street, South Melbourne 

The Royston

Year after year The Royston remains one of the best pubs in Melbourne. Effortlessly combining a front bar that feels like a mate’s living room – complete with sunken couches, mismatched furniture and pot plants – with a classy old school bistro outback. Their insouciance hides a killer craft beer offering and top of the line cooking. But day in and day out, you’ll find the Royston milling with loyal regulars (their trivia night always books out).

12 River Street, Richmond

Wesley Anne

Saints and sinners alike are drawn to the Wesley Anne, a one-of-a-kind pub housed within a 19^th-century church. Here, they lean into the space’s potential for gothic charm in everything from the unpaved rough stone walls to the dim glow of their wrought-iron chandelier. Nevertheless, the space is made easily inviting via a roaring fireplace in winter and a breezy courtyard in summer.

250 High Street, Northcote

Corner Hotel

The Corner Hotel has always been one of the city’s most vital pubs, the spot for live music and post-footy beers on your way back from the MCG. However, since giving their rooftop a swanky revamp a few years ago, they’ve added style to their existing substance. The leafy-green space comes complete with an outdoor barbecue firing away alongside the bar, while a DJ booth turns regular evenings into summertime soirées.

57 Swan Street, Richmond

Worked your way through best pubs in Melbourne and looking for somewhere to eat? Be sure to check out our list of the hottest new restaurants around the city. Keen to snuggle up on the couch? Your favourite eateries have you covered with the best takeaways and dessert delivery for the ultimate sofa-fuelled feast!