12 Best Pubs in Melbourne Worth Your Visit
Melbourne's pub scene spans neighbourhoods from the CBD to Collingwood, each with its own flavour. Whether you're after a quiet drink in Fitzroy or something closer to the city, here are 12 venues that locals and visitors keep returning to.
1Pubs South Yarra1. Soak Bathhouse - South Yarra
Unique venue combining social drinking with a bathhouse concept, worth visiting if you want something genuinely different from the typical Melbourne pub experience.
View venue4.7(1,791)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Pubs Richmond2. Royston Hotel
Sits high on the local radar in Richmond, a neighbourhood known for its lively hospitality scene — good choice if you're exploring that precinct.
View venue4.7(1,577)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Pubs St Kilda3. The Local Taphouse
Located in St Kilda, this spot draws crowds to one of Melbourne's most established beach suburbs — worth a visit if you're combining pub time with the seaside vibe.
View venue4.6(1,949)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Pubs North Melbourne4. The Drunken Poet
North Melbourne's go-to, convenient if you're in the inner north or looking for a pub with some character away from the busier neighbourhoods.
View venue4.7(1,252)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Pubs Fitzroy5. Napier Hotel
A Fitzroy institution that's held its reputation — worth stopping by if you're exploring the precinct's renowned hospitality strip.
View venue4.6(1,632)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Pubs Docklands6. Quarterhouse
Docklands location makes it practical for waterfront dining and drinking with easy access and a different neighbourhood atmosphere to inner Melbourne.
View venue4.7(906)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Pubs Melbourne CBD7. The Sherlock Holmes
Central CBD location puts it within reach for work drinks or a quick stop when you're in the heart of the city.
View venue4.5(2,379)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Pubs Prahran8. Prahran Hotel
Prahran's established pub scene means this venue draws a steady crowd — visit if you're in the area for shopping or the local dining scene.
View venue4.5(1,562)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Pubs Fitzroy9. Marquis of Lorne
Another Fitzroy favourite that benefits from the neighbourhood's strong pub culture — worth comparing with nearby competitors if you're keen on that area.
View venue4.6(1,123)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Pubs Collingwood10. The Fox Hotel | Pub Collingwood
Collingwood's hospitality reputation precedes it — this pub fits into one of Melbourne's most active nightlife and dining precincts.
View venue4.6(936)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Pubs Collingwood11. Pino Pinelli Public Bar
Also in Collingwood, offering another option if you're exploring the neighbourhood's dense collection of pubs and bars.
View venue4.8(364)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Pubs Carlton12. The Lincoln
Carlton's offering gives you a choice in a suburb with its own hospitality character, particularly if you're attending an event at the nearby university or precinct.
View venue4.5(1,389)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soak Bathhouse - South Yarra | 68/100 | 4.7(1,791) | — | South Yarra | — |
| Royston Hotel | 68/100 | 4.7(1,577) | $$ | Richmond | — |
| The Local Taphouse | 67/100 | 4.6(1,949) | $$ | St Kilda | — |
| The Drunken Poet | 67/100 | 4.7(1,252) | $ | North Melbourne | — |
| Napier Hotel | 66/100 | 4.6(1,632) | $$ | Fitzroy | — |
| Quarterhouse | 66/100 | 4.7(906) | — | Docklands | — |
| The Sherlock Holmes | 66/100 | 4.5(2,379) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | — |
| Prahran Hotel | 65/100 | 4.5(1,562) | $$ | Prahran | — |
| Marquis of Lorne | 65/100 | 4.6(1,123) | $$ | Fitzroy | — |
| The Fox Hotel | Pub Collingwood | 65/100 | 4.6(936) | $$ | Collingwood | — |
| Pino Pinelli Public Bar | 65/100 | 4.8(364) | — | Collingwood | — |
| The Lincoln | 65/100 | 4.5(1,389) | $$ | Carlton | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Melbourne suburb has the most pubs on this list?+
Fitzroy and Collingwood tie with two venues each, reflecting their reputation as hospitality hotspots.
Are there pubs on this list in the Melbourne CBD?+
Yes — The Sherlock Holmes in Melbourne CBD offers central convenience.
Which pubs are best for a neighbourhood night out?+
Fitzroy (Napier Hotel, Marquis of Lorne) and Collingwood (The Fox Hotel, Pino Pinelli Public Bar) are established pub precincts worth exploring properly.
Are opening hours listed for these venues?+
No — we recommend checking directly with each venue or their social media for current hours.
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