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 Yarra
1. 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.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open 7 daysOpen Mondays+1 moreView 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.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(1,577)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Pubs St Kilda3. The Local Taphouse
Located in St Kilda, this spot draws crowds to one of Melbourne's most established beach suburbs — worth a visit if you're combining pub time with the seaside vibe.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,949)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Pubs North Melbourne4. The Drunken Poet
North Melbourne's go-to, convenient if you're in the inner north or looking for a pub with some character away from the busier neighbourhoods.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(1,252)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Pubs Fitzroy5. Napier Hotel
A Fitzroy institution that's held its reputation — worth stopping by if you're exploring the precinct's renowned hospitality strip.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,632)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Pubs Docklands6. Quarterhouse
Docklands location makes it practical for waterfront dining and drinking with easy access and a different neighbourhood atmosphere to inner Melbourne.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(906)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Pubs Melbourne CBD7. The Sherlock Holmes
Central CBD location puts it within reach for work drinks or a quick stop when you're in the heart of the city.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.5(2,379)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Pubs Prahran8. Prahran Hotel
Prahran's established pub scene means this venue draws a steady crowd — visit if you're in the area for shopping or the local dining scene.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(1,562)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Pubs Fitzroy9. Marquis of Lorne
Another Fitzroy favourite that benefits from the neighbourhood's strong pub culture — worth comparing with nearby competitors if you're keen on that area.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,123)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Pubs Collingwood10. The Fox Hotel | Pub Collingwood
Collingwood's hospitality reputation precedes it — this pub fits into one of Melbourne's most active nightlife and dining precincts.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(936)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Pubs Collingwood11. Pino Pinelli Public Bar
Also in Collingwood, offering another option if you're exploring the neighbourhood's dense collection of pubs and bars.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.8(364)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Pubs Carlton12. The Lincoln
Carlton's offering gives you a choice in a suburb with its own hospitality character, particularly if you're attending an event at the nearby university or precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(1,389)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soak Bathhouse - South Yarra | 68/100 | 4.7(1,791) | — | South Yarra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Royston Hotel | 68/100 | 4.7(1,577) | $$ | Richmond | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Local Taphouse | 67/100 | 4.6(1,949) | $$ | St Kilda | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Drunken Poet | 67/100 | 4.7(1,252) | $ | North Melbourne | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Napier Hotel | 66/100 | 4.6(1,632) | $$ | Fitzroy | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Quarterhouse | 66/100 | 4.7(906) | — | Docklands | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Sherlock Holmes | 66/100 | 4.5(2,379) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Prahran Hotel | 65/100 | 4.5(1,562) | $$ | Prahran | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Marquis of Lorne | 65/100 | 4.6(1,123) | $$ | Fitzroy | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Fox Hotel | Pub Collingwood | 65/100 | 4.6(936) | $$ | Collingwood | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Pino Pinelli Public Bar | 65/100 | 4.8(364) | — | Collingwood | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Lincoln | 65/100 | 4.5(1,389) | $$ | Carlton | Open late (after 10pm) |
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.
Keep exploring
Melbourne guides
roundupMelbourne Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
From hidden CBD cocktail bars to jazz, karaoke, craft beer and Yarra-side drinks, find the Melbourne nightlife venue that fits your night.
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Melbourne
From grand gardens and riverside lawns to a bayside lookout and the 1000 Steps, these are Melbourne's best free outdoor days.
Read guide →roundupMelbourne With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From nature play and riverside parks to escape rooms and VR, these are Melbourne family outings worth planning around.
Read guide →The best of Melbourne, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.