Melbourne

Number 30:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/clifton-hill-brew-pub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clifton Brew Pub</a>&nbsp;(Clifton Hill)Extensively renovated&nbsp;four years ago, the Clifton Brew Pub has transformed a tired old boozer (not without its charm mind you) into a real craft beer destination, where their own brews are made on the premises. Add quality grub and friendly mixed demographic we can see this rising even higher in the list next year.Food:&nbsp;We really rate the kitchen, especially the parma and the big share plates. The Sunday Roast lunch is so big it we didn’t eat til Monday morning after it.Beer Garden:&nbsp;We like the tables out on the road, where motorists stop at the lights with jealously in their eyes.Specials:&nbsp;A cracking Friday special that showcases everything on tap!<img class="image_resized" style="width:0px;" src="https://thehappiesthouraustralia.com/media/1734/clifton-hill-brew-pub.jpg?width=0&amp;height=0" alt=""><img class="image_resized" style="width:0px;" src="https://thehappiesthouraustralia.com/media/7617/clifton3.jpg?width=0&amp;height=0" alt=""><img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-30-D0zrRdqI.jpeg" alt="top-50-30.jpeg">Number 29: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/perth/grosvenor-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grosvernor Hotel</a> (St Kilda East)What separates the Grosvernor Hotel from other nearby venues is the standard of food. Not too many pubs have their own meat ageing room for example. Add some excellent specials (including 35 hours of $8 pints and $15 burgers), some great areas to watch sport and a very family friendly bistro, and this has shot into the rankings with a bullet.Number 28:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/the-birmingham-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Birmy</a>&nbsp;(Fitzroy)Up from 40 last year, the Birmingham Hotel just gets better and better. After a false start of only having CUB happy hours (that's a no-no), they now have quality specials and an excellent parma&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parmadaze.com/blog/poty2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">which has been named the best in Melbourne by Parma Daze</a>. It's a super spot to watch and the beer garden upstairs is one of our go-to spots in Fitzroy. Looks like it will be climbing the rankings in years to come.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-28-J5-o_6Nv.jpeg" alt="top-50-28.jpeg">Number 27: <a href="https://carwyncellars.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carwyn Cellars</a> (Thornbury)With arguably the best beer list in the city with 28 rotating taps, this former bottle shop, is now our favourite place in Thornbury. We used to think it was a little pricey when it first opened but recently the prices&nbsp;have come down to&nbsp;match other beer venues around town. Still being a bottle shop you can grab some at the front and take them to the beer garden for a small corkage fee. There is usally a food truck out the back too. They just need a happy hour!&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-27-PZCHNxgb.png" alt="top-50-27.png">Number 26:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thestandardhotel.com.au/" target="_blank">The Standard</a>&nbsp;(Fitzroy)We love the backstreet location. We love the exterior that resembles a bum bar from the 1930s. We love the beer garden that nobody would expect. But what we love the most is the comfy front bar (filled with Fitzroy FC memorabilia) where locals congregate and talk about footy and local music in equal parts. It's a special place that we need to go weekly to feel... balanced.Food:&nbsp;The Standard burger is awesome. Might go get one today actually.Beers:&nbsp;Has some nice beers on tap.Beer garden:&nbsp;Often rated as the city's best.Music:&nbsp;Despite the tiny stage and viewing area, the atmosphere is always good. Sundays at 7pm is the best time.First Date Rating:&nbsp;The hipsters have discovered the Standard in droves. We recommend going there for lunch on a weekday for some intimate one on one time.&nbsp;Number 25: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/retreat-hotel-abbotsford/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Retreat</a> (Abbotsford)The Retreat has always had one of our favourite front bars in town, and now that it has been taken over by the same people who brought us South Melbourne's Palace Hotel (ranked 4 in last year's list) it was always going to turn into a winner. We especially like the Sunday Roast special which despite it's cheap price at $15, packs a wallop. One of the main reasons why Abbotsford is the place to be in 2019.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-25-w8CuHppj.jpeg" alt="top-50-25.jpeg">Number 24:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/railway-club-hotel-port-melbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Railway Club Hotel&nbsp;</a>(Port Melbourne)When we think about a quality local pub south of the river that serves up some of the best steak in the city, we instantly think of this place. So do thousands of others judging by the crowds that seem to come here for a meal, watch the footy, or perhaps a date. That is its appeal.&nbsp;Head to the front bar to watch sports and speak loudly or the restaurant for sophisticated surrounds. Both do it perfectly.Number 23&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/park-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Park Hotel&nbsp;</a>(Abbotsford)When people ask us where the best parmas in town are, we send them straight to Park Hotel. Not a bad title given this is a relatively hidden away pub in the cauldron bowl that is Abbotsford. It also doubles as a great place to watch the footy (screens are in the beer garden), and even a comfy nook for a romantic dinner for two as well. Add one of the best front bars to prop yourself on, and you've good one very welcoming watering hole. It was taken over by the people from the Royston Hotel last year (number 17 on last year's list) so you the beer list is on the up too.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-23-TEzY3GZn.jpeg" alt="top-50-23.jpeg">Number&nbsp;22 -&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/grace-darling-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grace Darling Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Collingwood)There is no other pub in Melbourne that twists our emotions as much as the Grace Darling. You could call it a love/hate relationship because we used to love it and then we hated it for no other reason in that it changed. You see it used to be pretty grimy and old-school. That kind of place elderly gentlemen who like a beer frequent most hours. We liked it. Then it changed and the hipsters moved in. At first we refused to go there but sometimes a band we wanted to see was playing there so we went. We admitted it did have a good band room. Then we ate there. We admitted the burger was top quality. Then we found out the happy hour and basically we go there on a weekly basis. It won us over very slowly but now it's one of our "locals". At least once a week. Kudos for not changing specials too much too.Beer Garden:&nbsp;Has one on the corner of peel street. Nice vantage point to watch passers by.&nbsp;Food:&nbsp;High quality pub fare.Music:&nbsp;Lots of it. Great music venue including an intimate little basement.First Date:&nbsp;9/10&nbsp;Specials:&nbsp;Some of the best in town.&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/grace-darling-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">See here.</a><img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-22-ZOzVCLkt.jpeg" alt="top-50-22.jpeg">Number&nbsp;21:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/union-hotel-brunswick" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Union Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Brunswick)The Union, out in the wilderness of Brunswick West (well&nbsp;technically&nbsp;it is Brunswick but it feels very west), is the quintessential local&nbsp;pub. Where revellers&nbsp;have pints of craft beer on the footpath tables, just in front of a wide open door, that looks through the table area, right to the stage, that promotes quality local music.A little front bar, is ideal for watching the footy/cricket to the right. The urban wilderness of the beer garden is a cracker as well and one of the city's most underrated. Heading here at 4pm each Sunday for some tunes, then a parma, then a final pint on the footpath is one of our great pleasures.Beer:&nbsp;We always tend to go the White Rabbit Dark Ale. Also has Toohey's Old which is rare on tap these days.Food:&nbsp;Decent parmas and pub fare.Beer garden:&nbsp;Jungle theme and one of the most underrated in the city.First Date Place:&nbsp;10/10 - Loved by families, hipsters, locals and everyone really.<h4>Table of Contents &nbsp;</h4>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne (2018)<ul><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-50-41/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 50 - 41</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-40-31/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 40 - 31</a></li><li>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 30 - 21</li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-20-11/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 20 - 11</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-10-6/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 10 - 6</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-5-1/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 5-1</a></li></ul>

Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 30-21

Number&nbsp;40:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/railway-hotel-south-melbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Railway Hotel</a>&nbsp;(South Melbourne)Following our trend for choosing local backstreet pubs that are packed full of life, this little beauty has maintained a local following for those in search of good steaks, a hidden gem of a beer garden, and a very chat-able front bar. Ignore Clarendon St and head here we say. Just one of the picks South Melbourne will receive in our Top 50 countdown.&nbsp;Beer Garden:&nbsp;Has the thatched roof theme. Tacky and tasteful at the same time. Beers:&nbsp;Beer list could be more expansive. Get more craft in please!Music: Needs more live bands.&nbsp; Food:&nbsp;A small pub grub menu that does everything well. Specials:&nbsp;A quality Friday drinks specials but we like the burger lunch most days of the week too!<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-40--GMlZmf2.jpeg" alt="top-50-40.jpeg">Number 39:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/redwood-tasting-room/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Redwood Tasting Room</a> (Fitzroy North)You have to love a bottle shop (the city's cheapest btw) that doubles as a bar. Owned&nbsp;and operated by couple Brian (Californian) and Anika (Aussie), their beer distribution company enables them to keep the prices low and the beer brands unique, being mostly derived from the USA's west coast.&nbsp;Beer Garden: A few tables on the street hits the spot. Beers: Great selection of beers you probably never heard of before Food: You can BYO from lots of neighbouring eateries including Danny's Burgers. Specials: Very worthy happy hour including an all day Sunday one.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-39-x-aAOwcz.jpeg" alt="top-50-39.jpeg">Number&nbsp;38 -&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/woodlands-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Woodlands Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Coburg)The interior to the Woodlands Hotel isn’t that of your typical pub. It’s a cross between a Game of Thrones set, an Alice in Wonderland prop and an old school boozer. The atrium out the back is also one of our favourite yet underrated beer gardens in town. The beer list is proudly Victorian with over 50 craft beers available in bottle and on tap, and the menu is made with beer in mind. Their chargrilled, slow-cooked pork rib is one my Top 10 go to dishes in town. Geez, I think I’ll go there for lunch now.Beer Garden: A special wooden atrium out the back. Resembles a medieval Viking beer hall. Beers: Some of Victoria’s best. Slurp Slurp. Food: Beer food…really good beer food. Gobble Gobble. Specials: Wednesday Curry Night is a cracker.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-38-LzfK91J7.jpeg" alt="top-50-38.jpeg">Number&nbsp;37&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Alehouse Project&nbsp;(Brunswick East)The are three things that make a good beer bar. The first is obviously a good selection of beer but it's much more than that. The beers must turn over continuously as to offer the customer a differing range. Many beer places around town seem to have the same 5 taps on forever. We really appreciate hard to find collaboration brews or rare seasonal drops. A hand pump doesn't go astray either. Secondly the food must cater for the beers on offer. Thirdly the dynamics of the space should facilitate communal drinking. Large wooden tables, intimate beer gardens, etc. A space that gets people talking. Thank you Alehouse for nailing all three.Beer Garden:&nbsp;A great one out the back, then many don't know about. Beers:&nbsp;You know it's going to be good and it is.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-37-wDzyzWPb.jpeg" alt="top-50-37.jpeg">Number 36: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/trumpy-bar-and-kitchen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trumpy Bar</a> (Thornbury)In what is our first listing from Thornbury, Trumpy's beer garden might only have three tables, but there is nothing better than arriving for happy hour ($4 Coopers schooners if you don't mind), meeting some mates and pretending this is your own backyard. Chances of chatting with random strangers is high in this place.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-36-Tw9MKGgt.jpeg" alt="top-50-36.jpeg">Number&nbsp;35:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/gem/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Gem</a>&nbsp;(Collingwood)Appropriately named, the Gem is a rockabilly type pub that many call Collingwood's real local. It's the kind of place where tattooed couples tie their sheepdogs outside and talk about their graphic design jobs inside. The small front bar is a haven for many locals looking to get in from the cold, while the backroom eating area (food is top notch by the way) is good for groups. It's also one of the best bars around just to prop yourself on and there is no TV to be distracted. A sound choice for people wanting to catch up.Beer Garden:&nbsp;Has a few tables outside on the street popular with smokers. Beers:&nbsp;Mostly Lion Nathan stuff.&nbsp; Food:&nbsp;Mexican menu is delish.&nbsp; Music:&nbsp;Puts on free live music in the front bar some days of the week. Tends to be blues, rockabilly type. Great for chilling out. Specials:&nbsp;Pint specials work for us.&nbsp; First Date Rating:&nbsp;7.5/10 Intimate enough and the kind of music that says "I'm a local".<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-35-GqbzldKX.png" alt="top-50-35.png">Number&nbsp;34:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/clyde-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clyde Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Carlton)Climbing&nbsp;the rankings&nbsp;again this year,&nbsp; the Clyde Hotel is a predominately a student pub due to its proximity to Melbourne University (1&nbsp;min walk). It's common to see young minds cramming in beers and parmas in between classes and the pub is the clubhouse for&nbsp;over 30 University Groups. That means on Thursday and Friday nights it can get pretty lively. A very worthy abode if in the area.Music:&nbsp;On Sunday arvos they have free jazz style stuff. A regular bunch of elderly types turn up and rock out. Beer Garden:&nbsp;A nice one out the back that looks out on the street and a new rooftop one built last year that makes the venue even better. Student central. Food:&nbsp;The communal nachos seem to be a favourite. Free bar snacks on Fridays. First Date place:&nbsp;Probably not. There will be heaps of students types checking out who you brought.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-34-bno50Pt3.jpeg" alt="top-50-34.jpeg">Number 33:&nbsp;The Charles Weston Hotel&nbsp;(Brunswick)Gotta love an old historic backstreet pub that has been given a bit of life. The Charles Weston (formally the Sporting Club Hotel) has the right balance of old&nbsp;timer's pub mixed with new Brunswick hipster. It's the kind of all-purpose place where getting a meal, seeing a band, or necking pints in the beer garden can all be done successfully. It's what all backstreet pubs should aspire to.&nbsp;Music:&nbsp;Free gigs on most weekends Beer Garden:&nbsp;&nbsp;Has a few of them! We like the one on the side. Food:&nbsp;Good hearty pub fare. Specials:&nbsp;The Monday kangaroo and wine night brings the peeps out.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-33-JPHIpYmZ.jpeg" alt="top-50-33.jpeg">Number 32: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/victoria-hotel-brunswick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Vic Hotel</a> (Brunswick) NEW ENTRYWe love venues that have hostels attached to them. It gives the place some vibrancy and keeps the prices low for those staying in the nearby dorms. That's why you'll usually see the place dotted with travellers and locals alike. What's not quite well known, is that this is one of the best pubs to watch AFL in town too, with a huge projection screen up on a makeshift stage.&nbsp; Beer Garden:&nbsp;&nbsp;Out the back there are plenty of tables. Food:&nbsp;Cheap pub grub that works Specials:&nbsp;$15 lunch and beer goes down a treat.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-32-ukd6f9_R.jpeg" alt="top-50-32.jpeg">Number&nbsp;31:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/maori-chief-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Maori Chief</a>&nbsp;(South Melbourne)South Melbourne is a suburb with many pubs, though sadly most have been yuppified up and homogenised over the decades…but not the Maori Chief. Its history (1867) and "vibe" has remained true, making this a type of northern pub in the south if we can be so bold to say. It's a comfortable local with good pub grub and a space where watching sport (very popular with Rugby Union followers) is encouraged.Food:&nbsp;Has a nice little dining area out the back (very 1950s). Usual pub fare. Beer:&nbsp;Has some nice bottled beer to go with the usual tap offerings. Beer garden:&nbsp;Yep, one upstairs. Nice views. First Date Rating:&nbsp;7.5/10 Homely and unpretentious.&nbsp; Specials:&nbsp;Some nice food ones through the week.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-31-z9qnZ4Rk.jpeg" alt="top-50-31.jpeg"><h4>Table of Contents &nbsp;</h4>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne (2018)<ul><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-50-41/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 50 - 41</a></li><li>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 40 - 31</li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-30-21/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 30 - 21</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-20-11/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 20 - 11</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-10-6/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 10 - 6</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-5-1/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 5-1</a></li></ul>

Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 40-31

Number 50: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/the-old-bar" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Old Bar</a> (Fitzroy)&nbsp;Awesome little music venue that hasn't changed much throughout the years, despite everything around it, doing exactly that.&nbsp;Yes, it's a bar, and some might question if it belongs in a Pub countdown, though in the&nbsp;how we choose our list explanation, we said we would include any bars that have a pub type atmosphere. The old bar is old school, with cheap jugs, loud music and friendly vibes. If you are an out-of-towner, we suggest heading here to get a slice of what Fitzroy is really like. Warts an all. What other place would celebrate ten years (of same ownership) and called it Ten Years of Dickhead.Beer Garden:&nbsp;Has a small courtyard out the back, that smokers like to gravitate to.&nbsp;Specials:&nbsp;Cheap jug specials throughout the week.First Date Rating:&nbsp;You won't be able to hear them much, so head to the tiny courtyard.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-50-1AjPziT4.jpeg" alt="top-50-50.jpeg">Number 49: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/the-sherlock-holmes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sherlock Holmes</a> (CBD)At the start of this countdown,&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-how-we-choose/">we discussed the criteria of how we choose our list</a>, with one of the things we really liked being family owned and operated. For the last decade, husband and wife team Gary and Melanie Kirwan have been commuting from Macedon offering a real pub experience within a busy CBD. Being underground with no windows, it’s a snugly hovel in the winter, and with limited phone reception, a great respite from the world. Their trivia on Tuesdays is the city’s best we think as well.Beers:&nbsp;18 taps with some local craft types and some UK ales.Food:&nbsp;Hearty English Food. Bangers and mash is our go-to dish.Specials:&nbsp;Parma and Pint deals on Wednesdays is a keeper.Date Place:&nbsp;For a winter lunch, yep.Number 48: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/park-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Park Hotel</a> (Werribee)Since re-opening in late 2012, The Park Hotel has become a beer lover's haven, arguably having the best beer list in Victoria with 20 rotating craft beer taps and 400 bottled brands (try the dogfish). The food too, takes simple pub fare up a few notches. Close to the train station (you wont want to drive) it's a worthy day trip. Bands often play and there is a popular trivia night on Thursdays.&nbsp;Plans are underway to open a micro-brewery on site too..if only they had more specials!Beer:&nbsp; Lots to choose from.Food:&nbsp;Better than average.&nbsp;First Date Rating:&nbsp;"Hey, let's go to Werribee!" ...doesn't sound as bad as it used to.Number 47:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/mona-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mona Castle</a>&nbsp;(Seddon)The Mona reminds us of a typical pub in East London. One that the locals gravitate to as if it's their own. Kinda like those soaps on TV. Hell we even saw the local butcher come in and sell his meats at the end of the day. Certainly one of the best footy pubs going around (there is a dedicated sports bar through the back), though if you don't barrack for Western Bulldogs, you might be in trouble. The pub use to sponsor former Bulldog's captain Matty Boyd, so they are pretty keen. Not too far from Seddon Station for the curious.Food:&nbsp;Simple pub grub. Does the trick.Beer:&nbsp;A few Lion Nathan (Squire) taps around. Prices are decent.Music:&nbsp;Will have the occasional cover band in the front bar.Beer Garden:&nbsp;We like sitting out the front, watching life go by, though there is a bigger space out the back.&nbsp;Specials:&nbsp;The Wednesday pot and parma is the highlight!<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-47-1ZmgD_yQ.jpeg" alt="top-50-47.jpeg">Number 46: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/peacock-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Peacock Inn</a> (Northcote)With one of the best beer gardens in town, this is a great summer destination, in an area lacking old school pubs. Popular with locals and the&nbsp;"knock off at 3pm" tradie set, it&nbsp;also piles them in during the AFL season. Has lots of specials (they haven't registered for our site yet) but&nbsp;Wednesday's 2kg of chicken wings for $15 is the ticket!&nbsp;Food: Decent pub grub.Beer: Does a lot of Coopers.First Date: Get in early and&nbsp;grab a table in the corner of the beer garden.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-46-3yEbtsDA.jpeg" alt="top-50-46.jpeg">Number 45:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/local-taphouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Local Taphouse</a>&nbsp;(St Kilda East)Whereas the north has&nbsp;the Alehouse Project, the south is very lucky to have this craft beer destination. Although not cheap (and where are the happy hours fellas!), it does arguably have the best range of beer in the city (go the tasting paddle). In addition, the menu is a corker, especially their Beer Beef Burger, which is one of our favourites.&nbsp;It’s a German smoked beer marinated premium beef burger, with pilsner battered onion rings &amp; beer battered frites. It’s ideal with …beer.Beer Garden: Great rooftop space where former private schoolers like to pose.Events:&nbsp;Often has weekly beer-related events including comedy and trivia.Food:&nbsp;Top notch!First Date:&nbsp;Only if they appreciate how hard it is to get some of these beers.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-45-t1_F37aJ.jpeg" alt="top-50-45.jpeg">Number&nbsp;44:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/lomond-hotel/">Lomond Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Brunswick East)It's the pub many pass as they head to CERES, looking quite grandiose but with a hint of TAB from it's exterior. Inside you'll find very decent pub grub in the bar room - we suggest&nbsp;the $10 chicken schnitz sandwich -&nbsp;and a bistro for more refined tastes. Their real draw card is some of the best live music this side of town. Being directly across the road from RRR radio station helps in that respect with musos often having a beer or impromptu performances. We especially like the Tuesday Irish Trad Sessions. There is a lot of pride within the pub too, as a book was published on its history, which can be purchased (or browsed) at the bar too.Food:&nbsp;Cheap bar menu.Beer:&nbsp;Some good drops. including the occasional rare stout.Music:&nbsp;Heaps! Come for the Irish trad session on Tuesdays!Specials:&nbsp;Love a pub that has Rissoles night!<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-44-xnyk5c9-.jpeg" alt="top-50-44.jpeg">Number 43&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/union-club-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Union Club Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Fitzroy)Another one of the great Fitzroy back street pubs. The beer list might be a little limited (though slowly getting better) and they don’t show bands, but the chill out factor here is huge. Three beer gardens (on the street, out the back, and on the roof) make this a warm weather beauty. We also like the food here - &nbsp;just good fashioned pub grub with our highlight being the Mexican Parma. The horseshoe bar is ideal for propping a pint and reading a paper too!Beer Garden:&nbsp;Yep two doozies and tables on the street.Food:&nbsp;Hearty fare.Specials:&nbsp;Burgers on the Monday, Parmas on the Tuesday!&nbsp;First Date: If they like Offspring, you've already swooned them.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-43-WXz4aff5.jpeg" alt="top-50-43.jpeg">Number 42: <a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/brothers-public-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brothers Public House</a>&nbsp;(Fitzroy) NEW ENTRYOwned by brothers Eamon and (well known musician) Pat McKernan, this tiny bar which opened in 2017, has already won over the Irish community with their midweek sing-a-longs and Sunday trad sessions. Buy a pint of Guinness and prop yourself at the bar, and you'll undoubtedly become involved in a conversation.&nbsp; Easily one of the most welcoming venues in town.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beer Garden: A few tables out the back.&nbsp;Food:&nbsp;Small menu with Irish staples.&nbsp;Music: You'll be encouraged to head to the stage yourself!First Date: Sunday nights are a great option.&nbsp;<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-42-CWFrJfN5.jpeg" alt="top-50-42.jpeg">Number&nbsp;41 -&nbsp;<a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/all-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The All Nations Hotel&nbsp;</a>(Richmond)In the backstreets of Richmond, opposite a housing commission, is one of the those killer local pubs&nbsp;that hasn't really ever changed. We love the horseshoe bar, where one can meet with friends over a quiet pint or perhaps go solo and read the paper. The real selling point is the kitchen with better than average pub fare available, especially the steaks, which it is known for. This is also a footy pub, which was reinforced recently with Richmond's Football Club's final series. It even has a shuttle bus that takes patrons to and from the MCG (that has to be a first!). Good beer garden completes the picture.&nbsp;Beer:&nbsp;Has a few taps with Cascade and Coopers. A lot of the locals enjoy the wine list.Food:&nbsp;Known for their steaks.&nbsp;Beer garden:&nbsp;Yep a good size one out the back.Specials:&nbsp;Tuesdays is steak night.First date rating:&nbsp; Intimate and in the know.<img src="https://thehappiesthour.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2023/08/top-50-41-tbwUc5z_.jpeg" alt="top-50-41.jpeg"><h4>Table of Contents &nbsp;</h4>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne (2018)<ul><li>Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 50 - 41</li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-40-31/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 40 - 31</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-30-21/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 30 - 21</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-20-11/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 20 - 11</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-10-6/">Top 50 Pubs In Melbourne: 10 - 6</a></li><li><a href="https://thehappiesthour.com/features/top-50-pubs-in-melbourne-5-1/">Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 5-1</a></li></ul>

The happy features

Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 30-21

Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 40-31

Top 50 Pubs in Melbourne: 50-41

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