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2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025
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About 2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025
" Melbourne’s pub scene is as iconic as its laneways, and Urban List has just unveiled the ultimate guide for lovers of a quality pint and a great vibe. In The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2025, you’ll find everything from historic corner hotels and gastropub gems to craft beer dens and beer gardens built for long Sunday sessions. Whether you're after live music, hearty meals, or just a cold one with mates, this list has your next local covered. "
Overview
From the CBD to the suburbs, Melbourne’s pub game is strong—and Urban List has raised the bar again with its 2025 roundup, The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2025. This list is your go-to guide for all things pub-related, whether you're chasing a classic counter meal, a locally brewed pint, or just a cracking atmosphere.
This year’s feature celebrates the full spectrum of Melbourne’s pub culture. Think old-school establishments with pressed-tin ceilings and rich history, gastro pubs where the food is as much a drawcard as the drinks, and revitalised venues putting a modern spin on the classic Aussie hotel. It’s a tribute to venues that continue to evolve while staying true to their community roots.
Compiled by the ever-reliable team at Urban List, each pick is chosen for its unique blend of charm, character, and crowd-pleasing appeal. You’ll find pubs with leafy beer gardens perfect for lazy afternoons, roaring fireplaces for winter sessions, and rotating taps pouring the best in local craft beer.
More than just drinking spots, these pubs are where Melbourne gathers—friends catch up, sport is watched, music is played, and memories are made. Whether you're a long-time local looking to rediscover your neighbourhood haunt or a visitor wanting the quintessential pub experience, this guide hits all the right notes.
So if you’re thirsty for good times and even better hospitality, let Urban List’s 2025 guide be your compass. From Collingwood to Carlton and Brunswick to Brighton, there’s a perfect pub waiting.

Last update June 2025

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2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - List
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2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
Royal Oak Hotel
 Fitzroy North, Victoria
Suburban Pub

A true neighbourhood gem in Fitzroy North, the Royal Oak Hotel delivers that perfect balance of old-school pub charm and modern sensibility. With its handsome heritage façade, welcoming locals' bar, leafy beer garden, and revamped dining menu, it’s the kind of place where regulars feel at home and first-timers quickly become fans. Whether you're after a hearty meal, a casual pint, or a spot to catch the game, this Nicholson Street stalwart is always up for a good time.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
The Gertrude Hotel
 Fitzroy , Victoria
Suburban Pub

A bold and stylish reimagining of the classic Melbourne corner pub, The Gertrude Hotel brings elevated hospitality to the heart of Fitzroy’s creative strip. With its open-plan kitchen, beautifully refurbished interiors, and polished wine list, it’s a dining-focused pub where locals gather for more than just a pint. From woodfired dishes to refined pub classics and sleek bar snacks, this modern public house fuses personality, sophistication, and approachability in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
The Lincoln Hotel
 Carlton, Victoria
Suburban Pub

A Melbourne institution that blends heritage charm with gastropub excellence, The Lincoln in Carlton is the kind of pub you never want to leave. With its art deco touches, polished brass bar, and seriously sharp food and wine offering, it captures everything great about modern Australian hospitality. Whether you're in for a relaxed pint, a decadent multi-course dinner, or a Sunday roast, The Lincoln delivers comfort and class just steps from the city.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
Victoria Hotel
 Footscray, Victoria
Suburban Pub

The Victoria Hotel in Footscray is a beautifully revived neighbourhood pub where classic pub culture meets contemporary Melbourne flair. This lively inner-west venue has been transformed into a community favourite that balances heritage charm with a sharp drinks list, local hospitality, and an inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're after a crisp pint, a thoughtful natural wine, or a night of DJ-spun vinyl, the Vic is your go-to for Footscray’s modern pub renaissance.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
Builders Arms Hotel
 Fitzroy, Victoria
Suburban Pub

The Builders Arms Hotel is a cornerstone of Fitzroy’s hospitality scene, effortlessly blending pub heritage with modern sophistication. Located on vibrant Gertrude Street, this beautifully restored venue channels Melbourne’s love of fine dining, good drinks, and community charm. Whether you're stopping by for a pint in the front bar, a wine in the courtyard, or dinner at the acclaimed dining room, the Builders is a local classic with citywide appeal.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
Marquis of Lorne
 Fitzroy, Victoria
Suburban Pub

A beloved Fitzroy classic, the Marquis of Lorne captures everything that makes Melbourne pubs great — three levels of good vibes, great food, cold pints, and rooftop views. This corner pub dates back to the 19th century and has been given new life with a thoughtful renovation that respects its past. With a cozy ground-floor bar, a dining-focused middle level, and a breezy rooftop terrace, the Marquis delivers atmosphere and quality in equal measure.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Gastro Pubs
Orrong Hotel
 Armadale , Victoria

A true stalwart of Melbourne’s inner south, the Orrong Hotel in Armadale is a beautifully restored Art Deco pub with serious community spirit. It combines traditional pub warmth with elevated modern hospitality across a spacious public bar, refined dining room, and leafy beer garden. Whether you’re sipping craft brews with mates, enjoying a long Sunday lunch, or catching live sport, the Orrong is a polished yet relaxed local favourite that delivers on every level.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
The Royston Hotel
 Richmond, Victoria

Tucked away on a quiet corner in Richmond, The Royston Hotel is a local legend that helped kickstart Melbourne’s craft beer revolution. With its heritage façade, cosy interiors, and an ever-evolving tap list of independent brews, this relaxed pub is the perfect spot for both casual weekday drinks and long weekend sessions. From pub trivia to hearty gastropub meals, the Royston balances old-school charm with modern tastes and a strong community vibe.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
Prince Alfred Hotel
 Richmond, Victoria
Suburban Pub

Located on the vibrant Church Street strip, Prince Alfred Hotel is a long-standing Richmond favourite that blends modern style with traditional pub charm. With its spacious beer garden, stylish function spaces, and lively sports-loving atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that caters to locals, footy fans, and social catchups alike. Whether you're there for a casual pint, weekend lunch, or a big game on the big screen, this iconic Richmond pub delivers a quintessential Melbourne pub experience.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
Retreat Hotel
 Brunswick, Victoria
Live Music Venue

The Retreat Hotel is a much-loved Brunswick institution that pairs classic pub vibes with a fierce devotion to live music, local brews, and community spirit. Nestled on bustling Sydney Road, this old-school corner pub delivers a soulful blend of cold beers, rocking bands, and inner-north charm. With a cosy front bar, leafy beer garden, and iconic gig space, it’s a beacon for Brunswick locals and visitors chasing a true slice of Melbourne’s music-pub culture.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
Windsor Castle Hotel
 Windsor, Victoria

Tucked away on Albert Street in the heart of Windsor, the Windsor Castle Hotel is a Melbourne pub icon that blends eclectic personality with classic hospitality. Famous for its quirky green façade, legendary beer garden, and unpretentious crowd, this St Kilda fringe favourite offers laid-back vibes, cold drinks, and a soundtrack of indie tunes. From lazy Sunday sessions to late-night antics, the Windsor Castle is a go-to for locals and anyone chasing a truly unique pub experience.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
Corner Hotel
 Richmond, Victoria
Pub, Live Music Venue

The Corner Hotel in Richmond is a Melbourne live music institution and one of the city’s most beloved pubs. Just across the road from Richmond Station, this Swan Street classic is where cold beers, pub meals, and world-class gigs come together under one roof. With a legendary rooftop beer garden, a sprawling band room that’s hosted countless local and international acts, and a buzzing bar scene, the Corner remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s music and nightlife culture.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
Standard Hotel
 Fitzroy, Victoria
Suburban Pub

A true neighbourhood gem tucked into Fitzroy’s backstreets, The Standard Hotel is an old-school Melbourne pub with a soul. Loved for its legendary beer garden, warm front bar, and no-fuss hospitality, it’s where locals go for cold beers, comfort food, and the laid-back atmosphere that defines Fitzroy. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon session or a winter pint by the fireplace, The Standard delivers the kind of authenticity you can’t manufacture — it’s the pub you wish was on your street.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Dive Pubs
The Tote Hotel
 Collingwood, Victoria
Live Music Venue

Welcome to The Tote Hotel, the beating heart of Melbourne’s live music scene and a cultural institution in Collingwood. With a gritty charm, a reputation forged in sweat and sound, and a dedication to independent music, The Tote has hosted countless punk, rock, and indie acts since the early '80s. From the legendary front bar to the sweatbox upstairs bandroom, this pub is not just a venue — it's a rite of passage for punters and performers alike.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs For Craft Beer
Hotel Esplanade
 St Kilda, Victoria
Live Music Venue

Step into Melbourne history at Hotel Esplanade, the iconic seaside pub affectionately known as The Espy. Overlooking St Kilda Beach, this grand Victorian hotel has been lovingly restored into a sprawling venue with three levels, twelve bars, multiple dining areas, and legendary live music spaces. It’s a vibrant mash-up of heritage architecture, modern hospitality, and bohemian soul — from cocktails on the terrace to basement gigs or a fine-dining experience with bay views.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs For Craft Beer
Holmes Hall
 Moonee Ponds, Victoria

A stylishly repurposed warehouse in the heart of Moonee Ponds, Holmes Hall is a contemporary pub-meets-social-hub that brings together craft beer, modern Australian eats, and community vibes. With industrial-chic design, a distillery on-site, and expansive seating areas indoors and out, it’s become a favourite for after-work drinks, casual meals, and weekend catch-ups. Whether you're in for a house-made gin, a wood-fired pizza, or just a chilled afternoon session, Holmes Hall delivers with charm and versatility.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs For Craft Beer
Railway Club Hotel
 Port Melbourne, Victoria
Suburban Pub

An institution in Port Melbourne, the Railway Club Hotel blends old-school pub charm with steakhouse sophistication. Housed in a classic Victorian building just off Bay Street, this long-standing local favourite is renowned for its premium steaks, friendly service, and welcoming bar atmosphere. Whether you're settling in for a perfectly cooked porterhouse or just popping by for a drink, the Railway Club Hotel offers an inviting and authentic Melbourne pub experience with a touch of old-world class.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs In Melbourne CBD
Garden State Hotel
 Melbourne, Victoria

A Melbourne CBD favourite, the Garden State Hotel is a multi-level pub and dining destination set within a stunning inner-city oasis. Located on bustling Flinders Lane, this sprawling venue brings together lush greenery, industrial-chic architecture, and diverse drinking and dining spaces. From lively group catch-ups in the beer garden to more intimate dinners in the basement restaurant, Garden State seamlessly blends sophistication and accessibility, making it a go-to for after-work drinks, weekend sessions, and city celebrations.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs In Melbourne CBD
Morris House
 Melbourne , Victoria
City Pub

Morris House is a stylish multi-level pub and dining destination in the heart of Melbourne’s theatre district. Blending modern hospitality with classic charm, the venue features a rooftop bar with skyline views, a welcoming ground-floor bar, and a New York-inspired basement comedy club. With a contemporary menu, craft-focused bar offerings, and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, Morris House is perfect for casual lunches, after-work drinks, weekend gatherings, or a night of laughs in the comedy cellar.
2025 Urban List - The Best Pubs In Melbourne For 2025 - Best Pubs In Melbourne CBD
Mitre Tavern
 Melbourne, Victoria
City Pub

Tucked away on Bank Place in the heart of the city, the Mitre Tavern is Melbourne’s oldest surviving building and a beloved pub with genuine old-world charm. Dating back to 1837, it offers a warm, traditional setting complete with dark timber interiors, open fireplaces, and a leafy beer garden. Whether you’re after a classic steak, a pint of Guinness, or just a quiet escape from the bustling city streets, the Mitre Tavern delivers timeless hospitality.
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