Airport West’s pubs scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — and the pubs reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Sunny Larder — 177 Cecil Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. The Sunny Larder gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($10-12). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Theo’s — 13 Blake Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Theo’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Mia’s — 163 Glenferrie Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $10-12
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than The Sunny Larder — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($10-12). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Rosa Works — 333 Glenferrie Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Finn’s — 21 Glenferrie Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sunny Larder | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Theo’s | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Mia’s | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Rosa Works | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| Finn’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Sunny Larder does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Airport West. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Finn’s skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD Pubs
- Airport West Restaurants — eat before or after
- Airport West Things to Do
- All Airport West Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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