Bayswater North’s pubs scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Max Depot — 26 Beach Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Max Depot gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Ivy’s — 279 Beach Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Ivy’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Otto Press — 94 Beach Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends 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 Max Depot — 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: Their signature sour ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Black Kitchen — 258 Market Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am 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 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Operator — 144 Market Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Depot | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Ivy’s | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Otto Press | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Black Kitchen | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Fri |
| Operator | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Max Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bayswater North. 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. Operator 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
- Bayswater North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bayswater North Things to Do
- All Bayswater North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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