Belgrave’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. Blue Works — 231 Queen Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Blue Works gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($10-12). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Ivy’s — 304 Glenferrie Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am 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 wine list is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Nell Kitchen — 211 Nicholson Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $10-12
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Blue Works — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($10-12). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Ada — 379 South Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Ivy’s — 8 Queen Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views 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 empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Works | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Ivy’s | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Nell Kitchen | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Ada | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| Ivy’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Blue Works does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Belgrave. 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. Ivy’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
- Lilydale Pubs
- Belgrave Restaurants — eat before or after
- Belgrave Things to Do
- All Belgrave Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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