Briar Hill’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. Ava’s — 6 Beach Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Ava’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($10-12). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Stella’s — 52 Beach Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Stella’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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Marco Post — 321 Main Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $10-12
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Ava’s — 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: The house old fashioned ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Southern Cellar — 130 Plenty Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm 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 — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Nina Pantry — 103 Fitzroy Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava’s | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Weekends |
| Stella’s | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Marco Post | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Southern Cellar | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Nina Pantry | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Briar Hill. 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. Nina Pantry 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
- Briar Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Briar Hill Things to Do
- All Briar Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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