Best Pubs in Bundoora — 2026 Guide

Bundoora’s pubs scene is residential, friendly, growing — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Remy Mill — 248 Smith Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $11-13

The pub the suburb rallies around. Remy Mill 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: The rotating craft tap ($11-13). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Pearl’s — 142 Smith Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates

The quiet achiever. Pearl’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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. The Little Quarter — 304 Smith Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $11-13

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Remy Mill — 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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.

Drink this: The house old fashioned ($11-13). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.

4. The Wide Bench — 244 King Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $11-13

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.

5. River’s — 42 High Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $11-13

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.

Comparison

Practical Info

Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Remy Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Bundoora. 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. River’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

• Preston Pubs
• Bundoora Restaurants — eat before or after
• Bundoora Things to Do
• All Bundoora Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Bundoora
• Nightlife Guide in Bundoora

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Find Your Perfect Melbourne Suburb
• Explore Bundoora