Burnside Heights’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. Remy — 375 Blake Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Remy 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($10-12). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Red Standard — 289 Chapel Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Red Standard 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Red Larder — 325 Blake Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit 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 Remy — 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: Their signature sour ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Stella Pantry — 43 West Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-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 10pm and the pizza 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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Marco’s — 119 Chapel Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remy | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| The Red Standard | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Red Larder | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Stella Pantry | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Marco’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Remy does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Burnside Heights. 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. Marco’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
- Burnside Heights Restaurants — eat before or after
- Burnside Heights Things to Do
- All Burnside Heights Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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