Best Pubs in Camberwell — 2026 Guide

Camberwell’s pubs scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Felix Pantry — 13 Willow Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-15

The pub the suburb rallies around. Felix Pantry 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The house lager on tap ($13-15). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.

2. Pearl’s — 274 Smith Parade

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door

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 beer garden is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. The Southern Cellar — 201 Elizabeth Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-15

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 Felix Pantry — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($13-15). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.

4. Sol Yard — 225 Bridge Place

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $13-15

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.

The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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. Ava’s — 364 Willow Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $13-15

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 empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Camberwell. 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. Ava’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

• Richmond Pubs
• Camberwell Restaurants — eat before or after
• Camberwell Things to Do
• All Camberwell Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Camberwell
• Nightlife Guide in Camberwell

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Camberwell