Eltham’s pubs scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. Kai’s — 115 James Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Kai’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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. The Golden Kitchen — 284 Nicholson Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. The Golden Kitchen 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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Northern Works — 19 Bell Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume 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 Kai’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 house negroni uses a local amaro. 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. Vera House — 210 Nicholson Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Hazel Mill — 339 Beach Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kai’s | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Weekends |
| The Golden Kitchen | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Northern Works | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Vera House | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Hazel Mill | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Kai’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Eltham. 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. Hazel Mill 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
- Eltham Restaurants — eat before or after
- Eltham Things to Do
- All Eltham Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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