Epping’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. Felix’s — 184 Collins Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Felix’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: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Bench — 13 West Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Bench 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Wagtail — 334 Bourke Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter 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 Felix’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: Their signature sour ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Wide Standard — 22 Bay Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-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 burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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 burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Ivy Post — 153 Bourke Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $10-12
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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix’s | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Bench | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Wagtail | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Wide Standard | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Ivy Post | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Felix’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Epping. 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. Ivy Post 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
- South Morang Pubs
- Epping Restaurants — eat before or after
- Epping Things to Do
- All Epping Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed