Best Pubs in Forest Hill — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill’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. High Depot — 224 King Grove

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $11-13

The pub the suburb rallies around. High Depot 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: Their signature negroni ($11-13). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.

2. Max’s — 201 King Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. Max’s 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.

Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).

3. Cleo — 343 Young Place

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

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 High Depot — 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 ($11-13). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.

4. Assembly — 118 Barkly Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $11-13

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.

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. Humble Yard — 185 Bridge Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $11-13

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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Forest Hill. 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. Humble Yard 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

• Box Hill Pubs
• Forest Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
• Forest Hill Things to Do
• All Forest Hill Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Forest Hill
• Nightlife Guide in Forest Hill

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Forest Hill