Frankston South’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. Standard — 253 Park Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Standard 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Long Press — 214 Brunswick Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Long Press 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: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Southern Local — 215 Elm Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am 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 Standard — 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: The house old fashioned ($10-12). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. White Works — 14 Brunswick Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12
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 — 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. River’s — 8 Elm Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Weekends |
| Long Press | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Southern Local | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| White Works | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| River’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Standard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Frankston South. 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. River’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
- Frankston South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Frankston South Things to Do
- All Frankston South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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