Best Pubs in Glen Huntly — 2026 Guide

Glen Huntly’s pubs scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. The Old Bench — 56 Beach Drive

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-14

The pub the suburb rallies around. The Old Bench 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: A glass of the house red ($12-14). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Theo’s — 90 Smith Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats

The quiet achiever. Theo’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: Friday DJs from 9pm.

3. Kai — 364 Church Avenue

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $12-14

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than The Old Bench — 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 ($12-14). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.

4. Green Social — 238 Queen Crescent

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-14

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.

The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Ruby — 164 Queen Crescent

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-14

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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. The Old Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Glen Huntly. 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. Ruby 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

• Brighton Pubs
• Glen Huntly Restaurants — eat before or after
• Glen Huntly Things to Do
• All Glen Huntly Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Glen Huntly
• Nightlife Guide in Glen Huntly

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Glen Huntly