Nightlife in Glen Waverley (2026) — 20 Bars & Pubs Guide

Nightlife in Glen Waverley (2026)

Glen Waverley is a solid drinking suburb where you can piece together a proper night without leaving the postcode. 20 bars and pubs mapped and verified. 20 have Google ratings, averaging 4.4/5.

Top Rated Bars in Glen Waverley

Your Night Out in Glen Waverley

Early Evening (5pm–8pm)

The after-work crowd. These venues are best when the sun is still up and you can get a seat without elbowing through a crowd:

• 12th Man Bar — 246 Blackburn Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia (★ 5)
• Smoky Hen — 311 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149, Australia (★ 4.7)
• Meze Restaurant — Ground Floor of Novotel, 285 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia (★ 4.6)

Prime Time (8pm–12am)

The main event. Glen Waverley has enough room if you know where to look.

All Bars and Pubs in Glen Waverley

#1 12th Man Bar — 246 Blackburn Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 5/5 (3 reviews)

What makes it great: There are flashier places on Blackburn Rd. There is nothing more reliable than 12th Man Bar. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. If this place were in Fitzroy, there would be a queue. In Glen Waverley, you can still walk in.

What locals say: “A fantastic place. Great food, cool decor and very hospitable staff. It was a pleasure to dine…”

Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#2 Smoky Hen — 311 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149, Australia

the food | ★ 4.7/5 (423 reviews)

What makes it great: Smoky Hen earns its crowd the honest way — through the food. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. A restaurant that respects the ingredients, respects your time, and respects your wallet.

Rated 4.7 by 423 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.

What locals say: *“Overall very good and I’d definitely come back. But few things did throw me off a bit. Too close to being perfect.

Had a Galbi Chicken Cup Bap. Everything was great especially the…”*

Website: Smoky Hen | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#3 Meze Restaurant — Ground Floor of Novotel, 285 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.6/5 (540 reviews)

What makes it great: There are flashier places on Ground Floor of Novotel. There is nothing more reliable than Meze Restaurant. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. The test of a restaurant is whether you think about it the next day. Meze Restaurant passes.

Rated 4.6 by 540 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.

What locals say: “We are staying three nights at the Novotel and love the convenience of the in-house restaurant, but what truly impressed us was the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff and t…”

Website: Meze Restaurant | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#4 Two Doors Brewing — 257 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147, Australia

the food | ★ 4.6/5 (127 reviews)

What makes it great: Ask anyone on High St where to eat and Two Doors Brewing comes up before you finish the question. The kitchen here has found its rhythm. The menu is focused, the execution is steady, and the regulars know what they are coming for. There is a reason the regulars do not talk about it much. They do not want the wait.

A 4.6 rating from 127 reviews does not happen by accident in Glen Waverley.

What locals say: “Venue is small, very rustic and charming. The young lady was very professional and pleasant. The food? The chicken popcorn was good. Very crunchy. But lacking in any chicken inside…”

Website: Two Doors Brewing | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#5 Sette Bello — 540 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.5/5 (1,652 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Modern Italian dishes in a chic dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and white tablecloths. The kind of restaurant that makes you eat slower because you want it to last.

The 4.5/5 Google rating (1,652 reviews) reflects what regulars already know.

What locals say: “Sette Bello is always busy, it has a great reputation with local businesses and people. We often go here for business lunch or dinner. Very highly recommended for any sit down good…”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Sette Bello | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#6 Marble Yakiniku — G02-G03/52-54 Osullivan Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.5/5 (858 reviews)

What makes it great: Contemporary venue specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine including beef & sushi dishes. A restaurant that respects the ingredients, respects your time, and respects your wallet.

858 people have reviewed Marble Yakiniku on Google. The average sits at 4.5. Earned, not gamed.

What locals say: “Very delicious food - fresh sashimi and meat, and great atmosphere. Very unassuming from outside but a very well appointed decoration and tables - sufficient space from others. We…”

Website: Marble Yakiniku | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#7 Hit Billiards & Shisha Bar — 621 High St Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149, Australia

the food | ★ 4.5/5 (142 reviews) | $

What makes it great: What separates Hit Billiards & Shisha Bar from the rest of High St Rd is consistency. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. You will not Instagram it. You will remember it.

142 Google reviews and a 4.5 average. The numbers track with the experience.

What locals say: “Great service, atmosphere, music, plenty of mini games to play. Fantastic shisha (ladykiller) and booze on point…”

Prices here are honest — you eat well and the bill does not punish you for it.

Website: Hit Billiards & Shisha Bar | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#8 The Rogue Squire — Cnr Ferntree Gully &, Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.4/5 (2,467 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: The menu at The Rogue Squire is shorter than most. That is not a weakness. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. Worth crossing Glen Waverley for. Worth crossing Melbourne for, honestly.

The 4.4/5 Google rating (2,467 reviews) reflects what regulars already know.

What locals say: *“Finally got to try this decent rating eatery nearby our place.

We ordered the following : -Broken shackles share plate -Burrata with yarra valley heirloom tomatoes -Chilli salt ca…”*

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: The Rogue Squire | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#9 The Black Toro — 79 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.4/5 (973 reviews) | $$$

What makes it great: Modern Latin American bites in a smart dining room with dark-toned decor and a dramatic mural. You will not Instagram it. You will remember it.

Rated 4.4 by 973 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.

What locals say: “Cool local restaurant in Glen Waverley, dishing up delicious modern Mexican/Hispanic cuisine. We had the spanner crab tacos which were light, fresh & delicious, then had the choriz…”

Not cheap, but the quality justifies the spend. This is a deliberate night out.

Website: The Black Toro | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#10 Miss Pickle 1971 Restaurant Glen Waverley — Shop G-015/235 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.3/5 (1,004 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Miss Pickle 1971 Restaurant Glen Waverley treats the food like it matters. Because it does. This is the kind of place that a neighbourhood builds around. Not a destination — a reason to stay local. This is not destination dining. This is your neighbourhood doing what it should.

1,004 people have reviewed Miss Pickle 1971 Restaurant Glen Waverley on Google. The average sits at 4.3. Earned, not gamed.

What locals say: “Food was decent and the flavours were quite enjoyable. The chicken was tender, and the sides were fresh and well-seasoned. Nothing too surprising, but a solid casual meal overall.”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Miss Pickle 1971 Restaurant Glen Waverley | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#11 Strike Bowling Glen Waverley — 285 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.3/5 (868 reviews)

What makes it great: Strike Bowling Glen Waverley is the place Glen Waverley locals take visitors when they want to show off the neighbourhood. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. Add it to your rotation. You will not regret it.

A 4.3 rating from 868 reviews does not happen by accident in Glen Waverley.

What locals say: “We recently held our Christmas corporate event at Strike, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The entire department attended—over 60 team members—which made for…”

Website: Strike Bowling Glen Waverley | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#12 Notting Hill Hotel (The Nott) — 260-262 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill VIC 3168, Australia

the food | ★ 4.2/5 (3,159 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Laid-back pub featuring pizza, steak & taproom menus & a beer garden with frequent live events. It does not try to be everything. It tries to be good at one thing. It succeeds.

3,159 Google reviews and a 4.2 average. The numbers track with the experience.

What locals say: “Great venue with a green outdoor seating … Good variety of drinks… The food was an absolute disappointment. Seafood linguine - all the seafood except prawns were frozen and che…”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Notting Hill Hotel (The Nott) | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#13 Piatella Cafe Bar — 88 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.2/5 (2,000 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Eclectic menu with brekkie, waffles, BBQ and burgers, in a rustic-chic spot with communal tables. You will not Instagram it. You will remember it.

Rated 4.2 by 2,000 locals on Google — and the ones who come back do not bother leaving reviews.

What locals say: “We’ve been loyal to the waffles and crepes for years because it is epic and loaded and the perfect way to end dinner. But we finally sat down for a proper dinner and it did not dis…”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Piatella Cafe Bar | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#14 arcobar heatherton — 8 Arco Ln, Heatherton VIC 3202, Australia

the food | ★ 4.2/5 (1,308 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Spacious restaurant featuring international comfort food, plus cocktails, live music & a garden. It does not try to be everything. It tries to be good at one thing. It succeeds.

1,308 Google reviews and a 4.2 average. The numbers track with the experience.

What locals say: “Great venue ,but when ordering ,unfortunately the man at the counter completely made my partner feel very uncomfortable. In an unfriendly manner he told her to slow down and not or…”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: arcobar heatherton | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#15 Century City Tavern — 289 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.2/5 (409 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: Smart, contemporary pub, dishing up toasties and bistro food, plus trivia and betting facilities. It does not try to be everything. It tries to be good at one thing. It succeeds.

409 Google reviews and a 4.2 average. The numbers track with the experience.

What locals say: “Got a Coke bottle for $5.40 just over 10 minutes ago at Century City Taven on Sunday 1st February 2026 and was served by Kam (I paid at exactly 11:48am according to my bank app), h…”

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Century City Tavern | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#16 Gambino Restaurant & Rooftop — L5/73-75 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.2/5 (315 reviews)

What makes it great: Every suburb has one restaurant that defines it. In Glen Waverley, the argument starts with Gambino Restaurant & Rooftop. The kitchen here has found its rhythm. The menu is focused, the execution is steady, and the regulars know what they are coming for. Not the flashiest option in Glen Waverley. Possibly the best.

The 4.2/5 Google rating (315 reviews) reflects what regulars already know.

What locals say: “Love the vibes of this place, finally a rooftop bar in Glen Waverley! Unfortunately found the food a bit of a miss, servings were quite small for the price, and lacked seasoning- m…”

Website: Gambino Restaurant & Rooftop | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#17 Steak Ministry Bar & Grill — 39-51 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.1/5 (1,665 reviews) | $$$

What makes it great: Steak, seafood & other Australian grill fare served amid dark-wood furniture & leather banquettes. The test of a restaurant is whether you think about it the next day. Steak Ministry Bar & Grill passes.

1,665 people have reviewed Steak Ministry Bar & Grill on Google. The average sits at 4.1. Earned, not gamed.

What locals say: “Just great. Came here for an anniversary dinner with wife and kids and they did not disappoint. Food was delicious, and finally a restaurant that does medium rare when you ask for…”

Not cheap, but the quality justifies the spend. This is a deliberate night out.

Website: Steak Ministry Bar & Grill | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

#18 Scusa Mi! Italiano — Corner Snedden Drive & O’Sullivan Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

the food | ★ 4.1/5 (1,127 reviews) | $$

What makes it great: The kitchen at Scusa Mi! Italiano runs on precision and repetition — the same dish, perfect, every time. The menu reads simply. The food arrives with more thought than the menu suggests. That gap is the mark of a kitchen that cares more about the plate than the description. The menu changes. The quality does not.

1,127 people have reviewed Scusa Mi! Italiano on Google. The average sits at 4.1. Earned, not gamed.

What locals say: *“Went there on a busy Friday evening where the restaurant was absolutely packed.

I was not keeping my expectations high, because I had not been there before and did not want to di…”*

Mid-range pricing that reflects fair value for what comes out of the kitchen.

Website: Scusa Mi! Italiano | Google Maps

Source: OpenStreetMap + Google Places, verified March 2026

More Venues in Glen Waverley

Nightlife Tips for Glen Waverley

1. Thursday is the new Friday — Glen Waverley bars are busy but not rammed on Thursday nights. Better service, easier parking
2. Cash is dead — almost every bar in Melbourne takes card. Some are card-only
3. Last drinks — bars will call last drinks 30 minutes before closing. Do not be the person arguing with the bouncer
4. Eat first — Glen Waverley has 77 restaurants. Line your stomach before you start drinking
5. Rideshare pickup — set your pickup point before your last drink. Surge pricing hits hardest between 1am and 2am
6. Pub crawl route — start furthest from home and work your way back. Geography is your friend after midnight

Getting Home from Glen Waverley

• Rideshare: Uber and DiDi operate across Melbourne. Budget $15–$40 depending on distance
• Night Bus: Check PTV for NightRider services
• Train: Last trains typically depart between 11:30pm–12:30am (check PTV)
• Tram: Some routes run until 1am on weekends

Related Guides

• Best Restaurants in Glen Waverley
• Best Cafes in Glen Waverley
• Best Bars in Glen Waverley
• Cost of Living in Glen Waverley
• Glen Waverley Neighbourhood Guide
• Family Guide to Glen Waverley
• Is Glen Waverley Safe?
• Glen Waverley Transport Guide

Last updated: March 2026. This guide is refreshed when OpenStreetMap data changes — new openings, closures and corrections are reflected automatically. Found something wrong? Let us know.

Sources

• OpenStreetMap Contributors — openstreetmap.org — accessed March 2026
• ABS Census 2021 — abs.gov.au/census
• REIV Quarterly Median Prices — reiv.com.au