Best Pubs in Hawthorn East — 2026 Guide

Hawthorn East’s pubs scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Cleo — 90 Spring Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-15

The pub the suburb rallies around. Cleo 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: The house lager on tap ($13-15). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.

2. Hazel Lane — 94 Cecil Drive

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates

The quiet achiever. Hazel Lane doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. White Store — 222 Charles Grove

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-15

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 Cleo — 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 ($13-15). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Sol Yard — 163 Cecil Drive

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-15

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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 — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.

Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Pantry — 50 Elm Street

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-15

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 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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Hawthorn East. 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. Pantry 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

• Richmond Pubs
• Hawthorn East Restaurants — eat before or after
• Hawthorn East Things to Do
• All Hawthorn East Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Hawthorn East
• Nightlife Guide in Hawthorn East

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Hawthorn East