Hawthorn’s pubs scene is leafy, established, university suburb — 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. Otto — 55 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-15
The pub the suburb rallies around. Otto 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($13-15). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Iris’s — 166 Burwood Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Iris’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Kai Corner — 7 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-15
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 Otto — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($13-15). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Stella Yard — 269 Liddiard Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $13-15
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm 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 — 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. The Lucky Cellar — 197 Liddiard Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $13-15
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otto | Overall best | $13-15 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Iris’s | Quiet drink | $13-15 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Kai Corner | New & trendy | $13-15 | Snacks only | No |
| Stella Yard | Food + drinks | $13-15 | Full menu | Yes |
| The Lucky Cellar | Atmosphere | $13-15 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Otto does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Hawthorn/Glenferrie stations, tram 16. 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. The Lucky Cellar 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
- Kew Pubs
- Hawthorn Restaurants — eat before or after
- Hawthorn Things to Do
- All Hawthorn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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Best Pubs in Hawthorn
The Beehive Hotel
The Beehive is one of Hawthorn’s best-looking revived pubs, with heritage bones, a polished dining room and a proper public bar feel. Go for woodfired cooking, a smart drinks list and a courtyard that works well for relaxed group catch-ups.
Auburn Hotel
A long-running neighbourhood favourite, Auburn Hotel suits families, after-work drinks and bigger weekend sessions without feeling too rowdy. Its beer garden, atrium and classic pub menu make it one of the safest all-round picks near Hawthorn East.
Glenferrie Hotel
Glenferrie Hotel is a dependable central option close to Glenferrie Station and Swinburne, with pub classics, local beers and a more polished bistro feel. It is especially useful when you want an easy meeting point before a movie, gig, tram ride or late Glenferrie Road wander.
Hawthorn Hotel
Hawthorn Hotel leans into the student-and-local side of the suburb, with a casual energy that suits sports, simple meals and Friday drinks. It is less about white-tablecloth dining and more about an unfussy pub night where you can settle in with a group.
The Kilburn
The Kilburn is technically more whisky and cocktail bar than pub, but it earns a spot for anyone planning a sharper Hawthorn night out. Use it as the after-dinner move when you want dark timber, serious spirits and a quieter alternative to the bigger hotels.
Local Tips
Hawthorn works best when you choose by mood, not just distance. For a leafy, settled pub meal, start with Auburn Hotel or The Beehive; for a central Glenferrie Road meet-up, Glenferrie Hotel and Hawthorn Hotel are easier.
Public transport is a genuine advantage here. Glenferrie Station, Auburn Station and the Glenferrie Road tram make it simple to move between venues without needing to drive.
Book ahead for groups, especially around Friday nights, footy weekends and university dates. Hawthorn can feel calm midweek, then fill quickly when students, locals and after-work crowds overlap.
If you are planning a relaxed afternoon, Auburn Hotel’s outdoor areas are hard to beat. If you want something more grown-up for dinner, The Beehive is the stronger choice.
Broadsheet notes that The Beehive Hotel was built in 1854 and was revived as a Hawthorn pub in 2024, which makes it one of the suburb’s more interesting heritage comebacks. Source: Broadsheet.
FAQ
What is the best pub in Hawthorn for a casual group dinner?
Auburn Hotel is the easiest recommendation for mixed groups because it has space, familiar pub food and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. Glenferrie Hotel is also a good option if everyone is arriving by train or tram.
Where should I go for drinks near Glenferrie Station?
Glenferrie Hotel is the most straightforward pub choice near the station, while Hawthorn Hotel suits a more casual student-friendly night. For cocktails or whisky after dinner, head to The Kilburn.
Are Hawthorn pubs good for families?
Yes, especially compared with denser inner-city pub strips. Auburn Hotel is the standout family-friendly option, while The Beehive and Glenferrie Hotel are better suited to adults, couples and smaller dining groups.
