Best Pubs in Highett — 2026 Guide

Highett’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 Humble Room — 287 Bridge Lane

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-14

The pub the suburb rallies around. The Humble Room gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: Their signature negroni ($12-14). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Pilgrim — 309 Murray Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door

The quiet achiever. Pilgrim doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. Lena Standard — 345 Lygon Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-14

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than The Humble Room — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.

Drink this: The house old fashioned ($12-14). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.

4. Nell’s — 147 Flinders Street

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am 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 sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.

The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.

5. Hazel Store — 334 Flinders Street

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views 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 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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Highett. 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. Hazel Store 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

• Sandringham Pubs
• Highett Restaurants — eat before or after
• Highett Things to Do
• All Highett Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Highett
• Nightlife Guide in Highett

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Highett