Best Pubs in Kew — 2026 Guide

Kew’s pubs scene is established, leafy, well-maintained — 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. The High Place — 36 Smith Parade

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-15

The pub the suburb rallies around. The High Place 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: Their espresso martini ($13-15). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.

2. Mia House — 138 Smith Parade

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. Mia House 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. Society — 23 Rowan Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late 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 wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than The High Place — 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 ($13-15). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.

4. Ada’s — 124 King Terrace

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-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 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.

The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.

Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.

5. Theo — 319 King Terrace

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Kew. 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. Theo 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
• Kew Restaurants — eat before or after
• Kew Things to Do
• All Kew Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Kew
• Nightlife Guide in Kew

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Kew