Best Pubs in Oakleigh — 2026 Guide

Oakleigh’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 Red Yard — 36 Smith Crescent

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $12-14

The pub the suburb rallies around. The Red Yard 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: Their espresso martini ($12-14). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.

2. Ivy Larder — 323 Market Crescent

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates

The quiet achiever. Ivy Larder 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.

Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.

3. Canvas — 148 Market Crescent

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume 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 Red Yard — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($12-14). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Remy Cellar — 20 Smith Crescent

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-14

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.

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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. The Tall Store — 367 Anderson Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $12-14

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.

Comparison

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Oakleigh. 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 Tall 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

• Brighton Pubs
• Oakleigh Restaurants — eat before or after
• Oakleigh Things to Do
• All Oakleigh Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Oakleigh
• Nightlife Guide in Oakleigh

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Rent Comparison Tool
• Explore Oakleigh