Best Pubs in Parkdale — 2026 Guide

Parkdale’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. Good Bench — 156 Barkly Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-14

The pub the suburb rallies around. Good Bench gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine 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 ($12-14). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Ava’s — 362 Fitzroy Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door

The quiet achiever. Ava’s 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.

Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).

3. Kai — 157 Barkly Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $12-14

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 Good Bench — 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: Their signature sour ($12-14). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Luna’s — 242 Barkly Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-14

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders 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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Zara’s — 47 Station Grove

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. 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. Good Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Parkdale. 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. Zara’s 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
• Parkdale Restaurants — eat before or after
• Parkdale Things to Do
• All Parkdale Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Parkdale
• Nightlife Guide in Parkdale

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Find Your Perfect Melbourne Suburb
• Explore Parkdale