Princes Hill’s pubs scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Ava Room — 113 West Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Ava Room 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: A glass of the house red ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. New Standard — 331 Main Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. New Standard 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Gus’s — 66 James Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $10-12
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 Ava 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($10-12). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Nico Local — 26 James Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Long Table — 34 Cecil Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava Room | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| New Standard | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Gus’s | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Nico Local | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Long Table | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava Room does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Princes Hill. 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. Long Table 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
- Melbourne CBD Pubs
- Princes Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Princes Hill Things to Do
- All Princes Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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