Research’s pubs scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. The Golden Bench — 256 Chapel Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. The Golden Bench 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($10-12). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Archive — 371 Chapel Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Archive 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: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Half Post — 205 Chapel Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $10-12
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 Golden 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 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: Their signature sour ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Atlas’s — 217 West Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates 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. Happy Cellar — 95 West Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $10-12
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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Golden Bench | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Archive | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Half Post | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Atlas’s | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| Happy Cellar | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Golden Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Research. 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. Happy Cellar 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
- Research Restaurants — eat before or after
- Research Things to Do
- All Research Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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