Ringwood East’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. Wide Cellar — 103 Spring Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Wide Cellar 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Southern Commons — 142 West Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Southern Commons doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Zara’s — 56 Bridge Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $10-12
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Wide Cellar — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Mabel — 73 Church Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza 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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Felix’s — 14 Church Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $10-12
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide Cellar | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| The Southern Commons | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Zara’s | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Mabel | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Felix’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Wide Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ringwood East. 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. Felix’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
- Melbourne CBD Pubs
- Ringwood East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ringwood East Things to Do
- All Ringwood East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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