Best Pubs in Southbank — 2026 Guide

Southbank’s pubs scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Little Bench — 191 East Street

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-15

The pub the suburb rallies around. Little Bench gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: A glass of the house red ($13-15). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.

2. The Red House — 177 Chapel Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. The Red House doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. Ash Depot — 252 Maple Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-15

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 Little 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 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($13-15). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Max — 95 High Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-15

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 — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.

Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.

5. Ada Room — 184 East Street

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-15

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. 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

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Southbank. 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. Ada Room 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
• Southbank Restaurants — eat before or after
• Southbank Things to Do
• All Southbank Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Southbank
• Nightlife Guide in Southbank

Useful tools:

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