Best Pubs in Students — 2026 Guide

Students’s pubs scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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. Felix’s — 243 Murray Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $10-12

The pub the suburb rallies around. Felix’s 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: Their espresso martini ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.

2. Old Store — 171 Blake Lane

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates

The quiet achiever. Old Store 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. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.

Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).

3. Marco — 226 Blake Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $10-12

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Felix’s — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. 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: The back corner booth is the best seat.

4. Hugo — 207 Murray Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $10-12

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.

5. Remy Kitchen — 29 Blake Lane

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate 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 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.

Comparison

Venue	Best For	Drink Price	Kitchen	Live Music
Felix’s	Overall best	$10-12	Yes	No
Old Store	Quiet drink	$10-12	Yes	No
Marco	New & trendy	$10-12	Snacks only	No
Hugo	Food + drinks	$10-12	Full menu	Yes
Remy Kitchen	Atmosphere	$10-12	Limited	Acoustic sets

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Students. 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. Remy Kitchen 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
Students Restaurants — eat before or after
Students Things to Do
All Students Guides

Last updated: March 2026

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