Taylors 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. Nico Depot — 70 Church Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Nico Depot gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($10-12). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Bellbird — 326 Rowan Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Bellbird 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Lucky Works — 95 Rowan Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am 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 Nico Depot — 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: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Merchant — 111 West Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm 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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The Happy Standard — 16 Bourke Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $10-12
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Depot | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Bellbird | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Lucky Works | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Merchant | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| The Happy Standard | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Taylors 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. The Happy Standard 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
- Taylors Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Taylors Hill Things to Do
- All Taylors Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed