Templestowe Lower’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. Zara Cellar — 341 Lygon Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. Zara 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 back room 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. The Honest Yard — 144 Park Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Honest Yard 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. Finn — 340 High Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends 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 Zara 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. 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: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Zara’s — 40 Lygon Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-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 sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Gus Commons — 195 High Grove
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 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zara Cellar | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| The Honest Yard | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Finn | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Zara’s | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| Gus Commons | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Zara Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe Lower. 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. Gus Commons 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
- Templestowe Lower Restaurants — eat before or after
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do
- All Templestowe Lower Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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