Best Nightlife in Templestowe — 2026 Guide

Templestowe’s nightlife spots scene is down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible — and the nightlife spots 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Leo’s — 368 Henry Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $17-23

The venue the suburb rallies around. Leo’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: The house lager on tap ($17-23). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. New Kitchen — 182 Mary Road

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

The quiet achiever. New Kitchen 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. Ava Bench — 28 Pine Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $17-23

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Leo’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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.

Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-23). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.

4. Half Table — 304 Sydney Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23

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 loaded fries are the move.

The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.

Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Leo Post — 206 Nicholson Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 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

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe. 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. Leo Post 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

• Box Hill Nightlife
• Templestowe Restaurants — eat before or after
• Templestowe Things to Do
• All Templestowe Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Templestowe
• Best Pubs in Templestowe
• Best Cocktail Bars in Templestowe
• Date Night in Templestowe

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Coffee Price Tracker
• Explore Templestowe