Best Pubs in Toorak — 2026 Guide

Toorak’s pubs scene is wealthy, manicured, old-money — 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. Cellar — 184 Clendon Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-15

The pub the suburb rallies around. 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The house lager on tap ($13-15). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Ada — 337 Albany Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door

The quiet achiever. Ada 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. The Old Commons — 220 Clendon Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-15

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than 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 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: Their signature sour ($13-15). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.

4. Rex Place — 51 Albany Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $13-15

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 wings have a proper chilli kick.

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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Leo — 175 Orrong Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.

Comparison

Venue	Best For	Drink Price	Kitchen	Live Music
Cellar	Overall best	$13-15	Yes	No
Ada	Quiet drink	$13-15	Yes	No
The Old Commons	New & trendy	$13-15	Snacks only	No
Rex Place	Food + drinks	$13-15	Full menu	No
Leo	Atmosphere	$13-15	Limited	No

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Toorak station, tram 58. 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 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

South Yarra Pubs
Toorak Restaurants — eat before or after
Toorak Things to Do
All Toorak Guides

Last updated: March 2026

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