Best Pubs in Upwey — 2026 Guide

Upwey’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. Sol’s — 124 Church Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $10-12

The pub the suburb rallies around. Sol’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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Zara’s — 298 Queen Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. Zara’s 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. Quarter — 329 Main Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $10-12

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 Sol’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: The house old fashioned ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.

4. Nina’s — 224 Church Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.

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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.

5. Cleo Works — 301 Main Lane

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $10-12

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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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
Sol’s	Overall best	$10-12	Yes	Fri-Sat
Zara’s	Quiet drink	$10-12	Yes	Sun sessions
Quarter	New & trendy	$10-12	Snacks only	No
Nina’s	Food + drinks	$10-12	Full menu	No
Cleo Works	Atmosphere	$10-12	Limited	DJs Sat

Practical Info

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

Getting there: Public transport options in Upwey. 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. Cleo Works 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

Last updated: March 2026

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