Best Pub Experiences in South Melbourne
South Melbourne feels somehow suburban, despite being so close to the city. There’s a stillness with pretty, manicured streets that the suburb’s pub culture has taken advantage of. From unpretentious to classy, there are so many great pubs that have a uniquely South Melbourne character.
Here’s a guide to some of the best pubs in South Melbourne.
The Palace Hotel
505 City Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Rotating craft beer taps & spacious beer garden
An unpretentious South Melbourne institution, Rotating craft beer taps and no-nonsense pub grub. The Palace Hotel’s on-street seating is where you can sit back, relax and relax in the stillness of South Melbourne’s suburban streets.
Lamaro’s Hotel
273 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Refined bistro menu and strong wine selection
If you’re after a pub with a more polished feel, Lamaro’s is a solid choice. It’s known for its wine selection and refined bistro-style menu. The atmosphere is a mix of old-school pub charm and a more upmarket dining experience.
The Limerick Arms
364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Guinness & Irish pub atmosphere
This is your go-to for a proper pint of Guinness in South Melbourne. A longstanding Irish pub, The Limerick Arms does all the usual pub staples, with live sport and a steady crowd of regulars.
Bells Hotel
157 Moray St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Rooftop bar & multiple event spaces
One of the biggest pubs in the area, Bells Hotel offers a bit of everything – a rooftop bar, a beer garden, and multiple spaces catering to different crowds. It’s a good all-rounder for after-work drinks or weekend sessions.
O'Connells Hotel
407 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Groovy Gastropub
Groovy gastropub Modern Australian dining and craft beers in a noted, stylish gastropub with fireplace and courtyard.
The Rising Sun Hotel
2 Raglan St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes It Unique: Sydney Swans supporter pub & South Melbourne Bloods history
The Rising Sun Hotel is the go-to spot for Sydney Swans supporters in Melbourne, carrying on the legacy of the South Melbourne Bloods before their relocation to Sydney. The walls are lined with memorabilia from the club’s rich history. Match days here are packed with die-hard fans reliving the old South Melbourne days. Under new ownership, the pub has retained its classic feel while introducing a menu with a refined yet casual touch. A true South Melbourne institution.
The Golden Fleece Hotel
120 Montague St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes it Unique: Greecian-style rooftop bar & Mediterranean menu
For Santorini in South Melbourne, head to The Golden Fleece Hotel. Known for its Grecian-style rooftop bar and Mediterranean menu, it’s a tasteful modern pub.
Pirate Life South Melbourne
Image Credit: Visit Victoria
139-145 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
What Makes it Unique: Pioneering craft beer production
A great South Australian craft brew from the gnarly Port Adelaide transplanted into the ritzy suburb of South Melbourne. Pirate Life beer was one of Australia’s first pioneering IPA (India Pale Ale) producers in the 2010s.
They have become a juggernaut of Australian craft beer production, with an expanding range of experimentations and new beers rotating regularly.