29 Best Pubs in Melbourne for Families

There’s no doubt that a kid friendly pub is a great venue for a family dinner, or somewhere to meet some friends!

Hanging out at a family-friendly pub means you get to have a drink and eat tasty pub food in a relaxed atmosphere where energetic kids are far less likely to cause any side-eye glances. I’m lucky to have more than one great pub near me.

Even better, pub meals have definitely got more interesting since I was a child eating cheap counter meals. Now you can look forward to menus that include salads, inventive vegetarian meals and seafood alongside pubs standards such parmas, steaks and burgers.

best melbourne pubs for families

To help you choose the best pub for your next visit, here’s a list of the best pubs in Melbourne that are particularly family friendly as nominated by myself and the #TOTSquad. To make your selection easier I’ve also included the family friendly amenities at each location.

Pro tip: When you’re choosing a day and time to visit a pub with kids, remember to check for lunch / dinner specials to get a great deal (eg we eat dinner early which means we can take advantage of happy hour or food specials), and other events that might be going on at the pub, such as large sports matches, live music and trivia nights that you may want to avoid (or join!).

Best melbourne city pubs

1. The Crafty Squire, Melbourne CBD

The Crafty Squire is one of the few great Melbourne city pubs, and houses a microbrewery in the heart of Melbourne – the James Squire Brewhouse. They have big screens for sports fans, and function rooms ready for your next event.

It’s also family friendly, with a kids menu offering chicken, fish or a burger with a side of chips for $10. The adults menu has standard pub fare with expertly cooked steaks, chicken parma and plenty of more adventurous dishes too (crocodile skewers are on the small plates menu). There are multiple choices that can cater for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free requirements, such as an ancient grain salad, plant based burger and gnocchi.

Amenities include high chairs and a foosball table.

The Crafty Squire, 127 Russell St, Melbourne, (03) 9810 0064

2. Beer Deluxe, Federation Square

After a visit to NGV or ACMI, head to Beer Deluxe for a relaxed drink and a pub meal at Federation Square. The city pub’s large beer garden, a shaded deck, the open-air atrium and stunning top level (that’s usually reserved for functions) makes it arguably one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD.

The pub offers craft beer on tap, regular DJs and a menu of pub classics such as burgers, pizzas, parmas and fries.

It can get a little raucous with after-work crowds or around major weekend sports events, so we tend to visit at off-peak hours.

Family friendly amenities include high chairs and kids meals for $10.

Beer Deluxe, The Atrium, Federation Square (between ACMI &, Flinders St, Melbourne (03) 9810 0093

3. Urban Alley Brewery, Docklands

There’s lots for families to do at The District Docklands, including the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Archie Bros Cirque Electric and Hoyts Cinema.

When the crew get hungry or thirsty then head to one of the pubs near here; Urban Alley Brewery, a vast brewpub at The District Docklands with an outdoor terrace, deck and indoor areas.

The menu is a mixture of modern pub classics and twists on traditional dishes, all served with Urban Alley beers of course. Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access plus a kids menu of pasta, nuggets and fish and chips.

Urban Alley Brewery, G09/12 Star Circus, Docklands, 03 8080 9800

Best melbourne pubs Northern suburbs

4. Stomping Ground, Collingwood

Head to Stomping Ground for a great pub meal Melbourne foodies will approve of, and Stomping Ground Brewing Co brews. A highlight is the great kids play area with a multi-level cubby house made from reclaimed materials, making Stomping Ground an excellent place for a relaxed meal with family or friends where the kids can have fun too.

The kids menu includes a burger or fish and chips, a fruit and veg snack plate and kids ice cream. The adults menu includes snacks, a curated selection of mains with a couple of vegetarian / vegan / gluten free options and a couple of sharing mains – lamb shoulder and beef brisket – that you can pair with various sides.

Amenities include high chairs and the awesome fenced play area.

Stomping Ground, 100 Gipps St, Collingwood, (03) 9415 1944

5. Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy

Builders Arms Hotel is one of a handful of classic corner Fitzroy pubs that’s also regularly named as one of the top pubs in Melbourne.

The somewhat fancy Andrew McConnell gastro pub is actually great for families. My kids particularly like to perch on the bar stool and dig into the pasta, burger, roast chicken and fries while I’ve had some delicious mussels there before.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access.

Builders Arms Hotel, 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, (03) 9417 7700

6. Terminus Hotel, North Fitzroy

‘The Termi’ is an iconic Melbourne gastropub has been part of the North Fitzroy community for almost 150 years.

Luckily this is one of the Melbourne pubs where the menu has moved with the times – for instance, they offer multiple vegan menu options, including harissa baked eggplant and a spiced sweet potato burger.

The kids menu has a selection of items for $11 such as pizza, pasta, chicken, fish and chips and a kids sundae.

The North Fitzroy pubs’ beer garden is an excellent year-round venue which is partially covered and filled with greenery. Other amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, a play area, colouring pages and pencils

Terminus Hotel 492 Queens Pde, North Fitzroy, (03) 9481 3182

7. The Lincoln, Carlton

The Lincoln is a historic pub in Carlton that first opened in 1854 and their art deco bar is particularly gorgeous.

The Lincoln offers a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for catching up with friends, or just relaxing with really good food. The kitchen focuses on using the highest quality, regional, sustainable and seasonal produce, with many items made in house, it’s one of the best pubs Melbourne-wide.

We like visiting for the Sunday roast, which is available each week from 12pm until sold out.

The children’s menu is small – pasta, chicken and sweets – plus high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, pram access and some toys / books or colouring in are available.

The Lincoln, 91 Cardigan St Carlton, 03 (03) 9958 8663

8. Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North

Nestled in leafy Carlton North, the Great Northern Hotel is conveniently located on Rathdowne Street, just a few steps from the Capital City Trail.

The landmark pub opened in 1883 and it’s one of the nice pubs near Melbourne CBD, a traditional Victorian-style hotel boasting one of Melbourne’s largest decked beer gardens. Children and pooches on leash are welcome!

The menu is straight-down-the-line pub standards and there are usually a few items on the kids menu. Other amenities include high chairs.

Great Northern Hotel, 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North, (03) 9380 9569

9. Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Brunswick

The best thing about the Edinburgh Castle is undoubtedly the huge beer garden. It’s perfect for a summer session, a Sunday roast, or to simply enjoy their extensive menu with drinks (try the peppered kangaroo steak). There are good value food specials Monday to Thursday.

Their children’s menu has everything at $11 – Pizza, Spaghetti, Chicken, Mini Steak, Fish & Chips and amenities include high chairs.

Edinburgh Castle Hotel, 681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick (03) 9386 7580

10. Bridge Road Brewers, East Brunswick

Bridge Road Brewers’ pop-up bar, ‘A Bar Made of Cardboard’, is not your average pub. It’s one that, as the name says, features an interior made entirely out of cardboard and offers a taste of what’s to come once the official Bridge Road Brewers opens later this year by pouring only the latest and greatest from Bridge Road Brewers and local producers.

Along with the interesting interior and amazing drinks, the pub also offers a friendly atmosphere, making it one of the best spots to enjoy a cold beer, munch on some snacks and hang out with friends, family, and your little ones.

Bridge Road Brewers, 129 Nicholson St, East Brunswick Village, 03 5728 2703, ebv@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au

11. The Woodlands Hotel, Coburg

At The Woodlands Hotel kids will love the eclectic, slightly crazy interior design or enjoying the courtyard in the sunshine or under the glow of the festoon lights.

The children’s menu includes a cheeseburger, schnitzel or parma and chicken tenders while the main menu veers a little bit into Asia. Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet and a change table.

The Woodlands Hotel, 84-88 Sydney Rd, Coburg, (03) 9384 1122

Best local Pubs in Melbourne South / South East / Bayside

12. The Palace Hotel, South Melbourne

The Palace Hotel is a dog and family friendly South Melbourne pub with a cosy fireplace in winter and a beer garden in summer. You can also shoot some pool and my kids love playing the pinball machine!

The Palace Hotel serves a traditional pub menu with craft beer. Amenities include high chairs, a play area with toys and the small children’s menu allows you to swap out the chips for steamed veg or rice as a healthier alternative.

The Palace Hotel, 505 City Rd South Melbourne, (03) 9682 3177

13. Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park

Iconic Middle Park Hotel has had a recent makeover and the pub boasts a gorgeous bar, cosy dining room and a two-level outdoor deck/beer garden.

They offer a wide range of dining options with something for everyone and I reckon it’s one of the best gastropubs in Melbourne. Whether you want a hearty pub classic or a more elegant meal that showcases the best of Victorian produce, they’ve got it. The hanging lamb kebab is definitely the ‘wow’ dish here and they also specialise in steaks. Everything is plated beautifully.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, colouring in on the back of the kids menu and pram access.

Middle Park Hotel, 102 Canterbury Rd, Middle Park, (03) 9810 0079

14. The Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda

The Espy is a St Kilda, and indeed, Melbourne institution. So many memories of sweating it out at The Gershwin Room and drinks in the Star Wars bar in my 20s! 

Since it reopened in 2018, it’s got three dining areas: the Espy Main Bar, Espy Kitchen and Mya Tiger.

In the Espy Main Bar the children’s menu features a few crowd pleasers such as fish and chips, but also a couple of choices for more adventurous eaters, such as the greens + grain salad. Children’s meals include a soft drink.

The adults menu has firm pub favourites and fancier meals too, such as salads, a lobster roll and crispy cauliflower with hot sauce. If you go early you can take advantage of the Espy Early Bird specials.

Espy Kitchen’s menu is more upmarket and made to be shared, while Mya Tiger focuses on mouth-watering Cantonese food.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access.

The Esplanade Hotel, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, 03 9534 0211

15. The Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East

Looking for pub meals near Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda? Head to The Grosvenor Hotel, which has been around since the 1800s, for a modern menu that suits a range of get togethers. There’s also entertainment with sport on screens in the bar, trivia nights and live music.

There are two menus for dining at The Grosvenor Hotel, a bar menu and a dining menu. Wood fired pizzas feature on both, and there are pub classics like a chicken schnitzel, steaks and then more adventurous dishes like spanner crab pasta and entrees including salt baked sweet potato.

The kids menu is $15 for a drink, meal and a desert, with options such as a minute steak, pizza or Spaghetti Bolognese. Dessert is a Nutella pizza or an ice cream sundae.

Amenities include high chairs.

The Grosvenor Hotel, 10 Brighton Rd, St Kilda East, 03 9531 1542

16. Braeside Brewing Co, Mordialloc

Braeside Brewing Co is an independent family owned brewery and eatery in the heart of Mordialloc’s industrial area.

The converted industrial space is all about clean, contemporary stylings with an eye-catching pizza oven taking pride of place.

The menu has all the eats that are great with beer, plus a kids menu of $10 items. There are high chairs available, an enclosed kids play area, pencils and drawing and the warehouse space means there’s lot of room for prams.

Go there for great beer, stone-fired pizza, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Braeside Brewing Co, 43 Governor Rd, Mordialloc 0435 985 423

17. Castello’s Longbeach Hotel, Chelsea

Heading to Chelsea Beach? Then hit Longbeach Hotel, a pub with a fresh and breezy feel in keeping with its beachside location.

You can choose from several dining spaces – a spacious bistro, outdoor terrace, the cafe or a modern lounge area with entertainment and sports.

There’s a small kids play area, high chairs, pram access and a kids menu that’s only $9.50 with a free drink.

Castello’s Longbeach Hotel, 380 Nepean Highway, Chelsea (03) 9772 1633

18. Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill

The Wheelers Hill Hotel is a locale offering bistro meals and a leafy outlook, plus gaming and sports on TV.

The Wheelers Hill Hotel was originally built in 1876 as the Mulgrave Post Office and is now a modern pub known for its stunning views over the Dandenongs.

Inside the Family Bistro you’ll be able to sit indoors, near the cosy fireplace or out on our huge undercover lower terrace overlooking those views.

The main menu has standard pub classic with some modern dishes thrown in (like a fattoush salad) and the kids menu is similarly straight-down-the-line. I reckon hat kids will really love is the epic playground in the main dining area.

Wheelers Hill Hotel, 871-881 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill (03) 9560 8922

19. Boundary Hotel, Bentleigh East

The owners of Wheelers Hill Hotel also own The Boundary Hotel in Bentleigh East, so both pubs have a similar vibe in decor and family-friendliness.

The Boundary Hotel has the advantage of a Grillhouse and Bar menu as well as a Family Bistro menu. Both the Grillhouse and Bar menu features more inventive, interesting eating so I recommend heading to those spaces.

There is a play area at The Boundary Hotel but not to the same scale as Wheelers Hill Hotel.

The Boundary Hotel, 730 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East 03 9570 7044

20. Beretta’s, Langwarrin

Baretta’s Langwarrin Hotel is a firm favourite with the #TOTSquad thanks to its comfortable surroundings, friendly service, great food and a huge, 4-level play area for kids.

You can choose where you sit – a bistro, sports bar with pool tables, the outdoor deck or if you’re visiting without kids, the Adult Lounge.

Beretta’s have gone one further when it comes to welcoming families with the Beretta’s Kids Club. It is free to join and every day of every month there are special offers and events for the kids like $2 meals, lucky dips or free ice cream. Every Monday night is Kids Night Out with special deals.

You can even book a kids birthday party there, with offers such as free kids meals, free ice cream cake, balloons and cards.

best pubs in melbourne eastern suburbs

21. Mt View Hotel, Richmond

Richmond pub Mt View Hotel is one of the good pubs near Melbourne if you’re looking for a rooftop bar and somewhere to watch sports.

There’s a burger bar on the menu, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options, with a couple of vegan meals too. I particularly like the look of the fish tacos and vegan tacos, both on the entree menu.

The children’s menu is concise, but aims to please, with nuggets, fish or a cheeseburger, all served with chips.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access.

Mt View Hotel, 70 Bridge Rd, Richmond, 03 9428 3973

22. Terminus Hotel, Abbotsford

Head to Terminus Hotel in Abbotsford, or The Termo, for tasty food, including a Sunday roast (available all day until sold out).

Burger day is Thursday, with $16 burgers all day, and on Tuesday you can get a parma for $18. There’s also Thursday trivia to test your wits!

The $12 kids menu includes a drink and a scoop of ice cream, with the choice of spaghetti, chicken parma and battered fish and chips for your main.

Amenities include high chairs.

Terminus Hotel, 605 Victoria St, Abbotsford, (03) 9427 0615

23. Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn

The Auburn Hotel is an excellent destination for a family meal or a get together, especially during winter when you can dine in an Auburn Hotel Igloo!

The igloos come with their own dining packages, or if you’re dining elsewhere in the historic hotel, there’s a beautifully presented gastropub menu, and pub classics too – a parma, steak and burgers are all avilable.

The kids menu is $10 for a main, and you can get tomato penne, nuggets and chips or fish and chips.

Amenities include high chairs, pram access and an outdoor area.

Auburn Hotel, 85 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn, (03) 9810 0032

24. Beer Deluxe Hawthorn

Beer Deluxe Hawthorn promises great food and beer, with multiple dining and function areas. The dining area and an open air deck are on the second level.

Monday night is parma night, with your choice of a chicken or eggplant parma and a beer on top for $20. And there’s a $10 kids menu with a beef burger, chicken, fish and chips available.

Amenities include high chairs and pram access.

Beer Deluxe Hawthorn, 329 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, (03) 9818 3944

Best Pubs Melbourne West

25. Station Hotel

The Station Hotel Footscray is well known for cooking an excellent steak, but they are also ultra family friendly. There’s a restaurant menu and a bar menu, as well as a kids menu full of tasty items including chicken, steak, fish, beef burger, the all important chips, ice cream and desserts.

The Station Hotel is particularly popular on Sundays for their Sunday Funday between 12:30 – 3pm when they have a petting zoo and kids entertainment.

And for a limited time during winter – they have Igloos! Cosy up for a meal and a catch up with friends or family – the igloos seat 2 – 6 people.

Amenities include high chairs, play area.

Station Hotel, 59 Napier St, Footscray, (03) 9810 0085

26. The Plough Hotel, Footscray

The Plough has been a Footscray institution since the 1860s. We are regulars because it’s a venue with great pub food near me. You can choose to eat in one of two dining areas – the bistro suits families and the restaurant offers a more sedate ambience.

If you want a weekend roast without the hassle of cooking it, there’s roast meals from midday until sold out Saturday and Sunday for $28pp. There’s also a varied, but not confrontingly large menu with a pizzas, classic pub meals, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Kids meals are available.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access.

The Plough Hotel, 333 Barkly St, Footscray, (03) 9687 2878

27. Victoria Hotel, Footscray

This classic corner pub refurbished was refurbished back in 2017 and was given a complete overhaul. The menu is modern pub grub at a reasonable price – the parmas are huge and order the fish pie if it’s on the menu.

The kids menu is all $12, there are high chairs and pram access, a disabled toilet and a neat little courtyard for running around in.

Victoria Hotel, 43 Victoria St, Footscray

28. Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room, Newport

The Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room is nestled in a small group of shops on Hall Street behind platform 1 of Newport Train Station. It’s one of a few pubs in the area, but definitely the family favourite.

When the weather is fine, sit in the beer garden at the Junction for a family meal. It’s a lovely atmosphere, and there’s more space for kids who aren’t so keen to sit still.

The menu has lots of traditional tasty pub fare, with burgers, steaks, parma, and also a risotto, market fish and pork belly. Children’s mains are $12, with chicken parma, chicken schitzel, pasta, fried fish and a burger.

Amenities include high chairs and pram access.

Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room, 15 Hall St, Newport, (03) 9391 8188

29. Hobsons Bay Hotel, Williamstown

Hobsons Bay Hotel is located in a three level corner building, that was originally a pub in the early 1900s.

When you enter there’s a dining room with single page menu full of some of the best pub food Melbourne offers (although I recommend the $55 chef’s menu as a delicious option – read more about it in my full review). There’s also a bar menu available throughout the rest of the venue, that includes a rooftop terrace overlooking Williamstown and Port Phillip Bay.

The children’s menu has tasty options like grilled chicken salad, fish and chips, fried chicken and chips, but there’s also plenty on the main menus that kids will enjoy.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, pram access.

Hobsons Bay Hotel, 28 Ferguson St, Williamstown, (03) 9116 8695

30. The Park, Werribee

Head to The Park, Werribee for an extensive drinks menu and a seasonal food menu that balances trends with what the clientele is enjoying ordering and eating.

The kids menu has Bolognese, chicken and chips, fish and chips, margarita pizza, chicken burger or a cheeseburgers, and kids mains are $10.

If you head down to this Werribee local pub on a Sunday, there’s family fun with live music, games and colouring in. There’s also regular events and live music.

Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, colouring in, balloons, board games and pram access.

The Park, 12 Watton St, Werribee, 03 9741 1441

31. The Bridge Hotel, Werribee

The Bridge Hotel Werribee was established in 1926, and has recently re-opened under new management from the team behind Marquis Of Lorne, Mount Erica Hotel and Union House.

The food menu contains cheap pub counter meals, steaks and some more unusual (but not crazy strange) mains like a braised lamb shoulder.

Amenities include high chairs, pram access and outdoor seating.

The Bridge Hotel, 197 Watton St, Werribee (03) 9742 2895

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