Best Beer Gardens in Bayswater Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Bayswater has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Blue Depot and Otto lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Bayswater resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Union — 2 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups

Union has been operating in Bayswater for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Mia’s — 107 Swan Road, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mia’s has been operating in Bayswater for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

3. Kai’s — 321 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: groups

Kai’s has been operating in Bayswater for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Place — 242 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Place has been operating in Bayswater for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bayswater farmers market when it runs.

5. Sol’s — 326 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol’s has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Bayswater Actually Is

Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. Industrial precinct provides local employment. The best beer gardens options here reflect Bayswater’s character. If you’re living in or near Bayswater, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. The Good Yard — 132 Swan Road, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Good Yard has been operating in Bayswater for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

7. The Red Depot — 104 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Red Depot has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Bayswater farmers market when it runs.

8. Depot — 215 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Depot has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Max’s — 370 Swan Road, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: dates

Max’s has been operating in Bayswater for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bayswater roaster — ask which one.

10. Ivy Store — 121 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ivy Store has been operating in Bayswater for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Chirnside Park Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
• Bayswater Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Bayswater Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Bayswater Complete Guide — everything about Bayswater
• Compare Suburbs — see how Bayswater stacks up
• All Bayswater Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Bayswater?

Mill is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Bayswater good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Bayswater has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Bayswater known for?

Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene.

How far is Bayswater from Melbourne CBD?

Bayswater is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Bayswater to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026