Best Beer Gardens in Blackburn North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best beer gardens scene in Blackburn North is growing every year. Start at Oliver Room, then check out Vera Store. Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Blackburn North is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Blackburn North locals actually recommend.

1. Max Depot — 347 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: dates

Max Depot has been operating in Blackburn North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Gus’s — 291 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Gus’s has been operating in Blackburn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Lucky Mill — 155 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Lucky Mill has been operating in Blackburn North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. The Common House — 322 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Common House has been operating in Blackburn North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. River Place — 126 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

River Place has been operating in Blackburn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Blackburn North Different

Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road. The best beer gardens options here reflect Blackburn North’s character. For Blackburn North locals and anyone in the area, 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. Leo’s — 286 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Leo’s has been operating in Blackburn North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The Tall Union — 30 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: solo diners

The Tall Union has been operating in Blackburn North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Blackburn North farmers market when it runs.

8. Rex Mill — 139 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rex Mill has been operating in Blackburn North for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn North roaster — ask which one.

9. Stella Post — 149 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Stella Post has been operating in Blackburn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Zara’s — 255 Cecil Street, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Zara’s has been operating in Blackburn North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Sol’s — 156 Cecil Street, Blackburn North VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Sol’s has been operating in Blackburn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Street is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Blackburn North?

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

Is Blackburn North good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Blackburn North has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Blackburn North known for?

Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road.

How far is Blackburn North from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Blackburn North won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026