Camberwell’s bar scene is modest and makes no apology for it. This is not Fitzroy. There are no laneway cocktail bars or rooftop anything. What exists is a handful of solid spots that serve the locals well, mostly along Burke Road and Camberwell Road.
The bars
East End Wine Bar – 309 Camberwell Road
The best bar in Camberwell, and it knows it. East End occupies a converted space in a heritage building and focuses on small-producer Victorian wines by the glass. The cheese and charcuterie plates ($24-$32) are designed for grazing. The courtyard out the back is the draw in summer. Regular wine tastings bring a crowd that actually cares about what they are drinking.
Vibe: Wine-focused, unhurried, couples and small groups. Price: Glass of wine $14-$18, cheese plate $28.
Camberwell Hotel – 205 Camberwell Road
The local pub, operating since 1867. The public bar is unpretentious and functional – cold beer, a TAB, and conversation. The beer garden fills on Saturday afternoons in summer. The bistro does pub classics at pub prices – the parma ($24) is reliable, not remarkable. Live music on weekends brings a different crowd.
Vibe: Traditional pub, mixed ages, families welcome in the garden. Price: Pint $12-$14, parma $24.
Bar None – 260 Camberwell Road
Smaller and more drinks-focused than the Camberwell Hotel. Bar None does craft beer, a decent cocktail list, and whisky tastings on Thursday nights. The food menu is deliberately limited to bar snacks. The long bar encourages conversation. This is where the under-40 crowd in Camberwell gravitates.
Vibe: Drinks-focused, conversational, younger local crowd. Price: Craft beer $12-$14, cocktail $20-$24.
The honest take on Camberwell nightlife
Most Burke Road venues close by 10pm. If you want a proper night out, catch the train to the CBD (20 minutes from Camberwell station) or the tram to Hawthorn for Glenferrie Road’s pub strip. Camberwell does after-work drinks and Saturday afternoon sessions well. It does not do late nights.
More on Camberwell: Camberwell Suburb Guide | [Best Restaurants in Camberwell](/camberwell/best-restaurants/) | Camberwell for Young Professionals
Explore More of Camberwell
- Camberwell History
- Camberwell Camberwell For Retirees
- Camberwell Rent Guide
- Camberwell Things To Do
- Camberwell Cost of Living
- Camberwell Young Professionals Guide
- Camberwell Nightlife Guide
- Camberwell Transport Guide
