Best Beer Gardens in Chelsea Heights Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Chelsea Heights to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Rex Pantry is the one everyone knows. Assembly is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Chelsea Heights since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico — 172 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nico has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Kitchen — 113 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Kitchen has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Mabel’s — 236 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: groups

Mabel’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. New Mill — 368 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: remote workers

New Mill has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Hugo — 176 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hugo has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

6. Zara House — 233 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: remote workers

Zara House has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Chelsea Heights

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The best beer gardens options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. If you’re living in or near Chelsea Heights, 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.

7. The Green Union — 48 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: solo diners

The Green Union has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($27) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Otto — 364 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

9. Lena — 167 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Lena has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

10. Ash — 36 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ash has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Otto — 138 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: dates

Otto has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Old Cellar — 311 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Cellar has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 room holds 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Chelsea Heights?

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

Is Chelsea Heights good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea Heights is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Chelsea Heights 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