Best Beer Gardens in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Cheltenham has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Max’s and Mabel’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Cheltenham 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. Ada — 282 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ada has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

2. Rex Table — 265 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Rex Table has been operating in Cheltenham 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.

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Cleo Works — 230 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Cleo Works has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. River’s — 376 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

River’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($10) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Rosa’s — 43 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Rosa’s has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Rex Union — 328 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex Union has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Cheltenham

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best beer gardens options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. Whether you’re based in Cheltenham or visiting from nearby, 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. River’s — 32 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: solo diners

River’s has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

8. Rosa’s — 163 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rosa’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Street is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Red Lane — 173 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Red Lane has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

10. Nina Mill — 45 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nina Mill has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Good Pantry — 125 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Good Pantry has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Otto Social — 231 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Otto Social has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Cheltenham?

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

Is Cheltenham good for best beer gardens?

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

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Cheltenham 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