Best Beer Gardens in Fitzroy Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | Zara Press |
| No-cost pick | The Northern Corner |
| Best with kids | Kai |
| Hidden spot | Nell Yard |
| Bad weather pick | Southern Works |
We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Fitzroy to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Bright Kitchen is the one everyone knows. The Northern Cellar is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Fitzroy sits in the Inner North corridor, 2km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Fitzroy since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. The Lucky Social — 318 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: dates
The Lucky Social has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. Felix Mill — 328 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Felix Mill has been operating in Fitzroy 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
3. Sol’s — 376 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Sol’s has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. The Good Depot — 253 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The Good Depot has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
5. Sol’s — 12 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: solo diners
Sol’s has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: They source produce from Fitzroy farmers market when it runs.
6. Gus’s — 373 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Gus’s has been operating in Fitzroy for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
The Fitzroy That Locals Know
Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Galleries, vintage shops, live music. The best beer gardens options here reflect Fitzroy’s character. Whether you’re based in Fitzroy 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. The Long Room — 368 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The Long Room has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
8. Sunny Quarter — 73 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: dates
Sunny Quarter has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.
9. Otto Post — 106 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Otto Post has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.
10. Remy Cellar — 247 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: families
Remy Cellar has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The lamb shoulder ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
11. The Tall Yard — 277 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: budget eaters
The Tall Yard has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. The Red House — 207 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: solo diners
The Red House has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Carlton Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
- Fitzroy Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Fitzroy Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Fitzroy Complete Guide — everything about Fitzroy
- Compare Suburbs — see how Fitzroy stacks up
- All Fitzroy Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best beer gardens options in Fitzroy?
Zara Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Fitzroy good for best beer gardens?
Yes. Fitzroy has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Fitzroy known for?
Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb.
How far is Fitzroy from Melbourne CBD?
Fitzroy is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.
The truth about Fitzroy: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026

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