Best Beer Gardens in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Red House |
| Free highlight | Little Corner |
| Family-friendly | Otto |
| Locals only | Ash Bench |
| Indoor option | Sunny Pantry |
The best beer gardens scene in Highett is better than most people realise. Start at Assembly, then check out Nico’s. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Highett locals actually recommend.
1. Ava Bench — 371 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
2. The Bright Social — 36 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
3. The Tall Press — 98 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Zara Post — 259 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Luna — 4 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — solid
6. The Northern Post — 78 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
The Reality of Highett
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best beer gardens options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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.
7. Mia’s — 107 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Cleo Press — 97 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Theo’s — 155 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Remy Press — 328 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Ada’s — 300 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. The Honest Table — 107 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Hampton Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
- Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Highett Complete Guide — everything about Highett
- Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
- All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best beer gardens options in Highett?
Red House is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Highett good for best beer gardens?
Yes. Highett has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Highett known for?
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.
How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?
Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Highett 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
