Best Beer Gardens in Knoxfield Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Lena’s |
| Best free option | Red Mill |
| Best for families | Common House |
| Best local secret | Rosa |
| Best for rainy days | Ash Lane |
Knoxfield has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Little Pantry and Ivy lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Knoxfield 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. Bright Post — 292 Rowan Grove, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Bright Post has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Rowan Street after 6pm.
2. New Room — 2 Station Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: remote workers
New Room has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($27) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
3. The Southern Store — 201 Victoria Crescent, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: families
The Southern Store has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
4. Little Works — 13 Station Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: dates
Little Works has been operating in Knoxfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Place is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. Anchor — 63 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Anchor has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
6. The Tall Social — 272 Station Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: groups
The Tall Social has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: Parking is free on Rowan Street after 6pm.
Why Locals Stay in Knoxfield
Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully. Mix of residential homes and light industrial. The best beer gardens options here reflect Knoxfield’s character. Whether you’re based in Knoxfield 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. Cleo Yard — 102 Victoria Crescent, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: budget eaters
Cleo Yard has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Knoxfield roaster — ask which one.
8. The New Kitchen — 341 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The New Kitchen has been operating in Knoxfield for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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.
Capacity is around 38 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($23) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
9. Iris’s — 277 Rowan Grove, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Iris’s has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: They source produce from Knoxfield farmers market when it runs.
10. The Long Store — 160 Victoria Crescent, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups
The Long Store has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Felix’s — 257 Bay Drive, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: solo diners
Felix’s has been operating in Knoxfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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.
Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Place is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
12. Ruby Press — 123 Victoria Crescent, Knoxfield VIC 3160
What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Ruby Press has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.
Explore More
- Wantirna Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
- Knoxfield Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Knoxfield Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Knoxfield Complete Guide — everything about Knoxfield
- Compare Suburbs — see how Knoxfield stacks up
- All Knoxfield Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best beer gardens options in Knoxfield?
Lena’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Knoxfield good for best beer gardens?
Yes. Knoxfield has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Knoxfield known for?
Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully.
How far is Knoxfield from Melbourne CBD?
Knoxfield is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Knoxfield is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026

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