Best Beer Gardens in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Mentone to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Nell’s is the one everyone knows. The Lucky Yard is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Mentone sits in the Bayside corridor, 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mentone since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell’s — 214 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: families

Nell’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Tall House — 192 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Tall House has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Standard — 165 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Standard has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

4. The Blue Post — 32 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Blue Post has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. River — 81 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

River has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Mentone

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best beer gardens options here reflect Mentone’s character. For Mentone 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.

6. Honest Commons — 221 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Honest Commons has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Blue Press — 335 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Blue Press has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Depot — 289 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Depot has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

9. Little House — 259 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Little House has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Atlas — 85 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Atlas has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Mentone?

Zara Store is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Mentone good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Mentone has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Mentone 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