Best Beer Gardens in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Bench | | Best with kids | Leo Corner | | Hidden spot | Zara’s | | Bad weather pick | Max |
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
Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($17) — solid
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
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($19) — solid 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
The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.
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 space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Start with: The lamb shoulder ($25) — solid 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
Capacity is around 47 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.
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
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — solid 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
