Best Beer Gardens in Mernda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Mernda to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Long Pantry is the one everyone knows. The Long Yard is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Mernda sits in the Outer North corridor, 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mernda since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ash’s — 148 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ash’s has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. The Little Pantry — 138 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Little Pantry has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. New Cellar — 93 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

New Cellar has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Oliver Mill — 267 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: dates

Oliver Mill has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Mernda Different

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Was a tiny rural township; now tens of thousands of new residents. The best beer gardens options here reflect Mernda’s character. Whether you’re based in Mernda 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.

5. Ash’s — 39 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ash’s has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

6. Theo’s — 360 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Theo’s has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

7. Ruby’s — 300 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ruby’s has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Little Room — 46 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Little Room has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Gus’s — 38 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

Gus’s has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Mernda?

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

Is Mernda good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Mernda has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mernda known for?

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018).

How far is Mernda from Melbourne CBD?

Mernda is 28km, 50min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mernda to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026