Best Beer Gardens in Northcote Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Northcote has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Hugo Commons and Good Commons lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Northcote 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. The Southern Place — 66 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Southern Place has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Ava Quarter — 27 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Ava Quarter has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Depot — 170 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Depot has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Pearl Table — 197 Plenty Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Pearl Table has been operating in Northcote for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Northcote Is Worth Knowing

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Westgarth Cinema is a local landmark. The best beer gardens options here reflect Northcote’s character. Whether you’re based in Northcote 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. Tall Post — 302 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Tall Post has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Nina Press — 90 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nina Press has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Northcote roaster — ask which one.

7. Max Commons — 302 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Max Commons has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 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 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Ada Store — 225 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada Store has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Northcote?

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

Is Northcote good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Northcote has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Northcote known for?

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee.

How far is Northcote from Melbourne CBD?

Northcote is 6km, 14min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Northcote isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026