Best Beer Gardens in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best beer gardens scene in Preston is better than most people realise. Start at River House, then check out Lena. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Located 8km from the CBD, Preston is part of Melbourne’s Middle North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Preston locals actually recommend.

1. Luna Yard — 39 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Luna Yard has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Remy Works — 60 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

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

Remy Works has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: They source produce from Preston farmers market when it runs.

3. The Common Standard — 186 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Common Standard has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The White Press — 150 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The White Press has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Preston roaster — ask which one.

What Preston Actually Is

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best beer gardens options here reflect Preston’s character. If you’re living in or near Preston, 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. Bright Table — 315 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Bright Table has been operating in Preston for several years 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 space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Preston roaster — ask which one.

6. Half Store — 6 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: dates

Half Store has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Ruby Bench — 10 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ruby Bench has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

8. The Red House — 33 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Red House has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Preston?

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

Is Preston good for best beer gardens?

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

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Preston 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