Best Beer Gardens in Thomastown Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Thomastown has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Long Post and New Local lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 17km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Industrial and residential mix. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Thomastown 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. Half House — 206 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: dates

Half House has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Henry Street after 6pm.

2. Gus Table — 155 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: families

Gus Table has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Sol — 334 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sol has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($21) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Good Commons — 47 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: dates

Good Commons has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Ivy — 51 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Ivy has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Thomastown That Locals Know

Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown Recreation Reserve is a major sporting hub. Close to Northern Ring Road access. The best beer gardens options here reflect Thomastown’s character. If you’re living in or near Thomastown, 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. Nico Store — 168 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nico Store has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Hill Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Ava’s — 135 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Sunny Table — 239 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Table has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thomastown roaster — ask which one.

9. The Humble Depot — 341 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: groups

The Humble Depot has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Ava — 199 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ava has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Thomastown?

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

Is Thomastown good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Thomastown has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Thomastown known for?

Industrial and residential mix.

How far is Thomastown from Melbourne CBD?

Thomastown is 17km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Thomastown is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026