Best Beer Gardens in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Upwey to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Golden Press is the one everyone knows. Nell’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey sits in the Outer East corridor, 35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Upwey since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Long Corner — 186 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Long Corner has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Otto’s — 271 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Otto’s has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Half Cellar — 122 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Half Cellar has been operating in Upwey for several years 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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

4. Rosa’s — 306 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Rosa’s has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Leo’s — 148 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: dates

Leo’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

6. The Little House — 205 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Little House has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Upwey Is Worth Knowing

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best beer gardens options here reflect Upwey’s character. Whether you’re based in Upwey 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.

7. Golden Table — 309 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Golden Table has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. The Long Cellar — 164 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Long Cellar has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

9. The White Works — 336 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The White Works has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Theo Works — 297 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Theo Works has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. The Bright Corner — 348 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Corner has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

12. Remy — 66 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups

Remy has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Upwey?

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

Is Upwey good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Upwey has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Upwey: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026