Best Beer Gardens in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont South has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Oliver’s and Lena Bench lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Vermont South 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 Tall Local — 369 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: families

The Tall Local has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($26) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Common Bench — 203 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Common Bench has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($12) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Hugo’s — 30 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Hugo’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Long Store — 282 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Long Store has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Vermont South

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best beer gardens options here reflect Vermont South’s character. For Vermont South locals and anyone in the area, 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. Little Press — 193 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: dates

Little Press has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Good Quarter — 85 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Good Quarter has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($11) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

7. Sol Place — 174 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: families

Sol Place has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Store — 175 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Store has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($25) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Green Cellar — 184 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Green Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Vermont South has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Vermont South 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