Best Beer Gardens in Vermont Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Iris and Zara Place 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. Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Vermont 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. River Union — 21 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

River Union has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

2. Rex’s — 325 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex’s has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The White Local — 40 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: families

The White Local has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Felix’s — 113 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Felix’s has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. New Press — 57 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Cleo’s — 277 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Cleo’s has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Locals Stay in Vermont

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Bellbird Dell nature reserve. The best beer gardens options here reflect Vermont’s character. For Vermont 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.

7. Remy — 333 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Remy has been operating in Vermont for over a decade 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.

The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

8. Rex’s — 45 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rex’s has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

9. The High Social — 269 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: families

The High Social has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

10. The Common Press — 355 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Common Press has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. High Pantry — 23 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

High Pantry has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

12. Iris Depot — 107 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Iris Depot has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Vermont?

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

Is Vermont good for best beer gardens?

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

What is Vermont known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

How far is Vermont from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Vermont 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