We’re in the thick of the AFL season, meaning it’s worth refreshing our minds as to where the greatest Melbourne footy pubs are and why they’re worth a visit to watch the game. After all, while there’s nothing wrong with a home-cooked parma, the prospect of a pub meal and a couple of pints with mates is hard to say no to.
It’s no secret that Melbourne is the home of the AFL – the city is built on it. But while there are countless fantastic pubs in Melbourne, there are a select few that qualify as one of the best spots to enjoy a game of football. We’ve rounded up thirteen of the best footy pubs in Melbourne – each offering the perfect backdrop for a Saturday arvo thriller or a midweek classic.
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- The Great Northern Hotel, Carlton
- The Duke of Wellington, CBD
- The Birmingham Hotel, Fitzroy
- The Imperial, CBD
- Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy
- The Rose Fitzroy, Fitzroy
- The London Tavern Hotel, Richmond
- The Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park
- Young & Jackson, CBD
- Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East
- Richmond Club Hotel, Richmond
- Turf Sports Bar, CBD
- The Sporting Globe, Richmond
The Great Northern Hotel, Carlton
One of the last remaining great pubs in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne, The Great Northern Hotel is tucked away in the leafy streets of Carlton North and offers one of the best atmospheres in Melbourne to watch the footy. With screens in every direction, a generous beer garden, and a loyal local following, it’s ideal for soaking in the action with a parma and pint in hand.
Address: 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North, VIC, 3054
Contact: (03) 9380 9569
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday (11 AM – 12 AM); Thursday to Saturday (11 AM – 1 AM); Sunday (11 AM – 11 PM)
The Duke of Wellington, CBD
The Duke was established in 1853, making it the oldest licensed pub in Melbourne, and their association with Australian rules football is arguable just as long. Boasting a fresh, modern look, the menu delivers some of the best pub food in town. Be sure to reserve a booth on the rooftop after the match for those even rowdier post-game festivities.
Address: 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000
Contact: (03) 9810 0066
Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday (11 AM – 11 PM); Wednesday (11 AM – 12 AM); Thursday to Saturday (11 AM – 1 AM); Sundays (11 AM – 11 PM)
The Birmingham Hotel, Fitzroy
The Birmingham Hotel is another of the best Melbourne footy pubs, located in the heart of Fitzroy with solid specials across both schooners and meals. The staff at the Birmy (as it’s affectionately known) are also massive sports fans, and with no less than 14 different screens spread across the two-level venue, it’s the perfect spot to watch any game if you find yourself in the area.
Address: 333 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Contact: (03) 9417 2706
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (12 PM – Late)
The Imperial, CBD
Located just a torpedo punt from the MCG, The Imperial boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city, complete with panoramic views and giant screens. You can expect a lively crowd and solid selection of 20 different beers on tap, making it a staple for fans heading to or from the game, as well as those who’re happy to settle in to watch it from the first bounce.
Address: 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9810 0062
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday (11 PM – 11 PM); Thursday (11 PM – 12 AM); Friday to Saturday (11 AM – 2 AM); Sunday (11 PM – 11 PM)
Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy
Doors are set to swing open early at the Builders Arms Hotel, with egg and bacon rolls on the menu for those who arrive early enough. The Public Bar will deliver beer specials across the course of the big match, with things getting live and loud as the volume is turned up from the first bounce until the final siren.
Address: 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, 3065 Victoria
Contact: (03) 9417 7700
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (12 PM – Late)
The Rose Fitzroy, Fitzroy
Another traditional old pub that’s been given a bit of love in the form of a new layout, drinks and food menu, whilst retaining its traditional character and loyalty to the sporting crowd. In the heart of eclectic Fitzroy, this corner local feels like an extension to the lounge room and is an institution of the north.
Address: 406 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Contact: (03) 9417 3626
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (12 PM – Late)
The London Tavern Hotel, Richmond
Located in the heart of Richmond and close to MCG, the London Tavern is a quintessential footy pub with a sprawling beer garden where punters can almost hear the roar of the crowd. With a diehard Tigers contingent that lives locally, The London is often buzzing before the first bounce and well after the final siren.
Address: 238 Lennox St, Richmond VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 9428 6058
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (12 PM – Late)
The Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park
With an emphasis on quality food and drink and sleek but simple sophistication, The Middle Park Hotel provides a high-end experience for customers who expect nothing less. Capturing the essence of an exclusive gentleman’s club while paying homage to ‘true blue’ Melbourne sporting pub culture, Middle Park Hotel also offers 25 boutique hotel rooms for those visitors looking to get a real South Melbourne immersion.
Address: 102 Canterbury Road, Middle Park 3206 VIC
Contact: (03) 9810 0079
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday (12 PM – 10 PM); Friday to Saturday (12 PM – 11 PM); Sunday (12 PM – 10 PM)
Young & Jackson, CBD
Located on the bustling corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets (opposite Flinders Street Station), this icon of Melbourne sports bars is about as famous as any pub can get. From footy fans and visiting performers to out-of-towners and locals, everyone’s had a beer at Young and Jackson.
Address: Cnr Swanston & Flinders Sts, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Contact: (03) 9650 3884
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (10 AM – Late)
Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East
A renovated late 1800s pub with industrial-chic decor and a marble bar. Grosvenor Hotel is the destination in the south to watch AFL matches, with all games televised live on the big screens. Better than great pub grub – Grosvenor Hotel prides itself on its commitment to sourcing, ageing and preparing premium cuts of grass-fed Victorian beef – and drink promotions will make The Grosvenor a popular destination on match day.
Address: 10 Brighton Rd, St Kilda East, VIC 3183
Contact: (03) 9531 1542
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (10 AM – 1 AM)
Richmond Club Hotel, Richmond
Just a short stroll from the G, this venue pulls a crowd on game day like few others. Split over multiple levels with a rooftop bar and ample screens, Richmond Club Hotel nails the balance between atmosphere and accessibility.
Address: 100 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 9428 6722
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (12 PM – Late)
Turf Sports Bar, CBD
A haven for sports tragics in the heart of the city, Turf Bar goes heavy on the live sport with screens covering every wall. Add in solid pub fare and a dedicated footy-loving crowd, and you’ve got yourself a classic.
Address: 131 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9670 1271
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (12 PM – 11 PM); Friday to Saturday (1 PM – 11 PM)
The Sporting Globe, Richmond
You won’t miss a second here. With dozens of screens (including private booths), fan-friendly deals, and a big-game buzz, The Sporting Globe was built for footy lovers. A go-to for groups chasing energy and action.
Address: 288 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 7002 2998
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday (11:30 AM – 9:30 PM); Thursday (11:30 AM – 10:30 PM); Friday to Saturday (11:30 AM – 12:30 AM); Sunday (11:30 AM – 9:30 PM)
If you enjoyed this wrap-up of the very best footy pubs in Melbourne, make sure you check out a few of our other dining and drinking guides for the Victorian capital.
