Skip to:
The best season in Melbourne is hard to pick; summer means warmer weather and longer days, but winter means the footy is back and for us, it’s a no brainer.
Heading to your favourite local for a tasty pub classic and to sink a couple of Dusty Mar-tins is hard to beat. Throw a live game of AFL into the mix and it’s a signed and sealed perfect way to spend your weekend.
Whether you’re after a pre-game feed across the road from the MCG or want somewhere to catch every goal without leaving the warmth of your beer-pouring joint of choice, here are our top picks.
And the best part?
You’re winning no matter what — we’re rewarding you on every purchase you make using The Pass. So don’t just catch the game, catch points on your next round with us at any of the below locations.
Check out our Live Sports finder to search for specific games and sports showing at a pub near you.
Richmond
Prime real-estate to us means proximity to the ‘G, and this comes out in-front every single time. RCH is your quickest hop, skip and jump to the ground and is the perfect option for your pre- and post-game needs. But how quick exactly? A short 13-minute venture door to door is barely enough time for your last brew to settle before arriving.
Top tip to make it tastier? A weeknight game calls for RCH’s Happy Hour. Monday-Friday, 4-7pm is as easy as it gets.
Melbourne CBD
The Duke is located yet another short jaunt from the MCG. In fact, it’s a fifteen minute walk — we checked — and is arguably the best pick if you’re in the CBD. Perfect for a feed before heading to the game or somewhere to head post a big win, or loss, we’re not ones to judge.
Melbourne CBD
Next up Garden State Hotel, another fifteen-minute walk to the G is hard to beat. But how’s it different you might ask?
Think typical Melbourne pub with multiple levels and a sprawling beer garden in the heart of it. The definition of a watering hole that also has a hidden nod to Italy tucked away in the back, known as Tippy-Tay. Best of both worlds doesn’t do this ripper justice but regardless of if you choose a tasty parma or to treat yourself to a slice of Italy, we’ll reward you either way.
Docklands
The Wharf is not only home to waterfront views of the Yarra River but it’s also home to a fifteen-minute walk to Marvel Stadium. Another prime choice if you’re needing a meeting spot for your crew before or after heading to the game.
With Happy Hour every weekday from 4-7pm it’s a win, win, win for weeknight games. Cheap drinks, points with every order and your team coming out on top.
Prahran
This might not be the first pick if you’re heading to the game, but it should definitely be a top contender if you’re wanting somewhere to watch it live and loud. Nestled in the backstreets of Prahran, it’s home to one epic beer garden — covered and heated of course throughout winter — and a freshly renovated public bar.
Want to know what makes it even better? A Friday Happy Hour from 5-7pm and a Sunday Cocktail special all day long!
Hawthorn East
Now that were in the ballpark of pubs to head to and stay at, The Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn is a classic. A heritage-listed, top-tier, local neighbourhood pub and the best choice if you have little tackers in tow.
Fit with a delicious pub menu and great beer garden, catch the matches live and loud with Friday Happy Hour from 4-6pm every week.
