Best pubs: Melbourne’s east and outer east have some of the best beers and dance floors around
For all those Gen Xs and Ys out there, we’ve put together a list of all the great pubs of our youth in Melbourne’s east. So grab a beer and come inside.
East
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Remember the good old days when you’d burn the candle at both ends, rolling one night into another at your favourite eastern suburbs pubs?
You’d get your mates together for a few frothies, maybe check out the talent and have a drunken dance on a Thursday night, back it up on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and even sometimes Monday evening.
There was always a good cover band and you’d find yourself belting out a few favourite tunes like Mr Brightside, Jessie’s Girl or Horses.
Yes we’re all in lock down, but we thought it was the perfect opportunity to reminisce about those pubs you used to call home — the watering holes that hold some of the best memories from the days of our youth.
Or for those of you who finished high school within the past decade, you no doubt are awaiting the moment the coronavirus gates to be lifted so you can head back out on the turps.
Tell us your best memories — or let us know if we’ve accidentally left one of the best off the list.
Knox
Knox Irish
Seamus O’Toole’s Irish pub — commonly known as The Irish or by younger crowds as The Rish — opened in 2002 and has been a rite of passage for many partygoers in the outer east.
It’s open everyday for a meal, but it’s after dark when the party heats up and the beers and Jagerbombs go off.
One of the major perks of The Irish is its Monday night drinks — which suited many people who work in the hospitality industry.
Stamford Hotel
The good old Stammo, aka Flanagan’s Irish Bar, has always been a hit for both the young and old in both the outer and south east.
It has hosted many a birthday, work event or even just family dinner. You’d line up, even in the middle of winter, to get in to see the cover band on a Saturday night, or hang out in the beer garden.
While we might all be banned from going out at the moment, The Stammo has an online trivia night to keep you entertained.
Yarra Ranges
Kelly’s – Olinda
Relaxed, family friendly pub that is great for a delicious meal — many a date night has blossomed over parmigianas at this rusticly romantic, cabin-style hills pub nestled in the heart of Olinda.
It’s historically the real deal, built in 1926 by Jim Dodd — axeman and builder — using huge logs in the American pioneer style, it’s the perfect place for a pint in winter.
Pig & Whistle Tavern
It’s the classic old English style pub good where pints of Tetleys, Guinness and Kilkenny are served with a lovely frothy head.
It may seem like a quiet dinner venue but I assure you there has been many a birthday or get together with long tables of friends held at this quaint Olinda pub where the lager and laughs flow.
The York on Lilydale
Just when you thought you’d have to commute to the CBD to see good gigs, The York on Lilydale came up with the goods. Spiderbait, Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens, The Tea Party, Killing Heidi, The Screaming Jets, The Whitlams, The Superjesus, Pete Murray and Diesel have all put on a show at The York on Lilydale.
Here’s a little taste of Spiderbait at the Hotter Than Hell concert if you missed out or wanted to relive it.
Manningham
The Grand Hotel in Warrandyte
It’s been around for more than a century and it’s still pouring the best brews. While it doesn’t have a dance floor, it’s easy going atmosphere has attracted locals and tradies alike.
It’s the kind of place you can meet a friend for a sneaky sav blanc which turns into five glasses. It’s also good for a planned or spontaneous dinner with family or mates.
From cocktails, to wine or the best brews, The Grand is a great local pub.
Whitehorse
The Burvale
For many of our Gen X’ers the Burvale was the place to be on a summer Thursday night, with a heaving beer garden. It also backed up on Friday nights with a band rocking out while serious and not so serious games of pool went down.
Maroondah
Daisey’s
One of this reporter’s personal favourite old haunts — but I’m not talking about the club now known as Castello’s.
It was those days in the bistro dome sipping on Midori Illusion shakers, Bacardi Breezers and pots as you’d tear up the dancefloor and see everyone you knew from the eastern suburbs.
Oh the memories.
The Croydon Hotel
Also known as The Sally Boyden, The Croydon Hotel is a favourite Christmas Eve venue for school mates across the outer east. Every year mates make the annual pilgrimage to reunite and party on, with so many familiar faces as the pints go down like butter.
Monash
Wheelers Hill Hotel
The Wheeler’s was packed come a Thursday night with lines of punters all the way out the carpark. The live band and delicious food is also a big draw car for this popular Monash pub.
The Nottinghill Hotel
Also known as The Nott was an every day hangout for Monash Uni students who would “get messy” every Thursday night – probably still do.
It’s also known for it’s amazing beer garden and live music.
The Mountain View
Crazy nights have been had at the Mountain View — there’s a reason it’s often referred to by regulars at The Spew. Many regular Burvale attendees found themselves heading down Springvale Rd to the old Mountain View on a Thursday night for more fun and frivolity. We’ve even included one of the popular eastern suburb pub regular cover bands Crazy Haus for your entertainment.