Best Bars in Abbotsford
Between the idyllic Convent, busy Johnston Street and the industrial area around CUB, Abbotsford is a real mixed bag when it comes to drinking options. There are multiple breweries, classic pubs and everything in between. And being rather under the radar compared to neighbouring Collingwood and Richmond, the boozers tend to be filled with locals, not people who’ve come in from elsewhere. This gives Abbotsford’s bars a particularly relaxed, friendly vibe. Here’s where to find them.
Related pages
Best Pubs in Abbotsford
Best Bars in Collingwood
Best Bars in Richmond
Best Bars in Fitzroy
Bar
Full Moon Fever
Named after a Tom Petty album – and rocking an appropriate soundtrack – Lulie’s Cali-inspired rooftop bar is all sun, stone and succulents. Head upstairs for zesty cocktails from a cactus-shaped dispenser and a riff on the Hungry Jack’s Whopper.
Bar
Bodriggy Brewing Co
A South and Central American menu worth travelling for, natural wines on tap and room for 400 punters.
Cafe
Cam’s Kiosk
This neighbourhood spot has an all-day cafe, diner, gallery space and courtyard with views of the Abbotsford Convent. It’ll take you right through your day, from your morning coffee to your late-night share plates and local lo-fi wines. As for food? Expect hearty veggie soups, charcuterie plates, mussels steeped in chilli and tomato sauce, and more.
Bar
Stingrays Upstairs
Boogie beneath the disco ball at this snug, ’70s-style den upstairs at Bodriggy Brewing Co. It’s a trifecta of fluorescent cocktails, lively South American snacks and “high-end Australiana” vibes.
Bar
Lulie Tavern
One of the friendliest, most relaxed bars in town.
Bar
Dr Morse
This Abbotsford bar, eatery and coffee takeaway window is a Johnston Street cure-all.
Bar
Moon Dog OG
A quirky brewery bar with pizzas, free popcorn and an anything-goes spirit.
Restaurant
The Park Hotel Abbotsford
The vibe is laid-back at this 160-year-old pub by the team behind The Royston. Bring your dog to the courtyard for cheeseburger spring rolls and the crowd-favourite kangaroo fillet with crisp potatoes.
Bar
The Retreat Hotel Abbotsford
Take a trip back in time – to 1915 to be exact. This is one of few Melbourne pubs with a true heritage fit-out. But it’s kept up with the times where it counts. Be sure to book on weekends, or you’ll eat your parma standing.
Bar
Aviary Hotel
This cosy bar and eating house features stained-glass windows and archways, much like a cathedral. Its objects of worship? Elevated pub classics and steaks dressed with chimichurri.
Bar
Cardwell Cellars
At this "mapped" bottle shop, a cartographer and a sommelier are cracking open wines you’ve never tried from under-represented regions around the world. Grab a bottle to go, or settle in with a glass and some charcuterie (or order in from a nearby restaurant).
Bar
Gilbees
Community comes first at this homely wine bar, which celebrates the tight-knit scene around it. Come for share-friendly seafood dishes, local wines, or a browse of the local art for sale on the walls.
