the best pubs and bars in melbourne’s west

Whether it's a night out at a local bar with the girls, the boys, or date night at the pub with the wife or the husband, we all need some time to head out, grab a good meal or grab a drink and enjoy ourselves - sans kids.
So call the babysitter - here is Mamma's list of some fav pubs and bars to head to when you are in need of hanging out - after dark.

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victoria hotel, footscray

NEW owners NEW menu! Mamma has loved this The Vic Hotel in Footscray since its renovation and rejuvenation back in 2017. It’s a pub that still feels like a pub, an updated space that still feels original. What we have now though is new owners - Andy from Luxsmith, Denis from Bottega and Ashley from Copperpot which means you KNOW the menu is going to be a ripper…

navi lounge bar, yarraville

Navi Lounge gives us access to what’s behind the velvet curtain, without the long booking list, and still with the opportunity to try Chef Julians famed fare.

The space is stunning - not surprisingly. It is dimly lit, but the afternoon suns shines through the sheer curtains, and you know you are somewhere special.

black arts brewery, williamstown north

Named after the mystery and magic of the fermentation process, Black Arts Brewery is a local hidden gem like no other. We have met many local Westie folks doing great things and owner Josh is not only making great beer, gin and ciders, but he lives and breathes the art of creating an amazing beverage!

the fifth wine bar, newport

Newport, get ready to experience the charm and elegance of The Fifth Wine Bar - your new neighbourhood hotspot! With its sleek art deco design and cosy atmosphere, this curvy and cute wine bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic date night. Come discover what makes The Fifth Wine Bar so special and add it to your list of must-visit spots in Newport!

bathtub gin distilling co and distiller’s bar, williamstown

Discover Bathtub Gin Distilling Co., located in a charming old warehouse building tucked away on a hidden back street in Williamstown. Take a stroll and stumble upon this enchanting distillery, where you can indulge in handcrafted gin and immerse yourself in the art of distilling and now food!

ms botanica, yarraville

This is primarily a gin bar with creative and amazing cocktails - all with botanical touches and local natives.

metro wine bar, altona

Having been in the wine and beer game for a while in the west, Sam knows his craft beer, artisan wine and select spirits. You can also enjoy a few tapas and nibbles from the menu too.

hardimans hotel, kensington

This is a gorgeous pub, inside and out.

the park, werribee

A gastro pub that’s family friendly, with some super style in the heart of Werribee! This has been one of Mamma's fave westie pubs for a while now - always GREAT food and a great relaxed atmosphere - now with new winter menu!!

hopheads, yarraville

In hops we trust and now you can too with a visit Hopheads Bar in Yarraville. Creating a great atmosphere with some fantastic beer is what they do here.

bar joliet, altona

Look out, Altona is fast becoming the new Footscray with some great food and bevvie choices! Mamma got to have a cheeky sneak peek at this new and much anticipated bar OPEN NOW in Harrington Square in Altona!

baby snakes bar, footscray

A sun drenched bar and a rooftop courtyard that will actually deliver you to Europe.

hopheads, altona & point cook

Mamma loves a chilled out local. That’s exactly what Hopheads is - a friendly little bar (bottle shop and tasting room) where you are sure to bump in to some OTHER friendly locals.

the cheeky pint, footscray

This micro brewery in the heart of Footscray (the old Barkly Hotel) is a great spot to meet for a delicious parma, charcuterie board or even just a bowl of delicious wedges - depending on your appetite oh and of course some house brewed beer tasting to go with your food!

sloth bar, footscray

Sloth Bar is like a few bars in one! Choose your spot, with the downstairs bar, street side seating, back courtyard or head upstairs to the lounge/couch area, and THEN there’s the balcony! The whole place has a comfortable feel like you are at a friends place for drinks or on busy nights - a cool house party!

lickety split, footscray

Mamma loves the great outdoors….and in this particular instance, it happens to be an OUTDOOR BAR and burger joint.

the plough, footscray

This is a step up from your average pub - the food is EXCELLENT

bar josephine, footscray

Yes - tonight Josephine, tonight! Seize the day folks and seize some kid free time to check out this very cool bar

aireys pub, aireys inlet

Well this place certainly has everything Mamma loves. It's such a cosy place in the winter with its fireplace and stone walls, and then on nice days there is the great outdoor deck and HUGE expanse of grass AND the old boat & sandpit for the kiddies to play too.

junction beer hall & wine room, newport

Mamma says never judge a book by it's cover, but in this case, go right ahead! This amazing art deco building hides some treasure in Newport.

back alley sallys, footscray

Down the alley and up the staircase from uber cool Slice Girls lies a wonderful world of happiness. It's comforting, and warm (sometimes with toasty fire) , and rustic-ly gorgeous and.... just really cool.

two birds brewing, spotswood

Mamma has been to Two Birds ‘ahem’ a few times and it's LAST DRINKS now for this iconic Spotswood before they close for good on July 21.

lower westside wine bar, williamstown

This is just what Williamstown needed. A classy place for some drinks and great food with friends after dark and great coffee, brunch, lunch and snacks by day.

prince albert hotel, williamstown

This fantastic pub ticks all the boxes - great food, great atmosphere, an outdoor area, fireplace and bar. This old traditional pub in Williamstown has been renovated and in the right way - still with a cool vintage feel but is also stylish and comfortable.

littlefoot bar, footscray

This is where it all started folks - Footscray’s bar scene that is - Littlefoot! Now serving amazing food too!

steam packet hotel, williamstown

The Steam Packet in Williamstown is a nice mix of pub and restaurant, it's warm, cosy, has a great menu for kids and big people - with your usual pub grub plus some more fancy options. The service is good and Mamma's crew love the little colouring in sheets and crayons.

Featured

THE BEST bars of FOOTSCRAY

Looking for a bar in Footscray? We have the full list of our fave Footscray Bars right here!

Featured

roti road, footscray

Roti Road is back after several months with a FRESH new reno!

The space is fresh, open and bright - but don’t worry there is still the viewing window where you can watch the busy kitchen and roti making!

blacksheep, south kingsville

Mamma says you have to check out The Blacksheep!

casa cantina, werribee

Casa Cantina is the hottest place in town right now! A late night eatery with fantastic Mexican fare and great party vibes!

motorino, south kingsville

The service is always friendly and the food is always good!

kawa saké sushi boat and grill, yarraville

You may think a sushi train is cool, but not as cool as a sushi BOAT!! Kawa Sake Sushi Boat and Grill is a gorgeous, cozy and delicious Japanese option in the west.

advieh, seddon

"This place is soooooooo good!" This is what Mamma says every time we come here. The food is AMAZING, the coffee is like tasty velvet, and the Moroccan fit out is gorgeous.

la tortilleria, kensington

Quaint, colourful and absolutely delicious. Mexican food is a mamma fave and this place serves up traditional, authentic and flavoursome food.

konjo cafe and restaurant, footscray

This popular restaurant in Footscray is serving some amazing food and every Friday and Saturday - you can enjoy a mixed all you can eat buffet for $18 - it's a great way to try a little of everything and see what your fave dish is.