There’s nothing quite like watching the footy with a cold drink, a good pub meal, and joining in with a crowd getting behind their team. With the AFL finals bringing some of the biggest games of the year to Melbourne, there are plenty of pubs and bars around the city where you can settle in and watch the action live.
We’ve put together a list of the best local pubs and bars that all have something unique to offer during the finals season. So, keep reading to find out where we recommend watching the footy this September.
North Fitzroy Arms
If you’re after a proper local footy pub, North Fitzroy Arms is hard to overlook.
Located on Rae Street in Fitzroy North, this traditional pub has a front bar, beer garden, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits a long afternoon watching the game with mates. The venue describes itself as a ‘footy pub’, while recent coverage highlights its classic front bar, where the footy is part of the atmosphere rather than an afterthought.
It’s also worth sticking around for the food, with weekly specials. During finals season, expect the front bar to be a popular spot when the big games are on, so booking ahead is a good idea if you want to secure a table.
Website: https://www.northfitzroyarms.com.au/
The Charles Dickens Tavern
Tucked underneath Melbourne’s historic Block Arcade, The Charles Dickens Tavern is a little different from your typical sports pub. This British-style pub brings an old-school feel with live sport, showing AFL alongside international sports throughout the week. It’s a great option if you want to watch the footy in the heart of the CBD without heading to one of the city’s larger sports bars.
The menu leans into classic pub favourites and British dishes, with options such as pies, fish and chips, and other hearty meals to enjoy alongside an extensive selection of local and imported beers. There are also regular drinks specials, including all day $9 pints, something we think is pretty hard to pass up. Located at 290 Collins Street, it’s an easy option for a pre- or post-game drink if you’re already exploring the city.
Website: https://www.thecharlesdickenstavern.com.au/
The Espy
Footy with a sea breeze. It’s hard to go past The Espy in St Kilda. Just moments from St Kilda Beach, this iconic venue shows major sporting events live and loud across its Public Bar and Sunroom, including the AFL finals. The Public Bar is the main spot for live sport, while the Sunroom offers a more relaxed setting with plenty of natural light and views towards the coast. Walk-ins are welcome, although the venue recommends arriving early for major games and busy weekends.
With food, drinks, and plenty more happening around the venue, The Espy is a great choice if you want to make a whole afternoon or evening out of watching the footy. You’ll find it at 11 The Esplanade, making it an easy stop before or after a walk along St Kilda Beach.
Website: https://hotelesplanade.com.au/
College Lawn Hotel
Hidden away in the back streets of Prahran, College Lawn Hotel is the kind of local pub where you can settle in for the whole afternoon. The venue has a bar, restaurant, courtyard and large beer garden, giving you plenty of options for watching the footy with mates. Live sport is a regular part of the schedule, with AFL games shown throughout the season, while the venue also runs happy hours, parma specials, slab raffles, and other weekly events.
The beer garden is a particular drawcard when the weather is on your side, giving you the chance to combine finals footy with a few drinks outdoors. Located on Greville Street, it’s a handy option if you’re spending the day around Prahran, South Yarra, or Windsor.
Website: https://collegelawnhotel.com.au/
The Great Northern Hotel
If you want a pub where watching the footy is practically a full-time activity, head to the Great Northern Hotel in Carlton North. The venue is showing all AFL games live and loud throughout the 2026 season, with plenty of screens and the option to let the team know which side you’re supporting when you book. There’s also a huge range of beer to choose from, making it easy to settle in for a few games across the weekend.
The weekly specials are another reason to stay around, including $22 parmas on Monday, $25 steaks on Tuesday and $20 burgers on Thursday. With a beer garden, outdoor screen, and a lively sports atmosphere overall, the Great Northern is a great choice for a group of mates wanting to make a day out of the finals. You’ll find it at 644 Rathdowne Street in Carlton North.
Website: https://www.gnh.net.au/
Glenferrie Hotel
Right in the heart of Hawthorn, the Glenferrie Hotel is a classic Australian pub with plenty of history and a strong focus on live sport. The hotel dates back to the late 1800s and today combines its traditional pub feel with a beer garden, dining areas, and live coverage of AFL, NRL, cricket, and more.
For finals footy, you can book a table in advance and settle in with a pub favourite and a cold drink while watching the game. The pub’s location on Burwood Road also makes it convenient if you’re coming from around Hawthorn, Richmond, or the eastern suburbs, with Glenferrie Station nearby as well.
Website: https://www.glenferriehotel.com.au/
The Mona Castle
Over in Seddon, The Mona Castle is a historic neighbourhood pub with a strong connection to Melbourne’s footy culture. The 150-year-old pub has a bar, dining areas, and beer garden, with the AFL as a big part of the atmosphere; particularly when the Western Bulldogs are playing. The venue has become known for its lively game-day celebrations, making it a good choice if you want a more local feel during finals season.
There are plenty of food and drink specials to pair with the game, too, including $23 chicken or eggplant parmas on Monday, $25 porterhouse steak on Wednesday, and a rotating Sunday roast. From Monday through to Friday, happy hour also brings $5 pots and $9 wines between 4pm and 6pm. Located at 45–53 Austin Street, Seddon, The Mona Castle is a great option for footy fans looking to experience the most of Melbourne’s inner-west pub culture.
Website: https://monacastlehotel.com/
Make the most of finals season with a stay at ATVM
Heading into Melbourne for the footy finals doesn’t have to mean paying CBD hotel prices. Airport Tourist Village Melbourne (ATVM) offers comfortable, affordable accommodation just five minutes from Melbourne Airport, making it a convenient base for exploring Melbourne and getting to the game or your chosen pub.
With everything from studios and one-bedroom cabins to spacious three- and four-bedroom cabins for groups, there’s an option to suit different budgets and group sizes. You’ll also have access to facilities including secure parking, Wi-Fi, BBQ areas, a gym, and laundry facilities, making it easy to settle in after a big day of footy fanfare.
Planning your big finals weekend? Book your stay at ATVM and enjoy Melbourne footy without the expensive city accommodation. ATVM is currently offering 15% off when you book at least 14 days in advance.
FAQs
Where can I watch AFL finals in Melbourne?
Many pubs and sports bars across Melbourne show AFL finals live, including venues such as The Espy, Great Northern Hotel, and North Fitzroy Arms. It’s worth checking with the venue and booking ahead for major games.
Should I book a table to watch the footy?
For popular finals games, booking ahead is a good idea. Melbourne’s best sports pubs can become busy quickly when a big game is on; particularly during the finals.
Where should I stay when visiting Melbourne for the footy?
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to a CBD hotel, ATVM offers self-contained accommodation in Attwood, just five minutes from Melbourne Airport. It also has a range of options for couples, families, and larger groups.
Is ATVM suitable for groups travelling to Melbourne for the footy?
Yes. ATVM offers accommodation for groups of different sizes, including three-bedroom cabins sleeping up to six people and four-bedroom cabins sleeping up to eight people.