Where is the best beer garden in the North Shore?
Spring has sprung, and we’re spoilt for choice in the North.
Huw Bradshaw
October 06, 2025
There's no better way to enjoy the warmer weather than an outdoor beverage with some mates. Here’s a guide to the best beer gardens on the North Shore.
Something Traditional
These two longstanding public houses are some of the oldest in the North Shore, established in 1832 and 1860 respectively. Both, evidently, value the cultivation of a nice green beer garden.
Greengate Hotel
A gem of the upper North Shore. It’s a solid pub with lush outdoor seating areas, but what really makes it a winner is its beautiful Italian renaissance style design.
(Check out the photo below, circa 1945)
Where: 659 Pacific Highway
Happy Hour: 3–6
Image: ANU Archives
Rag and Famish Hotel
I’ve heard some great things about their beef and Guiness pie.
Where: 199 Miller Street, North Sydney
Happy hour: None!
Something Cosy
If you’re looking for something a little less busy, try out this little pub nestled along Willoughby Road.
Small Bar
A little more sophisticated than most beer gardens, with a lovely vine covered pergola. $15 bloody marys on weekends.
Where: 85 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest
Happy Hour: 4–6
Image: Small Bar Crows Nest
New Brews
Looking to change things up a bit? These two bars brew their own beers. Try an old English-style cask ale, or a cool, fruity pale ale at these locations.
Flatrock Brewery
Tucked away in the Naremburn shopping village, this is a severely underrated old-English style pub. Try the cask ale for something new.
Where: 290 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn
Happy hour: None!
Depot Brewery
Located just inside the Artarmon HomeHQ shopping mall. A surprisingly large brewery for the North Shore.
Where: 1 Frederick Street, Artarmon
Happy hour: 4–6
Something affordable!
It seems sometimes the lushness and greenery of a beer garden can be directly linked to an outrageous price for a schooner. That doesn’t always have to be the case: check out these affordable options.
Great Northern Hotel
One of the nicest beer gardens in the North Shore, with a great big tree in the centre and a $5.50 happy hour on Saturdays.
Where: 522 Pacific Highway, Chatswood
Happy Hour: 5–6 Monday to Friday, 4–7 on Saturdays
Willoughby Park Bowling Club
A classic old-fashioned Australian bowling club. Always great for a sunny afternoon.
Where: 13 Robert Street, Willoughby
Happy Hour: 4–6, Monday to Thursday
Image credit: Rag and Famish Hotel, Greengate Hotel