Geelong Pubs 101: Why Your Next Happy Hour Should Be Here

If you’ve ever wondered why Geelong’s pubs are like the cool older sibling of Melbourne’s drinking scene, you’re not wrong. These spots serve up more than just pints—they’re packed with history, character, and the kind of vibe that makes you forget you’re just “out for a beer.” Think of this as your unofficial guide to Geelong’s pub scene, because let’s be real: you’re here for the good stuff.

Make Your Own Beer if you want to flex your homebrew skills, but if you’re just here to drink what others brew? Let’s dive in.

1. The Hoppy Hippie: Where Craft Meets Chaos

Located at 210 Victoria St, Geelong, this pub is a love letter to craft beer enthusiasts. The Hoppy Hippie isn’t just a bar—it’s a rebellion against the bland. Their rotating taps feature local breweries like Dropt.beer (shoutout to their experimental IPAs) and even a few surprise guest brews from regional legends. Pro tip: Ask for the “Hippie Hopper” flight—it’s four wild, hoppy beers that’ll make you question why you ever settled for lager.

2. The Drunken Parrot: Rum Lovers, Rejoice

If the Drunken Parrot had a motto, it’d be “rums we like, you like.” Tucked at 143 Princes Highway, this pub is a tropical oasis for anyone who’s ever said, “I miss the Caribbean.” Their rum collection is so vast it could start its own island. Pair their coconut mojitos with their famous jerk chicken wings, and you’ve got a recipe for a Friday night that’s 80% fun and 20% “why isn’t this on TripAdvisor?”

3. The Salty Dog: For the Fish & Chips Crowd

Located at 70 Jetty Rd, 1st Floor, The Salty Dog is Geelong’s answer to “pub food done right.” This spot is all about the classics: crispy fish and chips, hearty pies, and a beer list that includes everything from mainstream lagers to the occasional experimental sour. The view of the waterfront doesn’t hurt either. Pro tip: Order the “Dog’s Dinner” platter and pretend you’re in a British pub, even though you’re in Australia. No one will judge.

4. The Crafty Crow: Where Art Meets Ale

At 382 Princes Highway, The Crafty Crow is the kind of place where you’ll find a mural of a crows playing chess with a cask of ale. It’s equal parts art gallery and pub, serving up creative cocktails and local brews. Their signature “Crow’s Nest” is a mix of dark beer and coffee liqueur that tastes like they’re trying to wake you up and send you to sleep at the same time. Bonus points if you spot the taxidermied crow judging your life choices.

5. The Velvet Hammer: For the Midnight Snack Crew

Located at 72 Little Malcolm St, The Velvet Hammer is Geelong’s late-night hero. Open until 1am, this pub serves up a menu of bar snacks that’ll make you forget you ever ordered kale. Think loaded nachos, gourmet burgers, and the “Hammerhead”—a beer so strong it comes with a disclaimer. If you’re here after 10pm, the live music is free, loud, and 100% worth it if you’re here for the ambiance and not the lyrics.

6. The Driftwood Bar: For the “Chill But Also Party” Crowd

At 147 Princes Highway, The Driftwood Bar is the Goldilocks of pubs—not too loud, not too quiet, but just right. Their cocktail menu is a masterclass in balance (pun intended), and their beer selection includes a few rare imports you won’t find in your average bottle shop. The vibe here is “casual but cool,” which is why it’s a hit with locals who want to look like they know what they’re doing.

7. The Taphouse: For the Beer Aficionados

Located at 115 Queenscliffe Ave, The Taphouse is Geelong’s answer to “beer geek heaven.” With over 50 taps, this is where you bring your partner if you want to impress them with your encyclopedic knowledge of hop varieties. They also host “Tap Takeover” nights where a different brewery takes over the menu. If you’re here for the food, skip the pretzels and go straight for the truffle fries. Your taste buds will thank you.

8. The Red Lion: For the Old-School Vibes

At 110 Queenscliffe Ave, The Red Lion is Geelong’s OG pub. Think brick walls, a roaring fireplace, and a menu that hasn’t changed since the ‘80s. The beer here is solid, the steak is a slab of joy, and the vibe is “we’ve been here longer than your parents’ marriage.” If you’re here for the history, note that the Red Lion was once a stop for sailors coming in from the port. Now it’s just a stop for you and your third pint.

9. The Salty Dog (Jetty Rd): For the Foodie Who Also Drinks

Yes, we’re listing The Salty Dog twice—once for the Waterfront, once for the Jetty Rd location. Located at 70 Jetty Rd, this branch is all about fresh seafood and a view that’ll make you forget you’re in Australia. Their oysters are farm-fresh, their beer list includes a few local brews, and the vibe is “you’re here for the food but you’ll stay for the drinks.” Pro tip: The oysters are best when shared… or eaten by yourself, no judgment.

10. The Crafty Crow (Heritage Square): For the Urban Explorer

At 163 Princes Highway, The Crafty Crow’s Heritage Square location is a pub with a view. Perched over a restored 1920s building, this spot blends history with modern flair. The beer menu is a mix of local and imported, and the food includes gourmet options like truffle risotto. If you’re here for the ambiance, note that the upstairs bar is so cozy you’ll forget you’re in a pub and not a museum.

FAQs: Your Burning Pubs Questions, Answered

1. Are these pubs dog-friendly?

Most are! The Hoppy Hippie has a “paw-some” patio where dogs are welcome (as long as they’re not allergic to hops), and The Velvet Hammer even has a “paw tap” where you can order a beer for your pup. Just make sure to clean up after them—nature doesn’t need a mess when you’re already drunk.

2. Do any of these pubs have live music?

Absolutely. The Velvet Hammer hosts live bands every weekend, and The Crafty Crow (Heritage Square) has jazz nights on Fridays. Pro tip: Bring earplugs if you’re not into the music, but don’t tell the band. They’ll take it personally.

3. What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekdays after 3pm are your best bet. Most Geelong pubs get busy on weekends, especially if there’s a footy game on. If you want to avoid the rush, show up early or stay late—either way, you’ll still end up here around midnight.

Why Geelong Pubs Are Better Than Your Ex

Let’s face it: Geelong pubs don’t ghost you. They’re consistent, welcoming, and they’ve been here through every low in your life. Whether you’re here for a quiet pint or a rowdy night out, these spots have your back. Plus, they don’t care if you forget your anniversary (but they might care if you forget to tip the bartender).

Call to Action: Ready to Get the Pint Life?

If you’re in Geelong and need a place to drink, you’ve come to the right page. Check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on how to make your bar the next local legend. And if you’re a brewer looking to sell your beer to these pubs? Dropt.beer is your one-stop shop for beer distribution. Cheers to you, Geelong—here’s to more beers and fewer exes.

Got questions about Geelong pubs? Hit us up at Contact. We’re not bartenders, but we know a few.