Beermash

Quick Verdict

Beermash on Smith Street is easy to get into — no reservation required, no velvet rope, no waiting list. For a Collingwood bar in 2024, that accessibility is part of the appeal. If you've been once and enjoyed it, coming back on a weeknight is low-friction. The question is whether the beer and spirits program gives you enough reason to return over the other options on this strip.

What Defines It

The name signals the focus: beer, and specifically the kind of bar that takes the mash seriously. Collingwood has seen a wave of venues leaning into craft spirits and cocktail programs over the past few years, and Beermash positions itself around the fermentation and brewing end of that spectrum rather than the shaker-and-jigger end. If your preference runs toward well-selected tap lines, interesting cans, and a room that doesn't require you to dress up or shout over a DJ, this is the right call over something like Hotel Collingwood, which skews louder and more pub-classic.

For a returning visitor, the move is to work through whatever rotating taps or seasonal selections are on — the format rewards exploration more than ordering the same thing twice. Smith Street has enough foot traffic that the crowd here tends to be local and relaxed rather than destination-driven, which keeps the energy grounded.

How It Sits in the Neighbourhood

Smith Street is one of Melbourne's more concentrated bar corridors, and Beermash sits within walking distance of several strong alternatives. The Craft & Co on the same street leans deeper into the production side , brewery, distillery, charcuterie , and is worth considering if you want a fuller food-and-drink experience. Easey's is the pick for a more casual, outdoor-friendly session. Beermash sits between those two poles: more bar-focused than Easey's, less of a venue production than The Craft & Co.

For context on what the broader Melbourne bar scene offers at the serious end, 1806 in Melbourne is the benchmark for spirits depth and cocktail precision , a useful reference point if you're calibrating expectations across the city.

Practical Details

Reservations: Not required , walk in. Booking difficulty: Easy. Dress: Casual. Good for: After-work drinks, small groups, returning locals. Avoid if: You want a full dinner-and-cocktails experience or a late-night cocktail bar with a serious spirits list.

See our full Collingwood bars guide for the complete picture, or check the Collingwood restaurants guide if you're planning a full night out in the neighbourhood.