Aberfeldie’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — and the cocktail bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. New Lane — 215 Bourke Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. New Lane gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. The Little Place — 96 Victoria Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Little Place doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Marco Depot — 184 Anderson Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than New Lane — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Rosa’s — 331 Plenty Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ivy’s — 213 Victoria Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Lane | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Weekends |
| The Little Place | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Marco Depot | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Rosa’s | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| Ivy’s | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. New Lane does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Aberfeldie. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Ivy’s skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD Cocktail Bars
- Aberfeldie Restaurants — eat before or after
- Aberfeldie Things to Do
- All Aberfeldie Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Aberfeldie
- Best Bars in Aberfeldie
- Nightlife Guide in Aberfeldie
- Best Wine Bars in Aberfeldie
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