Airport West’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — and the wine 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. Mabel Yard — 94 Glenferrie Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $16-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mabel Yard gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($16-24/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Nina — 159 Glenferrie Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Nina doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Green Kitchen — 12 Elizabeth Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $16-24/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Mabel Yard — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($16-24/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Bright Table — 5 Victoria Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $16-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Golden Local — 309 Blake Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $16-24/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel Yard | Overall best | $16-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nina | Quiet drink | $16-24/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Green Kitchen | New & trendy | $16-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Bright Table | Food + drinks | $16-24/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Golden Local | Atmosphere | $16-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mabel Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Airport West. 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. The Golden Local 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 Wine Bars
- Airport West Restaurants — eat before or after
- Airport West Things to Do
- All Airport West Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Airport West
- Best Bars in Airport West
- Nightlife Guide in Airport West
- Best Cocktail Bars in Airport West
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