Altona’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. Northern Mill — 259 Murray Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Northern Mill gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-27/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Southern Store — 96 Fitzroy Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Southern Store 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. New Pantry — 92 Fitzroy Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Northern Mill — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-27/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. High Works — 229 Station Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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. Mabel’s — 118 Spring Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-27/glass
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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Mill | Overall best | $15-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Southern Store | Quiet drink | $15-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| New Pantry | New & trendy | $15-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| High Works | Food + drinks | $15-27/glass | Full menu | No |
| Mabel’s | Atmosphere | $15-27/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Northern Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Altona. 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. Mabel’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
- Altona Meadows Wine Bars
- Altona Restaurants — eat before or after
- Altona Things to Do
- All Altona Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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