Ardeer’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Finn — 244 High Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $17-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Finn gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($17-23/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Stella — 150 Albert Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Stella 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. The Common Pantry — 276 Albert Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $17-23/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 Finn — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($17-23/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Theo’s — 299 Market Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $17-23/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 loaded fries are the move.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The Tall Commons — 58 Bay Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23/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 empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn | Overall best | $17-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Stella | Quiet drink | $17-23/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Common Pantry | New & trendy | $17-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Theo’s | Food + drinks | $17-23/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Tall Commons | Atmosphere | $17-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Finn does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ardeer. 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 Tall Commons 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
- Ardeer Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ardeer Things to Do
- All Ardeer Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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