Aspendale’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. Rex — 230 Glenferrie Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Rex 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: A glass of the house red ($13-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Nell Room — 301 Queen Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Nell Room doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Canvas — 206 Murray Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-23/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 Rex — 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: Their signature sour ($13-23/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Black Room — 200 Queen Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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. Pearl Press — 305 Murray Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-23/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rex | Overall best | $13-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Nell Room | Quiet drink | $13-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Canvas | New & trendy | $13-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Black Room | Food + drinks | $13-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Pearl Press | Atmosphere | $13-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Rex does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Aspendale. 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. Pearl Press 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
- Aspendale Restaurants — eat before or after
- Aspendale Things to Do
- All Aspendale Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Aspendale
- Best Bars in Aspendale
- Nightlife Guide in Aspendale
- Best Cocktail Bars in Aspendale
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