Balaclava’s wine bars scene is established, leafy, well-maintained — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Gus Standard — 5 Smith Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Gus Standard 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($12-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Marco’s — 196 Albert Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Marco’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Oliver Pantry — 248 Lygon Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $12-28/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 Gus Standard — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($12-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Stella — 213 Market Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Black Depot — 183 Albert Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-28/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 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Standard | Overall best | $12-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Marco’s | Quiet drink | $12-28/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Oliver Pantry | New & trendy | $12-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Stella | Food + drinks | $12-28/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Black Depot | Atmosphere | $12-28/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Gus Standard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Balaclava. 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. Black Depot 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
- South Yarra Wine Bars
- Balaclava Restaurants — eat before or after
- Balaclava Things to Do
- All Balaclava Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Balaclava
- Best Bars in Balaclava
- Nightlife Guide in Balaclava
- Best Cocktail Bars in Balaclava
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed