Bayswater North’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the cocktail 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. Ava Social — 290 Church Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Ava Social 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Nico’s — 133 Albert Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Nico’s 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Lucky Larder — 65 Market Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Ava Social — 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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Zara’s — 225 Homer Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Golden Larder — 16 Market Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-20
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava Social | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Nico’s | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Lucky Larder | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Zara’s | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| The Golden Larder | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava Social does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bayswater North. 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 Larder 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 Cocktail Bars
- Bayswater North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bayswater North Things to Do
- All Bayswater North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Bayswater North
- Best Bars in Bayswater North
- Nightlife Guide in Bayswater North
- Best Wine Bars in Bayswater North
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