Bayswater’s wine bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Marco Post — 331 Rowan Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $17-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Marco Post 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($17-24/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Red Union — 101 Rowan Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Red Union 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Commons — 229 Rowan Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $17-24/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 Marco Post — 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 ($17-24/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Luna’s — 320 Flinders Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $17-24/glass
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 wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ash Works — 263 Flinders Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-24/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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Post | Overall best | $17-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| The Red Union | Quiet drink | $17-24/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Commons | New & trendy | $17-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Luna’s | Food + drinks | $17-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Ash Works | Atmosphere | $17-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Marco Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bayswater. 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. Ash Works 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
- Box Hill Wine Bars
- Bayswater Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bayswater Things to Do
- All Bayswater Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Bayswater
- Best Bars in Bayswater
- Nightlife Guide in Bayswater
- Best Cocktail Bars in Bayswater
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