Bentleigh East’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Leo’s — 50 Bourke Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Leo’s 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: The house lager on tap ($19-25). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Black Corner — 215 Station Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Black Corner doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Iris’s — 253 Young Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $19-25
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Leo’s — 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 ($19-25). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Blue House — 12 Anderson Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $19-25
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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Oliver Table — 154 Station Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $19-25
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 charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo’s | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Weekends |
| The Black Corner | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Iris’s | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Blue House | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Yes |
| Oliver Table | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Leo’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bentleigh East. 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. Oliver Table 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
- Brighton Cocktail Bars
- Bentleigh East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bentleigh East Things to Do
- All Bentleigh East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Bentleigh East
- Best Bars in Bentleigh East
- Nightlife Guide in Bentleigh East
- Best Wine Bars in Bentleigh East
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