Bentleigh East’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Ada’s — 47 Young Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $16-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Ada’s 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($16-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Room — 313 Station Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Room 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Little Post — 214 Station Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $16-27/glass
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 Ada’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 ($16-27/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Ruby — 184 Station Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $16-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders 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. Marco Commons — 353 Young Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $16-27/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada’s | Overall best | $16-27/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Room | Quiet drink | $16-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Little Post | New & trendy | $16-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Ruby | Food + drinks | $16-27/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Marco Commons | Atmosphere | $16-27/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ada’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. Marco Commons 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 Wine 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 Cocktail Bars in Bentleigh East
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