Bentleigh’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. Old Standard — 42 Beach Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Old Standard 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 rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Zara’s — 307 Beach Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Zara’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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Ivy’s — 230 Nicholson Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $19-25
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 Old 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($19-25). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Old Works — 294 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Green House — 24 Margaret Parade
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 garden setting 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Standard | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Zara’s | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Ivy’s | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Old Works | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | No |
| Green House | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Old Standard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bentleigh. 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. Green House 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 Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bentleigh Things to Do
- All Bentleigh Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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