Bentleigh’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. The High Social — 263 Bell Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $18-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The High 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($18-26/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Larder — 29 Bell Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Larder 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Kitchen — 240 Nicholson Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $18-26/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 The High 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($18-26/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Felix — 349 Bell Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $18-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ivy — 184 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $18-26/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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The High Social | Overall best | $18-26/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Larder | Quiet drink | $18-26/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Kitchen | New & trendy | $18-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Felix | Food + drinks | $18-26/glass | Full menu | No |
| Ivy | Atmosphere | $18-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The High Social 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. Ivy 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 Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bentleigh Things to Do
- All Bentleigh Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Bentleigh
- Best Bars in Bentleigh
- Nightlife Guide in Bentleigh
- Best Cocktail Bars in Bentleigh
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