Black Rock’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. Finn Post — 125 Chapel Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $13-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Finn Post 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($13-26/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Lena’s — 340 Queen Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Lena’s 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Ada Union — 94 Johnston Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-26/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 Finn 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($13-26/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The New Press — 369 Johnston Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $13-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Nico — 247 Queen Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-26/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Post | Overall best | $13-26/glass | Yes | No |
| Lena’s | Quiet drink | $13-26/glass | Yes | No |
| Ada Union | New & trendy | $13-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The New Press | Food + drinks | $13-26/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Nico | Atmosphere | $13-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Finn Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Black Rock. 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. Nico 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
- Sandringham Wine Bars
- Black Rock Restaurants — eat before or after
- Black Rock Things to Do
- All Black Rock Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Black Rock
- Best Bars in Black Rock
- Nightlife Guide in Black Rock
- Best Cocktail Bars in Black Rock
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