Blackburn North’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Mia’s — 373 Spring Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $16-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mia’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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($16-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Cellar — 167 Johnston Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Cellar 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Honest Lane — 35 Spring Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $16-23/glass
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 Mia’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 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: The house old fashioned ($16-23/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Sunny Bench — 232 Johnston Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $16-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The Happy Room — 325 Chapel Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $16-23/glass
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mia’s | Overall best | $16-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Cellar | Quiet drink | $16-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Honest Lane | New & trendy | $16-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Sunny Bench | Food + drinks | $16-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Happy Room | Atmosphere | $16-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mia’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Blackburn North. 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. The Happy Room 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
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Blackburn North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Blackburn North Things to Do
- All Blackburn North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Blackburn North
- Best Bars in Blackburn North
- Nightlife Guide in Blackburn North
- Best Cocktail Bars in Blackburn North
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