Blackburn South’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Stella Bench — 68 Elm Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Stella Bench gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Luna Bench — 259 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Luna Bench 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. Quarter — 313 Bourke Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-20
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 Stella Bench — 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 ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. River Lane — 313 Glenferrie Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $15-20
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 — 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Wide Table — 110 Elm Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella Bench | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Luna Bench | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Quarter | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| River Lane | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| The Wide Table | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Stella Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Blackburn South. 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 Wide Table 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 Cocktail Bars
- Blackburn South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Blackburn South Things to Do
- All Blackburn South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Blackburn South
- Best Bars in Blackburn South
- Nightlife Guide in Blackburn South
- Best Wine Bars in Blackburn South
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