Blackburn’s cocktail bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Humble Commons — 240 North Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $17-23
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Humble Commons gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($17-23). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Sunny Quarter — 354 North Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Sunny Quarter 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Sunny Store — 205 Pine Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $17-23
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 Humble Commons — 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: Their signature sour ($17-23). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Hugo Room — 73 Bay Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders 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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Atlas — 308 North Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $17-23
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Commons | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| The Sunny Quarter | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Sunny Store | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| Hugo Room | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Fri |
| Atlas | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Humble Commons does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Blackburn. 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. Atlas 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
- Box Hill Cocktail Bars
- Blackburn Restaurants — eat before or after
- Blackburn Things to Do
- All Blackburn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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