Blackburn’s wine bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Felix’s — 3 Market Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $17-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Felix’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: The house lager on tap ($17-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Hugo Room — 303 Bay Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Hugo Room 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Cellar — 31 Bay Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $17-23/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Felix’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 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 ($17-23/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Tall Union — 207 Bay Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23/glass
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 — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Bright Social — 3 Market Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23/glass
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 charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix’s | Overall best | $17-23/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Hugo Room | Quiet drink | $17-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Cellar | New & trendy | $17-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Tall Union | Food + drinks | $17-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Bright Social | Atmosphere | $17-23/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Felix’s 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. Bright Social 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 Wine Bars
- Blackburn Restaurants — eat before or after
- Blackburn Things to Do
- All Blackburn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Blackburn
- Best Bars in Blackburn
- Nightlife Guide in Blackburn
- Best Cocktail Bars in Blackburn
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