Bonbeach’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Otto’s — 143 Blake Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Otto’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection 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: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Honest Store — 298 Church Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Honest Store doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Oliver Quarter — 320 Bell Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am 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 Otto’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 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: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. The High Standard — 11 Church Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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. Corner — 177 Blake 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 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 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: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otto’s | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| The Honest Store | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Oliver Quarter | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| The High Standard | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Corner | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Otto’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Bonbeach. 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. Corner 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
- Bonbeach Restaurants — eat before or after
- Bonbeach Things to Do
- All Bonbeach Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed