Botanic Ridge’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Good Yard — 85 William Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Good Yard 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($12-27/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Lena’s — 95 William Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Lena’s 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. Bench — 130 Bourke Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $12-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Good Yard — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($12-27/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Common Pantry — 159 Bell Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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. Max Depot — 143 High Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $12-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Yard | Overall best | $12-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Lena’s | Quiet drink | $12-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Bench | New & trendy | $12-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Common Pantry | Food + drinks | $12-27/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Max Depot | Atmosphere | $12-27/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Good Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Botanic Ridge. 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. Max Depot 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
- Botanic Ridge Restaurants — eat before or after
- Botanic Ridge Things to Do
- All Botanic Ridge Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Botanic Ridge
- Best Bars in Botanic Ridge
- Nightlife Guide in Botanic Ridge
- Best Cocktail Bars in Botanic Ridge
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