Box Hill North’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. Northern Place — 160 George Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Northern Place 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 ($12-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Southern Store — 31 Park Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Southern 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Felix — 239 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $12-23/glass
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 Northern Place — 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: The house old fashioned ($12-23/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Luna Social — 44 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The Black Larder — 135 Park Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-23/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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Place | Overall best | $12-23/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Southern Store | Quiet drink | $12-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Felix | New & trendy | $12-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Luna Social | Food + drinks | $12-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Black Larder | Atmosphere | $12-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Northern Place does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Box Hill North. 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 Black Larder 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
- Box Hill North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Box Hill North Things to Do
- All Box Hill North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Box Hill North
- Best Bars in Box Hill North
- Nightlife Guide in Box Hill North
- Best Cocktail Bars in Box Hill North
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