Broadmeadows’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. Nina’s — 28 Elizabeth Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $17-23
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Nina’s 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($17-23). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Old Standard — 273 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Old Standard 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. The Green Bench — 200 Thomas Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit 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 Nina’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 ($17-23). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Theo’s — 27 Elizabeth Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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 burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Tall Union — 358 Edward Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina’s | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| Old Standard | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Green Bench | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| Theo’s | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Yes |
| Tall Union | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nina’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Broadmeadows. 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. Tall Union 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
- Preston Cocktail Bars
- Broadmeadows Restaurants — eat before or after
- Broadmeadows Things to Do
- All Broadmeadows Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Broadmeadows
- Best Bars in Broadmeadows
- Nightlife Guide in Broadmeadows
- Best Wine Bars in Broadmeadows
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