Brooklyn’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. The Southern Mill — 208 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $17-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Southern Mill 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($17-23/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Half Store — 142 Nicholson Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Half Store doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Wide Corner — 144 Nicholson Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am 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 wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than The Southern Mill — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-23/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Ada’s — 345 Nicholson Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $17-23/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 loaded fries are the move.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Kai’s — 47 Nicholson Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $17-23/glass
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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Southern Mill | Overall best | $17-23/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Half Store | Quiet drink | $17-23/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Wide Corner | New & trendy | $17-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Ada’s | Food + drinks | $17-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Kai’s | Atmosphere | $17-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Southern Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Brooklyn. 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. Kai’s 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
- Brooklyn Restaurants — eat before or after
- Brooklyn Things to Do
- All Brooklyn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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