Burnside Heights’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. Black Works — 351 Maple Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Black Works gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($14-23/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Mia Social — 179 West Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Mia Social 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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Red Social — 81 Chapel Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $14-23/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 Black Works — 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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($14-23/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Nico — 151 William Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Mabel Union — 78 Chapel Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-23/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Works | Overall best | $14-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Mia Social | Quiet drink | $14-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Red Social | New & trendy | $14-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Nico | Food + drinks | $14-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| Mabel Union | Atmosphere | $14-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Black Works does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Burnside Heights. 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. Mabel 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
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Burnside Heights Restaurants — eat before or after
- Burnside Heights Things to Do
- All Burnside Heights Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Burnside Heights
- Best Bars in Burnside Heights
- Nightlife Guide in Burnside Heights
- Best Cocktail Bars in Burnside Heights
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