Burwood East’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Leo Post — 107 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Leo Post 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Nico’s — 283 High Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Nico’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. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Little Cellar — 344 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
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 Leo Post — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Zara’s — 61 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $15-20
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 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. Lane — 135 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Post | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Weekends |
| Nico’s | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Little Cellar | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Zara’s | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| Lane | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Leo Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Burwood East. 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. Lane 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 Cocktail Bars
- Burwood East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Burwood East Things to Do
- All Burwood East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Burwood East
- Best Bars in Burwood East
- Nightlife Guide in Burwood East
- Best Wine Bars in Burwood East
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