Burwood East’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. Anchor — 37 Victoria Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Anchor 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($13-24/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Cardinal — 212 Margaret Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Cardinal 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. The Good House — 299 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $13-24/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 Anchor — 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: The house old fashioned ($13-24/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Finn’s — 225 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $13-24/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 loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 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. Nina’s — 166 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $13-24/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor | Overall best | $13-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Cardinal | Quiet drink | $13-24/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Good House | New & trendy | $13-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Finn’s | Food + drinks | $13-24/glass | Full menu | No |
| Nina’s | Atmosphere | $13-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Anchor 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. Nina’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
- 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 Cocktail Bars in Burwood East
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