Carnegie’s wine bars scene is evolving, community-driven, emerging — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Nico Larder — 265 Johnston Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $12-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Nico Larder 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($12-24/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Hugo Standard — 296 Fitzroy Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Hugo Standard 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Long Store — 201 George Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-24/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Nico Larder — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($12-24/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. The Common Lane — 213 Fitzroy Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates 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: 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. Good Post — 376 Johnston Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $12-24/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Larder | Overall best | $12-24/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Hugo Standard | Quiet drink | $12-24/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Long Store | New & trendy | $12-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Common Lane | Food + drinks | $12-24/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Good Post | Atmosphere | $12-24/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Larder does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Carnegie. 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. Good Post 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
- Brighton Wine Bars
- Carnegie Restaurants — eat before or after
- Carnegie Things to Do
- All Carnegie Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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