Carrum’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. Ada’s — 247 Chapel Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $14-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Ada’s 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: A glass of the house red ($14-24/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Atlas Quarter — 328 Railway Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Atlas Quarter 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Bellbird — 137 Victoria Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $14-24/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 Ada’s — 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 ($14-24/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Southern Cellar — 4 Victoria Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $14-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Golden House — 245 Sydney Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-24/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada’s | Overall best | $14-24/glass | Yes | No |
| Atlas Quarter | Quiet drink | $14-24/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Bellbird | New & trendy | $14-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Southern Cellar | Food + drinks | $14-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| The Golden House | Atmosphere | $14-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ada’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Carrum. 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. The Golden House 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
- Carrum Restaurants — eat before or after
- Carrum Things to Do
- All Carrum Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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