Caulfield 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. Golden Quarter — 298 Queen Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Golden Quarter 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-24/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Old Local — 45 Pine Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. The Old Local doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Red Lane — 257 Johnston Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-24/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 Golden Quarter — 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: Their signature sour ($15-24/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Hazel Yard — 168 Pine Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $15-24/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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Atlas’s — 172 Margaret Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-24/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Quarter | Overall best | $15-24/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Old Local | Quiet drink | $15-24/glass | Yes | No |
| Red Lane | New & trendy | $15-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Hazel Yard | Food + drinks | $15-24/glass | Full menu | No |
| Atlas’s | Atmosphere | $15-24/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Golden Quarter does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Caulfield 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. Atlas’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
- Caulfield East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Caulfield East Things to Do
- All Caulfield East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Caulfield East
- Best Bars in Caulfield East
- Nightlife Guide in Caulfield East
- Best Cocktail Bars in Caulfield East
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed