Caulfield North’s cocktail bars scene is vibrant, mixed, cosmopolitan — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Luna — 36 Maple Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Luna 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 ($19-25). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Standard — 238 Maple Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Standard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Theo House — 38 Clarendon Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $19-25
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 Luna — 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: Their signature sour ($19-25). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. High Room — 275 Maple Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Cleo’s — 185 Young Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $19-25
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luna | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Standard | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Theo House | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| High Room | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Fri |
| Cleo’s | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Luna does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Caulfield North. 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. Cleo’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
- Brighton Cocktail Bars
- Caulfield North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Caulfield North Things to Do
- All Caulfield North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Caulfield North
- Best Bars in Caulfield North
- Nightlife Guide in Caulfield North
- Best Wine Bars in Caulfield North
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