Clarinda’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Black Social — 89 Bay Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Black Social 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Mabel’s — 85 Bridge Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Mabel’s 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Felix Bench — 194 Thomas Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
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 The Black Social — 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: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Good Table — 273 Charles Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Union — 101 Charles Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-20
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Social | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Mabel’s | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Felix Bench | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Good Table | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Union | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Black Social does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Clarinda. 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. Union 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 Cocktail Bars
- Clarinda Restaurants — eat before or after
- Clarinda Things to Do
- All Clarinda Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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