Clifton Hill’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. Oliver — 104 Albert Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $17-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Oliver 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: A glass of the house red ($17-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Black Lane — 122 Park Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Black Lane 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Wide House — 327 Park Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $17-28/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Oliver — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($17-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Mabel Quarter — 363 Main Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-28/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 charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The Long Press — 257 Park Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $17-28/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver | Overall best | $17-28/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Black Lane | Quiet drink | $17-28/glass | Yes | No |
| The Wide House | New & trendy | $17-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Mabel Quarter | Food + drinks | $17-28/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Long Press | Atmosphere | $17-28/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Oliver does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Clifton Hill. 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 Long Press 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
- Fitzroy Wine Bars
- Clifton Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Clifton Hill Things to Do
- All Clifton Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Clifton Hill
- Best Bars in Clifton Hill
- Nightlife Guide in Clifton Hill
- Best Cocktail Bars in Clifton Hill
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