Cockatoo’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. The Green Depot — 346 Church Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Green Depot gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu 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 ($12-28/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Nell Kitchen — 254 Cecil Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Nell Kitchen 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Honest Bench — 200 Blake Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $12-28/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 The Green Depot — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($12-28/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Oliver’s — 230 Beach Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Rex’s — 215 Blake Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $12-28/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Green Depot | Overall best | $12-28/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nell Kitchen | Quiet drink | $12-28/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Honest Bench | New & trendy | $12-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Oliver’s | Food + drinks | $12-28/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Rex’s | Atmosphere | $12-28/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Green Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Cockatoo. 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. Rex’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
- Cockatoo Restaurants — eat before or after
- Cockatoo Things to Do
- All Cockatoo Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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