Coolaroo’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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 Sunny Press — 53 Bay Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Sunny Press 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($12-26/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. The Northern Room — 168 Thomas Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Northern Room 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Northern Cellar — 19 Thomas Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $12-26/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than The Sunny Press — 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 ($12-26/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Remy — 255 Mary Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $12-26/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 wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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. The Lucky Social — 146 James Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $12-26/glass
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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sunny Press | Overall best | $12-26/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Northern Room | Quiet drink | $12-26/glass | Yes | No |
| The Northern Cellar | New & trendy | $12-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Remy | Food + drinks | $12-26/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Lucky Social | Atmosphere | $12-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Sunny Press does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Coolaroo. 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 Lucky Social 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
- Coolaroo Restaurants — eat before or after
- Coolaroo Things to Do
- All Coolaroo Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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