Cragieburn South’s bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the 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. Tall Mill — 231 Fitzroy Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The bar the suburb rallies around. Tall Mill 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($10-12). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Otto — 262 Victoria Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Otto doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Nina Mill — 66 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $10-12
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 Tall Mill — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($10-12). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Nina’s — 323 Fitzroy Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza 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 burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Ivy’s — 198 Bay Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tall Mill | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Otto | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Nina Mill | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Nina’s | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Fri |
| Ivy’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Tall Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Cragieburn South. 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. Ivy’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 Bars
- Cragieburn South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Cragieburn South Things to Do
- All Cragieburn South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Nightlife Guide in Cragieburn South
- Best Pubs in Cragieburn South
- Best Cocktail Bars in Cragieburn South
- Best Wine Bars in Cragieburn South
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