Cragieburn South’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 Black Larder — 251 Victoria Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Black Larder gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($13-23/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Rex Pantry — 289 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Rex Pantry 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: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Long Kitchen — 280 Nicholson Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-23/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 Black Larder — 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 ($13-23/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Pearl Larder — 350 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Rosa’s — 376 Nicholson Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-23/glass
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 Larder | Overall best | $13-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Rex Pantry | Quiet drink | $13-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Long Kitchen | New & trendy | $13-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Pearl Larder | Food + drinks | $13-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| Rosa’s | Atmosphere | $13-23/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Black Larder 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. Rosa’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
- 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:
- Best Pubs in Cragieburn South
- Best Bars in Cragieburn South
- Nightlife Guide in Cragieburn South
- Best Cocktail Bars in Cragieburn South
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