Cremorne’s wine bars scene is polished, family-friendly, upscale — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Nico’s — 293 Main Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $17-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Nico’s 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($17-23/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Corner — 374 Brunswick Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Corner 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Southern Kitchen — 122 West Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $17-23/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 Nico’s — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-23/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Otto’s — 289 Plenty Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Otto — 338 Pine Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico’s | Overall best | $17-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Corner | Quiet drink | $17-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Southern Kitchen | New & trendy | $17-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Otto’s | Food + drinks | $17-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| Otto | Atmosphere | $17-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Cremorne. 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. Otto 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
- Richmond Wine Bars
- Cremorne Restaurants — eat before or after
- Cremorne Things to Do
- All Cremorne Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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