Donnybrook’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — and the cocktail 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. Ava Store — 301 Bell Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Ava Store 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: A glass of the house red ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. New Cellar — 127 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. New Cellar 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Leo’s — 84 Edward Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Ava Store — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Cleo — 49 Anderson Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Zara’s — 245 Bell Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-20
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 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava Store | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| New Cellar | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Leo’s | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Cleo | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| Zara’s | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava Store does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Donnybrook. 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. Zara’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 Cocktail Bars
- Donnybrook Restaurants — eat before or after
- Donnybrook Things to Do
- All Donnybrook Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Donnybrook
- Best Bars in Donnybrook
- Nightlife Guide in Donnybrook
- Best Wine Bars in Donnybrook
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