Edithvale’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. River’s — 250 Spring Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-22/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. River’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-22/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Red Depot — 37 Spring Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. The Red Depot 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Southern House — 76 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-22/glass
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 River’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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($15-22/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Black Table — 124 William Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-22/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Wide Room — 46 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-22/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 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River’s | Overall best | $15-22/glass | Yes | No |
| The Red Depot | Quiet drink | $15-22/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Southern House | New & trendy | $15-22/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Black Table | Food + drinks | $15-22/glass | Full menu | No |
| Wide Room | Atmosphere | $15-22/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. River’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Edithvale. 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. Wide Room 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
- Edithvale Restaurants — eat before or after
- Edithvale Things to Do
- All Edithvale Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Edithvale
- Best Bars in Edithvale
- Nightlife Guide in Edithvale
- Best Cocktail Bars in Edithvale
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed