Elsternwick’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Luna — 93 Anderson Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Luna 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($19-25). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Luna — 281 Fitzroy Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Luna doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Vera Kitchen — 128 Fitzroy Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $19-25
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 Luna — 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 ($19-25). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Standard — 115 William Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The Little Corner — 59 Fitzroy Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $19-25
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luna | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Luna | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Vera Kitchen | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Standard | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Fri |
| The Little Corner | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Luna does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Elsternwick. 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. The Little Corner 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
- Brighton Cocktail Bars
- Elsternwick Restaurants — eat before or after
- Elsternwick Things to Do
- All Elsternwick Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Elsternwick
- Best Bars in Elsternwick
- Nightlife Guide in Elsternwick
- Best Wine Bars in Elsternwick
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