Elwood’s cocktail bars scene is polished, family-friendly, upscale — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Southern Mill — 28 Pine Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $22-28
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Southern Mill gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($22-28). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Ava Larder — 254 Elizabeth Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Ava Larder 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Southern House — 324 North Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $22-28
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 Southern Mill — 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 ($22-28). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Marco Cellar — 209 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $22-28
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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 burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Happy House — 53 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $22-28
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Mill | Overall best | $22-28 | Yes | No |
| Ava Larder | Quiet drink | $22-28 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Southern House | New & trendy | $22-28 | Snacks only | No |
| Marco Cellar | Food + drinks | $22-28 | Full menu | No |
| Happy House | Atmosphere | $22-28 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Southern Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Elwood. 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. Happy House 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
- South Yarra Cocktail Bars
- Elwood Restaurants — eat before or after
- Elwood Things to Do
- All Elwood Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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