Essendon’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Sol Works — 76 Bourke Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $17-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Sol Works 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($17-24/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Yard — 86 Albert Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Yard 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Lucky Depot — 15 Johnston Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $17-24/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 Sol Works — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-24/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Ivy Works — 102 Fitzroy Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $17-24/glass
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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Zara Bench — 139 Albert Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $17-24/glass
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 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sol Works | Overall best | $17-24/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Yard | Quiet drink | $17-24/glass | Yes | No |
| The Lucky Depot | New & trendy | $17-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Ivy Works | Food + drinks | $17-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Zara Bench | Atmosphere | $17-24/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Sol Works does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Essendon. 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 Bench 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
- Essendon Restaurants — eat before or after
- Essendon Things to Do
- All Essendon Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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