Ferntree Gully’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Nico Press — 328 Thomas Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Nico Press 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: The rotating craft tap ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Society — 306 East Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Society 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Atlas Larder — 87 Queen Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Nico Press — 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 ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Press — 118 Thomas Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am 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 share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Wide Union — 317 Queen Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Press | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Society | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Atlas Larder | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Press | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| Wide Union | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Press does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ferntree Gully. 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 Union 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
- Lilydale Cocktail Bars
- Ferntree Gully Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ferntree Gully Things to Do
- All Ferntree Gully Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Ferntree Gully
- Best Bars in Ferntree Gully
- Nightlife Guide in Ferntree Gully
- Best Wine Bars in Ferntree Gully
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