Fitzroy North’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Zara’s — 292 Bridge Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Zara’s 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($15-24/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Chapter — 294 Railway Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Chapter 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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Cleo’s — 248 Railway Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-24/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 Zara’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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-24/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Canvas — 149 Thomas Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-24/glass
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 — 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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The New House — 353 Beach Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-24/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zara’s | Overall best | $15-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Chapter | Quiet drink | $15-24/glass | Yes | No |
| Cleo’s | New & trendy | $15-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Canvas | Food + drinks | $15-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| The New House | Atmosphere | $15-24/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Zara’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Fitzroy North. 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 New 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
- Fitzroy Wine Bars
- Fitzroy North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Fitzroy North Things to Do
- All Fitzroy North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Fitzroy North
- Best Bars in Fitzroy North
- Nightlife Guide in Fitzroy North
- Best Cocktail Bars in Fitzroy North
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