Best Cocktail Bars in Forest Hill — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill’s cocktail bars scene is residential, friendly, growing — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. Rex — 95 Young Place

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $17-23

The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Rex 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: Their signature negroni ($17-23). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. Nico — 232 Barkly Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door

The quiet achiever. Nico doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. The Northern Room — 380 King Grove

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $17-23

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Rex — 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: Their signature sour ($17-23). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.

4. Ava Yard — 278 King Grove

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.

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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.

5. Gus’s — 201 Plenty Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23

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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.

Comparison

Practical Info

Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Rex does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Forest Hill. 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. Gus’s 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

• Box Hill Cocktail Bars
• Forest Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
• Forest Hill Things to Do
• All Forest Hill Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Pubs in Forest Hill
• Best Bars in Forest Hill
• Nightlife Guide in Forest Hill
• Best Wine Bars in Forest Hill

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Forest Hill