Forest Hill’s nightlife spots scene is residential, friendly, growing — and the nightlife spots 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. Nell Corner — 12 King Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $17-23
The venue the suburb rallies around. Nell Corner 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($17-23). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Finn Yard — 39 King Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Finn Yard 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Ivy’s — 253 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 Nell Corner — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($17-23). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Ivy — 363 Bridge Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Finn Press — 132 Plenty Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate 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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nell Corner | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | Weekends |
| Finn Yard | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| Ivy’s | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| Ivy | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Yes |
| Finn Press | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nell Corner 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. Finn Press 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 Nightlife
- 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 Bars in Forest Hill
- Best Pubs in Forest Hill
- Best Cocktail Bars in Forest Hill
- Date Night in Forest Hill
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