Frankston North’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. Vera Yard — 346 Blake Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Vera Yard 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($13-27/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Mabel’s — 179 Collins Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Mabel’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Red Larder — 202 Ash Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-27/glass
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 Vera Yard — 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 ($13-27/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Common Lane — 81 Blake Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-27/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 loaded fries are the move.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ruby Depot — 109 Bridge Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-27/glass
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 empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vera Yard | Overall best | $13-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Mabel’s | Quiet drink | $13-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Red Larder | New & trendy | $13-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Common Lane | Food + drinks | $13-27/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Ruby Depot | Atmosphere | $13-27/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Vera Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Frankston 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. Ruby Depot 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
- Frankston North Restaurants — eat before or after
- Frankston North Things to Do
- All Frankston North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Frankston North
- Best Bars in Frankston North
- Nightlife Guide in Frankston North
- Best Cocktail Bars in Frankston North
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