Frankston South’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. Quarter — 102 Elm Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Quarter 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: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Red Bench — 256 Edward Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Red Bench 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. High Quarter — 363 Park Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Quarter — 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: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Sunny Local — 196 Station Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo 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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Sol Store — 61 Park Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Red Bench | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| High Quarter | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Sunny Local | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Sol Store | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Quarter does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Frankston South. 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. Sol Store 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 Cocktail Bars
- Frankston South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Frankston South Things to Do
- All Frankston South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Frankston South
- Best Bars in Frankston South
- Nightlife Guide in Frankston South
- Best Wine Bars in Frankston South
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