Frankston’s cocktail bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. The White Local — 341 Henry Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The White Local 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: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. White Store — 103 Victoria Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. White Store 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Depot — 241 Henry Road
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 The White Local — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Remy Post — 306 Victoria Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: 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. Ivy Quarter — 279 Henry Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
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 charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The White Local | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Weekends |
| White Store | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Depot | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Remy Post | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Ivy Quarter | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The White Local does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Frankston. 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. Ivy Quarter 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 Restaurants — eat before or after
- Frankston Things to Do
- All Frankston Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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