Frankston’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. The Northern Commons — 5 Homer Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Northern Commons 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 rotating craft tap ($12-25/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Iris’s — 216 George Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Iris’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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Theo Yard — 378 Homer Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-25/glass
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 Northern Commons — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($12-25/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Atlas’s — 284 Victoria Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $12-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Black Place — 114 George Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-25/glass
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 empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Northern Commons | Overall best | $12-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Iris’s | Quiet drink | $12-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Theo Yard | New & trendy | $12-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Atlas’s | Food + drinks | $12-25/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Black Place | Atmosphere | $12-25/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Northern Commons 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. The Black Place 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 Restaurants — eat before or after
- Frankston Things to Do
- All Frankston Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Frankston
- Best Bars in Frankston
- Nightlife Guide in Frankston
- Best Cocktail Bars in Frankston
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