Glen Huntly’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Union — 228 Beach Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Union gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Collective — 93 Beach Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Collective doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Works — 157 Church Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $19-25
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Union — 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 ($19-25). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. The Tall Table — 367 Smith Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The New Cellar — 203 Queen Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Collective | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Works | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| The Tall Table | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | No |
| The New Cellar | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Union does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Glen Huntly. 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 New Cellar 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
- Brighton Cocktail Bars
- Glen Huntly Restaurants — eat before or after
- Glen Huntly Things to Do
- All Glen Huntly Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Glen Huntly
- Best Bars in Glen Huntly
- Nightlife Guide in Glen Huntly
- Best Wine Bars in Glen Huntly
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