Glen Iris’s cocktail bars scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. River Depot — 172 Station Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $22-28
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. River Depot 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($22-28). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Sunny Depot — 318 Station Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Sunny Depot 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Oliver Union — 263 West Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $22-28
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than River Depot — 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 ($22-28). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Long Local — 373 West Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $22-28
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The Little Works — 83 Station Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $22-28
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Depot | Overall best | $22-28 | Yes | Weekends |
| Sunny Depot | Quiet drink | $22-28 | Yes | No |
| Oliver Union | New & trendy | $22-28 | Snacks only | No |
| Long Local | Food + drinks | $22-28 | Full menu | Fri |
| The Little Works | Atmosphere | $22-28 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. River Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Glen Iris. 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 Little Works 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
- Richmond Cocktail Bars
- Glen Iris Restaurants — eat before or after
- Glen Iris Things to Do
- All Glen Iris Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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