Glen Iris’s wine bars scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Stella’s — 318 Beach Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $16-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Stella’s 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($16-23/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Theo’s — 69 Flinders Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Theo’s 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Rex — 224 North Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $16-23/glass
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 Stella’s — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($16-23/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Lena — 190 Station Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $16-23/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 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: 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. Lena’s — 170 Beach Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $16-23/glass
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella’s | Overall best | $16-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Theo’s | Quiet drink | $16-23/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Rex | New & trendy | $16-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Lena | Food + drinks | $16-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| Lena’s | Atmosphere | $16-23/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Stella’s 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. Lena’s 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 Wine Bars
- Glen Iris Restaurants — eat before or after
- Glen Iris Things to Do
- All Glen Iris Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Glen Iris
- Best Bars in Glen Iris
- Nightlife Guide in Glen Iris
- Best Cocktail Bars in Glen Iris
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