Glen Waverley’s wine bars scene is evolving, community-driven, emerging — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Zara Lane — 36 Albert Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $14-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Zara Lane 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Ava — 82 Park Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Ava 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Depot — 4 Henry Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $14-23/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 Zara Lane — 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: The house old fashioned ($14-23/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Iris’s — 257 Albert Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-23/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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Old House — 301 Henry Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-23/glass
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 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zara Lane | Overall best | $14-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Ava | Quiet drink | $14-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Depot | New & trendy | $14-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Iris’s | Food + drinks | $14-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| The Old House | Atmosphere | $14-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Zara Lane does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Glen Waverley. 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 Old House 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 Wine Bars
- Glen Waverley Restaurants — eat before or after
- Glen Waverley Things to Do
- All Glen Waverley Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Glen Waverley
- Best Bars in Glen Waverley
- Nightlife Guide in Glen Waverley
- Best Cocktail Bars in Glen Waverley
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed