Hawthorn East’s nightlife spots scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — and the nightlife spots 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. The Old Standard — 292 Spring Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $22-28
The venue the suburb rallies around. The Old Standard 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: Their espresso martini ($22-28). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Long Store — 84 Spring Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Long Store 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Good Cellar — 23 Elm Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $22-28
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 Old Standard — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($22-28). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Long Room — 247 Elm Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late 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 pizza 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Leo’s — 380 Young Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Standard | Overall best | $22-28 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Long Store | Quiet drink | $22-28 | Yes | No |
| Good Cellar | New & trendy | $22-28 | Snacks only | No |
| The Long Room | Food + drinks | $22-28 | Full menu | Fri |
| Leo’s | Atmosphere | $22-28 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Old Standard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Hawthorn East. 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. Leo’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 Nightlife
- Hawthorn East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Hawthorn East Things to Do
- All Hawthorn East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Bars in Hawthorn East
- Best Pubs in Hawthorn East
- Best Cocktail Bars in Hawthorn East
- Date Night in Hawthorn East
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