Highett’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. Vera’s — 80 Lygon Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Vera’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Depot — 170 Flinders Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Depot doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Old Works — 79 Queen Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-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 spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Vera’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 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: The house old fashioned ($19-25). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Wagtail — 138 Bridge Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-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 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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. Lena’s — 20 Murray Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vera’s | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Depot | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| The Old Works | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Wagtail | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | No |
| Lena’s | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Vera’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Highett. 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
- Sandringham Cocktail Bars
- Highett Restaurants — eat before or after
- Highett Things to Do
- All Highett Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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