Hillside’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Rosa Commons — 329 Young Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Rosa Commons 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Sunny Bench — 237 Bell Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Sunny Bench 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Northern Corner — 136 Bell Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Rosa Commons — 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 ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. New Corner — 88 Bell Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Leo — 133 Young Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosa Commons | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Sunny Bench | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Northern Corner | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| New Corner | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Leo | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Rosa Commons does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Hillside. 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 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
- Melbourne CBD Cocktail Bars
- Hillside Restaurants — eat before or after
- Hillside Things to Do
- All Hillside Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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