Hurstbridge’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. High Social — 7 Ash Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. High Social 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Mabel Quarter — 238 Ash Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Mabel Quarter 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Vera’s — 284 Bay Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
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 High Social — 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: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. High Yard — 168 Elizabeth Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ava’s — 120 Station Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate 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: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Social | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Mabel Quarter | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Vera’s | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| High Yard | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Ava’s | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. High Social does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Hurstbridge. 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. Ava’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
- South Morang Cocktail Bars
- Hurstbridge Restaurants — eat before or after
- Hurstbridge Things to Do
- All Hurstbridge Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Hurstbridge
- Best Bars in Hurstbridge
- Nightlife Guide in Hurstbridge
- Best Wine Bars in Hurstbridge
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