Jacana’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Depot — 286 Spring Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $16-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Depot gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($16-26/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Good Store — 221 Spring Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Good Store doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Ava Cellar — 170 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $16-26/glass
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 Depot — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($16-26/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Pearl — 119 Thomas Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $16-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Finn — 81 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $16-26/glass
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 charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depot | Overall best | $16-26/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Good Store | Quiet drink | $16-26/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Ava Cellar | New & trendy | $16-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Pearl | Food + drinks | $16-26/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Finn | Atmosphere | $16-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Jacana. 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. Finn 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 Wine Bars
- Jacana Restaurants — eat before or after
- Jacana Things to Do
- All Jacana Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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