Keilor Downs’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. Pilgrim — 223 Smith Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $18-22/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Pilgrim 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: The house lager on tap ($18-22/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Old Social — 344 East Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Old Social 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Rosa Store — 184 Elizabeth Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $18-22/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Pilgrim — 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: The house old fashioned ($18-22/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Wagtail — 15 East Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $18-22/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Otto’s — 325 Elizabeth Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $18-22/glass
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim | Overall best | $18-22/glass | Yes | No |
| The Old Social | Quiet drink | $18-22/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Rosa Store | New & trendy | $18-22/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Wagtail | Food + drinks | $18-22/glass | Full menu | No |
| Otto’s | Atmosphere | $18-22/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Pilgrim does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Keilor Downs. 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. Otto’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
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Keilor Downs Restaurants — eat before or after
- Keilor Downs Things to Do
- All Keilor Downs Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Keilor Downs
- Best Bars in Keilor Downs
- Nightlife Guide in Keilor Downs
- Best Cocktail Bars in Keilor Downs
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