Keilor’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. Nico Mill — 265 King Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Nico Mill 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: A glass of the house red ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Old Union — 60 Elm Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Old Union 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Northern Union — 225 Plenty Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Nico Mill — 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 ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Vera — 264 King Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back 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 — 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Sunny Larder — 224 Collins Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Mill | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Weekends |
| Old Union | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Northern Union | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Vera | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| The Sunny Larder | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Keilor. 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. The Sunny Larder 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
- Keilor Restaurants — eat before or after
- Keilor Things to Do
- All Keilor Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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