Kew East’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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. Ruby Social — 309 Lygon Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Ruby Social 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: The rotating craft tap ($15-28/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Depot — 119 Elm Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Depot 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. Remy — 274 Elm Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-28/glass
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 Ruby 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 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Commons — 271 Bay Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $15-28/glass
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 loaded fries are the move.
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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Good Social — 33 Lygon Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-28/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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Social | Overall best | $15-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Depot | Quiet drink | $15-28/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Remy | New & trendy | $15-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Commons | Food + drinks | $15-28/glass | Full menu | No |
| Good Social | Atmosphere | $15-28/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ruby Social does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Kew East. 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. Good Social 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
- Kew East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Kew East Things to Do
- All Kew East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed