Kew’s wine bars scene is established, leafy, well-maintained — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. River’s — 80 Bell Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $14-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. River’s 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Bright Commons — 377 King Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Bright Commons 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Gus’s — 255 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $14-27/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 River’s — 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 ($14-27/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Luna Depot — 71 King Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $14-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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 — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ivy — 297 Rowan Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-27/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River’s | Overall best | $14-27/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Bright Commons | Quiet drink | $14-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Gus’s | New & trendy | $14-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Luna Depot | Food + drinks | $14-27/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Ivy | Atmosphere | $14-27/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. River’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Kew. 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. Ivy 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
- Richmond Wine Bars
- Kew Restaurants — eat before or after
- Kew Things to Do
- All Kew Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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