Kooyong’s wine bars scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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. Ava Mill — 289 Smith Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $13-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Ava Mill gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($13-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Post — 63 Smith Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Post 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Larder — 61 Park Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $13-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Ava 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 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: Their signature sour ($13-27/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Vera Social — 361 Spring Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-27/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 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The Little Kitchen — 77 Park Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-27/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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava Mill | Overall best | $13-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Post | Quiet drink | $13-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Larder | New & trendy | $13-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Vera Social | Food + drinks | $13-27/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Little Kitchen | Atmosphere | $13-27/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Kooyong. 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 Little Kitchen 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
- Kooyong Restaurants — eat before or after
- Kooyong Things to Do
- All Kooyong Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed