Best Nightlife in Kooyong — 2026 Guide

Kooyong’s nightlife spots scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — and the nightlife spots 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. Hazel Corner — 377 Smith Parade

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $22-28

The venue the suburb rallies around. Hazel Corner 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($22-28). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.

2. The Old Local — 220 Park Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. The Old Local doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.

Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.

3. The Common Corner — 80 Park Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $22-28

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 Hazel Corner — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($22-28). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Remy — 50 Park Road

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $22-28

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza 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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.

5. Little Depot — 179 Bourke Terrace

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $22-28

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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.

Comparison

Practical Info

Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hazel Corner 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. Little Depot 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 Nightlife
• Kooyong Restaurants — eat before or after
• Kooyong Things to Do
• All Kooyong Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Kooyong
• Best Pubs in Kooyong
• Best Cocktail Bars in Kooyong
• Date Night in Kooyong

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Kooyong