Best Wine Bars in Laverton — 2026 Guide

Laverton’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. Mia — 33 Cecil Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $14-24/glass

The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mia 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-24/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.

2. The Sunny Kitchen — 85 Margaret Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets

The quiet achiever. The Sunny Kitchen 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.

Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.

3. Max Mill — 335 Charles Crescent

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $14-24/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 Mia — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.

Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($14-24/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.

4. Place — 114 Margaret Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-24/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 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: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Nell Social — 18 Cecil Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-24/glass

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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. Mia does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Laverton. 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. Nell 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

• Altona Wine Bars
• Laverton Restaurants — eat before or after
• Laverton Things to Do
• All Laverton Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Pubs in Laverton
• Best Bars in Laverton
• Nightlife Guide in Laverton
• Best Cocktail Bars in Laverton

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Laverton