Manor Lakes’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — and the cocktail 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. Hugo’s — 291 Charles Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Hugo’s 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 ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Hazel Depot — 273 Glenferrie Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Hazel Depot 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Little Place — 374 Johnston Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
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 Hugo’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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Remy Post — 258 Willow Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Golden Bench — 86 Charles Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-20
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo’s | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Hazel Depot | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Little Place | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Remy Post | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| The Golden Bench | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hugo’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Manor Lakes. 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 Golden Bench 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 Cocktail Bars
- Manor Lakes Restaurants — eat before or after
- Manor Lakes Things to Do
- All Manor Lakes Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Manor Lakes
- Best Bars in Manor Lakes
- Nightlife Guide in Manor Lakes
- Best Wine Bars in Manor Lakes
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