Melbourne CBD’s wine bars scene is laneway culture, international, always-open — 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. Common Store — 311 Hardware Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Common Store 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: Their espresso martini ($14-26/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Atlas — 269 Centre Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Atlas doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Sol Place — 347 Degraves Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-26/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 Common Store — 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 ($14-26/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Hugo’s — 238 Degraves Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Pearl Cellar — 281 Little Collins Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-26/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Store | Overall best | $14-26/glass | Yes | No |
| Atlas | Quiet drink | $14-26/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Sol Place | New & trendy | $14-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Hugo’s | Food + drinks | $14-26/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Pearl Cellar | Atmosphere | $14-26/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Common Store does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Free tram zone, all train lines. 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. Pearl Cellar 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
- Southbank Wine Bars
- Melbourne CBD Restaurants — eat before or after
- Melbourne CBD Things to Do
- All Melbourne CBD Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Melbourne Cbd
- Best Bars in Melbourne Cbd
- Nightlife Guide in Melbourne Cbd
- Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne Cbd
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