Mentone’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Sol’s — 47 Flinders Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $16-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Sol’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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($16-24/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Finn’s — 234 Market Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Finn’s 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Gus’s — 261 Ash Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $16-24/glass
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 Sol’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 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: Their signature sour ($16-24/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Oliver’s — 198 Flinders Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $16-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Lena Kitchen — 154 Flinders Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $16-24/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sol’s | Overall best | $16-24/glass | Yes | No |
| Finn’s | Quiet drink | $16-24/glass | Yes | No |
| Gus’s | New & trendy | $16-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Oliver’s | Food + drinks | $16-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Lena Kitchen | Atmosphere | $16-24/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Sol’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Mentone. 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. Lena 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
- Sandringham Wine Bars
- Mentone Restaurants — eat before or after
- Mentone Things to Do
- All Mentone Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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