Mount Eliza’s cocktail bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. The Black Cellar — 167 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Black Cellar 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. The Happy Press — 197 Albert Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. The Happy Press 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Old Commons — 256 Smith Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than The Black Cellar — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Common Table — 239 Clarendon Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am 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 10:30pm 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Corner — 324 Collins Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-20
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Cellar | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Happy Press | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Old Commons | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| The Common Table | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Corner | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Black Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Mount Eliza. 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. Corner 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
- Mount Eliza Restaurants — eat before or after
- Mount Eliza Things to Do
- All Mount Eliza Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Mount Eliza
- Best Bars in Mount Eliza
- Nightlife Guide in Mount Eliza
- Best Wine Bars in Mount Eliza
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