Mount Waverley’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Red Larder — 246 Blake Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Red Larder gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($19-25). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Golden Cellar — 149 Fitzroy Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Golden Cellar 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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. New Social — 12 Fitzroy Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $19-25
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 The Red Larder — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($19-25). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Oliver’s — 143 Blake Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Marco’s — 214 Railway Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Red Larder | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Golden Cellar | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| New Social | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Oliver’s | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Fri |
| Marco’s | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Red Larder does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Mount Waverley. 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. Marco’s 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
- Brighton Cocktail Bars
- Mount Waverley Restaurants — eat before or after
- Mount Waverley Things to Do
- All Mount Waverley Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Mount Waverley
- Best Bars in Mount Waverley
- Nightlife Guide in Mount Waverley
- Best Wine Bars in Mount Waverley
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