Mulgrave’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Marco’s — 192 Pine Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $14-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Marco’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 ($14-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Northern Table — 350 Pine Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Northern Table 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. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Red Store — 67 Homer Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-23/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 Marco’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: A glass of the pet-nat ($14-23/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Pilgrim — 235 Brunswick Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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 Southern Local — 129 Willow Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-23/glass
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco’s | Overall best | $14-23/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| The Northern Table | Quiet drink | $14-23/glass | Yes | No |
| The Red Store | New & trendy | $14-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Pilgrim | Food + drinks | $14-23/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Southern Local | Atmosphere | $14-23/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Marco’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Mulgrave. 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 Southern Local 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 Wine Bars
- Mulgrave Restaurants — eat before or after
- Mulgrave Things to Do
- All Mulgrave Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed