Murrumbeena’s cocktail bars scene is vibrant, mixed, cosmopolitan — 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. Gus’s — 111 Brunswick Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Gus’s 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 signature negroni ($19-25). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Ivy’s — 288 Glenferrie Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Ivy’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Half Social — 244 Glenferrie Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $19-25
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 Gus’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 ($19-25). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Nico’s — 354 Brunswick Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Mabel Commons — 243 Station Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $19-25
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus’s | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Ivy’s | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Half Social | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Nico’s | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Yes |
| Mabel Commons | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Gus’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Murrumbeena. 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. Mabel Commons 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
- Murrumbeena Restaurants — eat before or after
- Murrumbeena Things to Do
- All Murrumbeena Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Murrumbeena
- Best Bars in Murrumbeena
- Nightlife Guide in Murrumbeena
- Best Wine Bars in Murrumbeena
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