Northcote’s cocktail bars scene is inner-north creative hub, established foodie strip — 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 Sunny Yard — 349 Clarke Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Sunny Yard 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Zara — 108 Separation Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Zara 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Stella Larder — 116 Separation Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume 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 Sunny Yard — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($19-25). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Leo’s — 113 Clarke Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am 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 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Cleo’s — 246 High Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $19-25
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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sunny Yard | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Zara | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Stella Larder | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Leo’s | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | No |
| Cleo’s | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Sunny Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Northcote/Croxton/Merri stations. 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. Cleo’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
- Thornbury Cocktail Bars
- Northcote Restaurants — eat before or after
- Northcote Things to Do
- All Northcote Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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