Northcote’s wine bars scene is inner-north creative hub, established foodie strip — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Happy Pantry — 71 Clarke Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Happy Pantry 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 ($14-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Lane — 105 Mitchell Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Lane 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: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Anchor — 327 Mitchell Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-28/glass
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 Happy Pantry — 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: Their signature sour ($14-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Finn’s — 245 Mitchell Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-28/glass
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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Ada’s — 42 Clarke Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-28/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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Pantry | Overall best | $14-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Lane | Quiet drink | $14-28/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Anchor | New & trendy | $14-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Finn’s | Food + drinks | $14-28/glass | Full menu | No |
| Ada’s | Atmosphere | $14-28/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Happy Pantry 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. Ada’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 Wine Bars
- Northcote Restaurants — eat before or after
- Northcote Things to Do
- All Northcote Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Northcote
- Best Bars in Northcote
- Nightlife Guide in Northcote
- Best Cocktail Bars in Northcote
Nearby suburbs:
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