Oak Park’s wine bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Good Place — 140 Maple Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Good Place gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($12-25/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Felix’s — 289 Barkly Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Felix’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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Happy Mill — 8 Mary Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $12-25/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than The Good Place — 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 ($12-25/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. New Store — 238 Maple Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Tall Post — 225 Homer Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $12-25/glass
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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 Good Place | Overall best | $12-25/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Felix’s | Quiet drink | $12-25/glass | Yes | No |
| The Happy Mill | New & trendy | $12-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| New Store | Food + drinks | $12-25/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Tall Post | Atmosphere | $12-25/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Good Place does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Oak Park. 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 Tall Post 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
- Preston Wine Bars
- Oak Park Restaurants — eat before or after
- Oak Park Things to Do
- All Oak Park Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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