Oakleigh South’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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. Sol Corner — 18 Beach Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Sol Corner 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($13-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Nell — 336 High Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Nell 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Black Table — 256 Bay Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-28/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 Sol Corner — 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: The house old fashioned ($13-28/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. The Tall Larder — 120 High Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 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. Hazel Post — 287 Beach Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $13-28/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sol Corner | Overall best | $13-28/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nell | Quiet drink | $13-28/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Black Table | New & trendy | $13-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Tall Larder | Food + drinks | $13-28/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Hazel Post | Atmosphere | $13-28/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Sol Corner does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Oakleigh South. 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. Hazel 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
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Oakleigh South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Oakleigh South Things to Do
- All Oakleigh South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Oakleigh South
- Best Bars in Oakleigh South
- Nightlife Guide in Oakleigh South
- Best Cocktail Bars in Oakleigh South
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed