Oakleigh’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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. Yard — 279 Anderson Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $12-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Yard 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($12-25/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Ada’s — 172 Market Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Ada’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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. New Quarter — 273 Anderson Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-25/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 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: The house old fashioned ($12-25/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Mia — 181 Anderson Parade
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 loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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. Vera Yard — 310 Market Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $12-25/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yard | Overall best | $12-25/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Ada’s | Quiet drink | $12-25/glass | Yes | No |
| New Quarter | New & trendy | $12-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Mia | Food + drinks | $12-25/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Vera Yard | Atmosphere | $12-25/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Oakleigh. 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. Vera Yard 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 Wine Bars
- Oakleigh Restaurants — eat before or after
- Oakleigh Things to Do
- All Oakleigh Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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