Ormond’s wine bars scene is evolving, community-driven, emerging — 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. Max’s — 308 Main Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $14-22/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Max’s 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: Their espresso martini ($14-22/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The New Yard — 180 Blake Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The New Yard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Stella Room — 290 West Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $14-22/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 Max’s — 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 ($14-22/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Stella Quarter — 334 Main Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $14-22/glass
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 — 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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Red Corner — 75 West Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-22/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max’s | Overall best | $14-22/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| The New Yard | Quiet drink | $14-22/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Stella Room | New & trendy | $14-22/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Stella Quarter | Food + drinks | $14-22/glass | Full menu | No |
| Red Corner | Atmosphere | $14-22/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Max’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ormond. 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. Red Corner 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
- Ormond Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ormond Things to Do
- All Ormond Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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