Park Orchards’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. Zara’s — 65 Swan Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $14-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Zara’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($14-27/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Ash — 202 Swan Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Ash doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Pearl Cellar — 192 Swan Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $14-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Zara’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: The house old fashioned ($14-27/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Red Room — 110 Queen Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-27/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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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 Store — 233 Queen Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $14-27/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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zara’s | Overall best | $14-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Ash | Quiet drink | $14-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Pearl Cellar | New & trendy | $14-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Red Room | Food + drinks | $14-27/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Red Store | Atmosphere | $14-27/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Zara’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Park Orchards. 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 Store 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
- Park Orchards Restaurants — eat before or after
- Park Orchards Things to Do
- All Park Orchards Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Park Orchards
- Best Bars in Park Orchards
- Nightlife Guide in Park Orchards
- Best Cocktail Bars in Park Orchards
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