Pascoe Vale South’s cocktail bars scene is down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible — and the cocktail 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. Hazel Depot — 123 Thomas Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $17-23
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Hazel Depot 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($17-23). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Merchant — 85 Murray Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Merchant 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. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Theo Yard — 375 Murray Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $17-23
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 Hazel Depot — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($17-23). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. The Green Pantry — 334 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23
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 wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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. The Half Kitchen — 268 Murray Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $17-23
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Depot | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| Merchant | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| Theo Yard | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| The Green Pantry | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Fri |
| The Half Kitchen | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hazel Depot does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Pascoe Vale 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. The Half Kitchen 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 Cocktail Bars
- Pascoe Vale South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Pascoe Vale South Things to Do
- All Pascoe Vale South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Pascoe Vale South
- Best Bars in Pascoe Vale South
- Nightlife Guide in Pascoe Vale South
- Best Wine Bars in Pascoe Vale South
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