Pascoe Vale South’s wine bars scene is down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Lucky Quarter — 51 Thomas Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Lucky Quarter 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: The rotating craft tap ($12-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Nell’s — 321 Collins Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Nell’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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Long Press — 150 Elm Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $12-23/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 The Lucky Quarter — 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 ($12-23/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Rex Union — 20 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $12-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Nico Local — 20 Thomas Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $12-23/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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lucky Quarter | Overall best | $12-23/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nell’s | Quiet drink | $12-23/glass | Yes | No |
| Long Press | New & trendy | $12-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Rex Union | Food + drinks | $12-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Nico Local | Atmosphere | $12-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Lucky Quarter 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. Nico Local 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 Wine 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 Cocktail Bars in Pascoe Vale South
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