Prahran’s cocktail bars scene is fashionable, LGBTQ+-friendly, market-culture — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Hazel — 369 High Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $22-28
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Hazel 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: A glass of the house red ($22-28). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Red Store — 232 Commercial Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Red Store 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Happy Store — 110 High Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $22-28
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 Hazel — 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 ($22-28). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Ruby’s — 89 Commercial Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $22-28
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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. The Old Quarter — 76 Porter Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $22-28
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel | Overall best | $22-28 | Yes | No |
| The Red Store | Quiet drink | $22-28 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Happy Store | New & trendy | $22-28 | Snacks only | No |
| Ruby’s | Food + drinks | $22-28 | Full menu | No |
| The Old Quarter | Atmosphere | $22-28 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hazel does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Prahran station, tram 72 on Commercial Rd. 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 Old Quarter 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
- South Yarra Cocktail Bars
- Prahran Restaurants — eat before or after
- Prahran Things to Do
- All Prahran Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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