Princes Hill’s cocktail bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Good Store — 19 West Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Good Store 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-20). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Blue Commons — 279 James Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Blue Commons doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Rex’s — 344 Main Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
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 Good Store — 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 ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The New Kitchen — 141 Cecil Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Hugo Cellar — 160 James Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-20
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Store | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Blue Commons | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Rex’s | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| The New Kitchen | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Fri |
| Hugo Cellar | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Good Store does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Princes Hill. 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. Hugo Cellar 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 Cocktail Bars
- Princes Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Princes Hill Things to Do
- All Princes Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Princes Hill
- Best Bars in Princes Hill
- Nightlife Guide in Princes Hill
- Best Wine Bars in Princes Hill
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed