Research’s bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the 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. Rosa’s — 220 William Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $10-12
The bar the suburb rallies around. Rosa’s 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. The Wide Lane — 246 Station Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Wide Lane 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Nell Mill — 163 West Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $10-12
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 Rosa’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: Their signature sour ($10-12). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Finn’s — 298 West Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $10-12
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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Stella’s — 283 Cecil Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $10-12
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosa’s | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| The Wide Lane | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Nell Mill | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Finn’s | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | No |
| Stella’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Rosa’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Research. 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. Stella’s 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 Bars
- Research Restaurants — eat before or after
- Research Things to Do
- All Research Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Nightlife Guide in Research
- Best Pubs in Research
- Best Cocktail Bars in Research
- Best Wine Bars in Research
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