Reservoir’s wine bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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. Good House — 69 Murray Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Good House gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($13-24/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Felix Room — 313 Mary Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Felix Room 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. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. White Table — 322 Plenty Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $13-24/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 Good House — 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 ($13-24/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Common Union — 282 Murray Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $13-24/glass
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 loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Finn Place — 64 Plenty Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-24/glass
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good House | Overall best | $13-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Felix Room | Quiet drink | $13-24/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| White Table | New & trendy | $13-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Common Union | Food + drinks | $13-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Finn Place | Atmosphere | $13-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Good House does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Reservoir. 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. Finn Place 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
- Reservoir Restaurants — eat before or after
- Reservoir Things to Do
- All Reservoir Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Reservoir
- Best Bars in Reservoir
- Nightlife Guide in Reservoir
- Best Cocktail Bars in Reservoir
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