Richmond’s cocktail bars scene is diverse, sporty, food-obsessed — 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. Marco — 331 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $22-28
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Marco 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($22-28). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Nina — 272 Swan Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Nina 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Southern Kitchen — 86 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $22-28
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Marco — 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. Lane — 313 Church Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $22-28
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Mabel — 362 Swan Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $22-28
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco | Overall best | $22-28 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Nina | Quiet drink | $22-28 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Southern Kitchen | New & trendy | $22-28 | Snacks only | No |
| Lane | Food + drinks | $22-28 | Full menu | Yes |
| Mabel | Atmosphere | $22-28 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Marco does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Richmond station, trams on Bridge/Swan/Victoria. 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. Mabel 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
- Cremorne Cocktail Bars
- Richmond Restaurants — eat before or after
- Richmond Things to Do
- All Richmond Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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Where to Drink
Bowerbird Bar
Bowerbird is the Richmond pick for gin drinkers, seasonal cocktails and a calmer drink away from the biggest Swan Street rush. It suits dates, small groups and anyone who wants bartenders who can steer them toward something botanical, sharp or stirred-down.
The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is a polished wine-and-cocktail bar with a relaxed Richmond feel: smart enough for a Saturday night, but not so formal that it feels like a city bar transplanted into the suburbs. Broadsheet notes that its cocktail list covers classics while shifting with the seasons, which makes it a strong choice if you want both a reliable Negroni-style order and something more playful. Source: Broadsheet
Fargo & Co
Fargo & Co is the bigger, louder option: a heritage-bank setting, rooftop energy and a menu built for groups rather than hushed sipping. Go here when the brief is cocktails, food and a full night out, especially if your group includes people who want spritzes, snacks and photo-friendly surrounds.
The Vic Bar
The Vic Bar sits close to the Richmond and Abbotsford edge, making it handy when you want to drift beyond Swan Street without committing to Collingwood. It is a good pick for rotating cocktails, late-evening momentum and a less predictable stop after dinner nearby.
Local Tips
Richmond drinking changes fast depending on what is happening at the MCG, AAMI Park or along Swan Street. If there is a major footy match, concert or public holiday crowd, book ahead or start earlier than feels necessary; “just one drink” can turn into a long wait at the bar.
For quieter cocktails, aim for midweek, early evening or the Church Street side of the suburb. Swan Street is fun, but it can swing from relaxed to packed quickly, especially near Richmond Station.
If you are planning a progressive night, keep the route simple. Start with a proper cocktail at Bowerbird or The Ugly Duckling, move toward Swan Street for food, then finish somewhere livelier like Fargo & Co if the group wants volume and energy.
Richmond is also strong for food-led drinking. Many bars here work best when you order snacks, not just drinks, so check menus before you go if you need more than olives, cheese or small plates.
FAQ
What is the best cocktail bar in Richmond for a date?
Bowerbird is the safest date-night choice if you want conversation, considered drinks and a less chaotic room. The Ugly Duckling also works well when you want something stylish but still relaxed.
Where should a group go for cocktails in Richmond?
Fargo & Co is the easiest recommendation for groups because it has more space, a lively setting and a broader party-friendly feel. Book ahead if you are going on a Friday, Saturday or around a major sporting event.
Is Richmond better for cocktails or pubs?
Richmond is still very much a pub suburb, but that is part of the appeal. The best nights often combine both: start with a well-made cocktail, eat somewhere nearby, then decide whether the night calls for a pub, rooftop or one more bar.
