Ringwood’s cocktail bars scene is residential, friendly, growing — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Ava — 189 Pine Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $17-23
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Ava 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: Their espresso martini ($17-23). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Ruby’s — 324 Blake Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Ruby’s 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Mia’s — 46 Victoria Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $17-23
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 Ava — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($17-23). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Finn Pantry — 341 Victoria Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Gus — 202 Pine Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $17-23
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Ruby’s | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Mia’s | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| Finn Pantry | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | No |
| Gus | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ava does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ringwood. 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. Gus 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
- Box Hill Cocktail Bars
- Ringwood Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ringwood Things to Do
- All Ringwood Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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