Ripponlea’s wine bars scene is established, leafy, well-maintained — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Long Yard — 285 Maple Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $18-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Long Yard 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($18-23/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Otto Table — 310 Albert Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Otto Table doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Little Lane — 135 Albert Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $18-23/glass
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 Long Yard — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($18-23/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Northern Standard — 274 Albert Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $18-23/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 — 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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Atlas’s — 364 Barkly Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $18-23/glass
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Yard | Overall best | $18-23/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Otto Table | Quiet drink | $18-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Little Lane | New & trendy | $18-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Northern Standard | Food + drinks | $18-23/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Atlas’s | Atmosphere | $18-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Long Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ripponlea. 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. Atlas’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
- South Yarra Wine Bars
- Ripponlea Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ripponlea Things to Do
- All Ripponlea Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Ripponlea
- Best Bars in Ripponlea
- Nightlife Guide in Ripponlea
- Best Cocktail Bars in Ripponlea
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