South Morang’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Kai’s — 149 Murray Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $12-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Kai’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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($12-26/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Ada Press — 200 Mary Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Ada Press 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Old Depot — 341 Murray Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-26/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 Kai’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 ($12-26/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Rosa’s — 356 Mary Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Pilgrim — 63 Murray Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-26/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kai’s | Overall best | $12-26/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Ada Press | Quiet drink | $12-26/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Old Depot | New & trendy | $12-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Rosa’s | Food + drinks | $12-26/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Pilgrim | Atmosphere | $12-26/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Kai’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in South Morang. 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. Pilgrim 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
- Mill Park Wine Bars
- South Morang Restaurants — eat before or after
- South Morang Things to Do
- All South Morang Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in South Morang
- Best Bars in South Morang
- Nightlife Guide in South Morang
- Best Cocktail Bars in South Morang
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