Southbank’s wine bars scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — 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. Sol’s — 196 East Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Sol’s 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: The rotating craft tap ($13-26/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Northern Quarter — 23 High Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Northern Quarter 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Green Lane — 377 High Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-26/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Sol’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 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 ($13-26/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Lena Depot — 321 North Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $13-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Bright Bench — 311 Maple Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-26/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sol’s | Overall best | $13-26/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Northern Quarter | Quiet drink | $13-26/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Green Lane | New & trendy | $13-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Lena Depot | Food + drinks | $13-26/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Bright Bench | Atmosphere | $13-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Sol’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Southbank. 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. Bright Bench 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
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Southbank Restaurants — eat before or after
- Southbank Things to Do
- All Southbank Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Southbank
- Best Bars in Southbank
- Nightlife Guide in Southbank
- Best Cocktail Bars in Southbank
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