St Kilda East’s wine bars scene is polished, family-friendly, upscale — 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. Rosa’s — 311 King Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $18-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Rosa’s 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($18-28/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Luna Commons — 152 King Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Luna Commons 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. White Cellar — 254 Pine Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $18-28/glass
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 Rosa’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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($18-28/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Long Works — 178 Pine Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $18-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates 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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Leo Quarter — 299 King Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $18-28/glass
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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosa’s | Overall best | $18-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Luna Commons | Quiet drink | $18-28/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| White Cellar | New & trendy | $18-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Long Works | Food + drinks | $18-28/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Leo Quarter | Atmosphere | $18-28/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Rosa’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in St Kilda East. 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. Leo Quarter 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
- St Kilda East Restaurants — eat before or after
- St Kilda East Things to Do
- All St Kilda East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in St Kilda East
- Best Bars in St Kilda East
- Nightlife Guide in St Kilda East
- Best Cocktail Bars in St Kilda East
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