Sunshine West’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Southern Lane — 166 Bell Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Southern Lane gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine 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 ($15-20). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Lucky Social — 159 Collins Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Lucky Social 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Red Store — 374 Bell Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $15-20
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 The Southern Lane — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. The Old House — 313 Collins Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $15-20
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 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Merchant — 10 Margaret Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
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 empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Southern Lane | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Lucky Social | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| The Red Store | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| The Old House | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Merchant | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Southern Lane does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Sunshine West. 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. Merchant 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
- Altona Cocktail Bars
- Sunshine West Restaurants — eat before or after
- Sunshine West Things to Do
- All Sunshine West Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Sunshine West
- Best Bars in Sunshine West
- Nightlife Guide in Sunshine West
- Best Wine Bars in Sunshine West
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