Taylors Lakes’s cocktail bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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. Red Room — 43 Murray Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Red Room 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. The Old Commons — 159 Elizabeth Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. The Old Commons doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Rex — 115 Elizabeth Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am 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 Red Room — 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: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Marco — 324 Murray Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Place — 227 Flinders Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-20
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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Room | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Old Commons | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Rex | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Marco | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Place | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Red Room does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Taylors Lakes. 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. Place 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 Cocktail Bars
- Taylors Lakes Restaurants — eat before or after
- Taylors Lakes Things to Do
- All Taylors Lakes Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Taylors Lakes
- Best Bars in Taylors Lakes
- Nightlife Guide in Taylors Lakes
- Best Wine Bars in Taylors Lakes
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