Templestowe Lower’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. Mia — 229 Park Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Mia 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Southern Bench — 176 Park Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Southern Bench 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Half Bench — 188 Bourke Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $15-20
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 Mia — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Cleo Store — 341 High Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza 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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Nell Quarter — 191 East Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views 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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mia | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Southern Bench | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Half Bench | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Cleo Store | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Nell Quarter | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mia does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe Lower. 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. Nell 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
- Melbourne CBD Cocktail Bars
- Templestowe Lower Restaurants — eat before or after
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do
- All Templestowe Lower Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Templestowe Lower
- Best Bars in Templestowe Lower
- Nightlife Guide in Templestowe Lower
- Best Wine Bars in Templestowe Lower
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