Templestowe Lower’s nightlife spots scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the nightlife spots 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. Hazel’s — 79 Park Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The venue the suburb rallies around. Hazel’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Felix’s — 231 East Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Felix’s 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Red Cellar — 295 High Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit 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 Hazel’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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Felix’s — 4 East Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Northern Social — 164 East Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $15-20
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel’s | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Felix’s | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Red Cellar | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Felix’s | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Northern Social | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hazel’s 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. Northern Social 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 Nightlife
- 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 Bars in Templestowe Lower
- Best Pubs in Templestowe Lower
- Best Cocktail Bars in Templestowe Lower
- Date Night in Templestowe Lower
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