Templestowe’s cocktail bars scene is down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Ada Kitchen — 260 Pine Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $17-23
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Ada Kitchen gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($17-23). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Rex’s — 123 Sydney Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Rex’s 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Honest Press — 111 Mary Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $17-23
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 Ada Kitchen — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-23). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. The New Store — 41 Henry Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: 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 — 175 Pine Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $17-23
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 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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada Kitchen | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | No |
| Rex’s | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Honest Press | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| The New Store | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Fri |
| Nell Quarter | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Ada Kitchen does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe. 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
- Box Hill Cocktail Bars
- Templestowe Restaurants — eat before or after
- Templestowe Things to Do
- All Templestowe Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Templestowe
- Best Bars in Templestowe
- Nightlife Guide in Templestowe
- Best Wine Bars in Templestowe
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