The Basin’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. Tall Post — 13 Young Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Tall Post 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($15-20). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. River Larder — 356 Homer Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. River Larder 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. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Hazel Larder — 182 Smith Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Tall Post — 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: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Vera Press — 129 Queen Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late 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 10pm and the sliders 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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Lena’s — 378 Anderson Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tall Post | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| River Larder | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Hazel Larder | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Vera Press | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Lena’s | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Tall Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in The Basin. 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. Lena’s 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
- Lilydale Cocktail Bars
- The Basin Restaurants — eat before or after
- The Basin Things to Do
- All The Basin Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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