The Basin’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the wine 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. Pearl’s — 8 Anderson Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $18-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Pearl’s gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($18-23/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Southern Store — 194 Homer Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. The Southern Store 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Max — 23 Queen Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $18-23/glass
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 Pearl’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 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($18-23/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Mabel Lane — 167 Queen Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $18-23/glass
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 charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Hugo’s — 164 Homer Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $18-23/glass
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl’s | Overall best | $18-23/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| The Southern Store | Quiet drink | $18-23/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Max | New & trendy | $18-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Mabel Lane | Food + drinks | $18-23/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Hugo’s | Atmosphere | $18-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Pearl’s 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. Hugo’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 Wine Bars
- The Basin Restaurants — eat before or after
- The Basin Things to Do
- All The Basin Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in The Basin
- Best Bars in The Basin
- Nightlife Guide in The Basin
- Best Cocktail Bars in The Basin
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