Thomastown’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. Atlas’s — 260 Ash Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $16-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Atlas’s 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($16-24/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Nell House — 352 North Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Nell House doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Gus Works — 329 North Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $16-24/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Atlas’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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($16-24/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Cleo — 229 North Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $16-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Depot — 230 King Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $16-24/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas’s | Overall best | $16-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nell House | Quiet drink | $16-24/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Gus Works | New & trendy | $16-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Cleo | Food + drinks | $16-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Depot | Atmosphere | $16-24/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Atlas’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Thomastown. 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. Depot 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
- South Morang Wine Bars
- Thomastown Restaurants — eat before or after
- Thomastown Things to Do
- All Thomastown Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Thomastown
- Best Bars in Thomastown
- Nightlife Guide in Thomastown
- Best Cocktail Bars in Thomastown
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