Thornbury’s wine bars scene is quiet creative, emerging dining — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The White Cellar — 21 High Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $14-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The White Cellar 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-25/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Stella’s — 100 Station Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Stella’s 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. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Ash’s — 249 Harold Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $14-25/glass
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 The White Cellar — 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: The house old fashioned ($14-25/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Max — 35 High Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-25/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 steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Zara’s — 24 High Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $14-25/glass
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 empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The White Cellar | Overall best | $14-25/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Stella’s | Quiet drink | $14-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Ash’s | New & trendy | $14-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Max | Food + drinks | $14-25/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Zara’s | Atmosphere | $14-25/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The White Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Thornbury station, tram 86 nearby. 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. Zara’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
- Northcote Wine Bars
- Thornbury Restaurants — eat before or after
- Thornbury Things to Do
- All Thornbury Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Thornbury
- Best Bars in Thornbury
- Nightlife Guide in Thornbury
- Best Cocktail Bars in Thornbury
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