Tottenham’s cocktail bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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. Iris Store — 226 Station Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Iris Store 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-20). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. The Black Social — 186 Station Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. The Black Social 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Nell’s — 324 Station Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
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 Iris Store — 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: The house old fashioned ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Lena Social — 57 Anderson Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $15-20
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 wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Good Store — 128 Glenferrie Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iris Store | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| The Black Social | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| Nell’s | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Lena Social | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Good Store | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Iris Store does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Tottenham. 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. Good Store 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
- Melbourne CBD Cocktail Bars
- Tottenham Restaurants — eat before or after
- Tottenham Things to Do
- All Tottenham Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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