Travancore’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. The Southern Post — 309 Albert Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Southern Post 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Old Social — 95 Bell Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Old Social 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. Honest Cellar — 148 Railway Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than The Southern 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 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: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Rosa’s — 247 Rowan Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Cleo’s — 302 Bell Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-20
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: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Southern Post | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Old Social | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Honest Cellar | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Rosa’s | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Cleo’s | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Southern Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Travancore. 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. Cleo’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
- Melbourne CBD Cocktail Bars
- Travancore Restaurants — eat before or after
- Travancore Things to Do
- All Travancore Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Travancore
- Best Bars in Travancore
- Nightlife Guide in Travancore
- Best Wine Bars in Travancore
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