Wantirna’s cocktail bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Lucky Bench — 62 Lygon Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-20
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Lucky Bench 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 ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Humble Table — 274 Bridge Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Humble Table 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: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Nico Depot — 164 Brunswick Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm 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 Lucky Bench — 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: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. The Bright Press — 234 High Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ada — 196 Brunswick Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-20
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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Bench | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Humble Table | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Nico Depot | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| The Bright Press | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | Yes |
| Ada | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Lucky Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Wantirna. 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. Ada 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
- Wantirna Restaurants — eat before or after
- Wantirna Things to Do
- All Wantirna Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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