Wantirna’s pubs scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the pubs 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 Good Post — 118 High Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $10-12
The pub the suburb rallies around. The Good Post gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Cleo Quarter — 55 Bridge Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Cleo Quarter 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. Leo’s — 283 Lygon Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $10-12
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 Good 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 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 ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Nell Kitchen — 301 Bridge Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $10-12
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 charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Oliver’s — 140 Lygon Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $10-12
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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Good Post | Overall best | $10-12 | Yes | No |
| Cleo Quarter | Quiet drink | $10-12 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Leo’s | New & trendy | $10-12 | Snacks only | No |
| Nell Kitchen | Food + drinks | $10-12 | Full menu | Yes |
| Oliver’s | Atmosphere | $10-12 | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Good Post 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. Oliver’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 Pubs
- Wantirna Restaurants — eat before or after
- Wantirna Things to Do
- All Wantirna Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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