Westmeadows’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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 $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Gus Bench — 121 Maple Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $18-22/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Gus 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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($18-22/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. White Standard — 215 Bridge Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. White Standard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Hazel Press — 115 Elm Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $18-22/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 Gus 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 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($18-22/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Luna Cellar — 160 Bridge Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $18-22/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Theo — 13 Elm Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $18-22/glass
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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Bench | Overall best | $18-22/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| White Standard | Quiet drink | $18-22/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Hazel Press | New & trendy | $18-22/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Luna Cellar | Food + drinks | $18-22/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Theo | Atmosphere | $18-22/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Gus Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Westmeadows. 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. Theo 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 Wine Bars
- Westmeadows Restaurants — eat before or after
- Westmeadows Things to Do
- All Westmeadows Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Westmeadows
- Best Bars in Westmeadows
- Nightlife Guide in Westmeadows
- Best Cocktail Bars in Westmeadows
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