Best Cocktail Bars in Sandhurst Melbourne 2026

The best cocktail bars scene in Sandhurst is better than most people realise. Start at The Northern Yard, then check out Ada’s. Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course. Located 42km from the CBD, Sandhurst is part of Melbourne’s Outer South East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Sandhurst locals actually recommend.

1. The High Kitchen — 83 Rowan Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: solo diners

The High Kitchen has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Northern Place — 207 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Northern Place has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Collective — 27 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: dates

Collective has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Street is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Northern Store — 229 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) A local institution Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Northern Store has been operating in Sandhurst for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Nina’s — 81 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Sandhurst Different

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course. Sandhurst Club is one of Melbourne’s premier golf facilities. The best cocktail bars options here reflect Sandhurst’s character. For Sandhurst locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Nina Press — 168 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Nina Press has been operating in Sandhurst for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Blue Bench — 37 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: remote workers

Blue Bench has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

8. The Northern Union — 101 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Northern Union has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Tall Store — 75 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) Worth the detour Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Tall Store has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Felix Bench — 308 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (cocktail bars) A solid local spot Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Felix Bench has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Rowan Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Sandhurst farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Eumemmerring Best Cocktail Bars — same vibe, different suburb
• Sandhurst Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Sandhurst Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Sandhurst Complete Guide — everything about Sandhurst
• Compare Suburbs — see how Sandhurst stacks up
• All Sandhurst Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best cocktail bars options in Sandhurst?

Northern Quarter is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Sandhurst good for best cocktail bars?

Yes. Sandhurst has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Sandhurst known for?

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course.

How far is Sandhurst from Melbourne CBD?

Sandhurst is 42km, no direct train, 48min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Sandhurst won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026