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Restaurant

Bear's Wine Bar

502 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find Bear's Wine Bar

502 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 492 993 072
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Bear's Wine Bar

Warehouse windows just off Errol Street frame Bear’s Wine Bar—a calm Northside retreat built around honest pours and easy conversation. No shouting over a loud soundtrack here. Bar staff patiently pour side-by-side tastes until you find your bottle, while red wine flows on tap and mini cocktails buy time over the menu. Regulars guide newcomers toward the snacks: smoked trout rillettes scooped with focaccia, charred hispi cabbage, and thick potato cakes dolloped with crème fraîche and caviar. Evenings wind down over seared Wagyu steak, followed by a warm, deep-fried Tim Tam served alongside vanilla ice cream.

  • Guided Wine Pours: Bartenders line up unhurried side-by-side tastes and pour red wine on tap to help diners land on the right glass.
  • Elevated Bar Snacks: A snack-heavy lineup pairing smoked trout rillettes and hispi cabbage with caviar-topped potato cakes.
  • Deep-Fried Tim Tam: Warm, batter-fried Tim Tams served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a nostalgic finish.
  • Low-Acoustic Room: A light-filled warehouse space with low volume levels designed for effortless table conversation.
RestaurantWinesWine Bar

What's On at Bear's Wine Bar

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Spend an Evening at Bear’s Wine Bar

Whether you are settling in for unhurried wine tastings, indulgent nostalgic snacks, or an easy midweek catch-up, reserve your table at Bear’s Wine Bar.

  • Acoustic Ease for Intimate Conversation

    Tucked away on a quiet side street off Errol, the warehouse-style space maintains a calm acoustic environment where guests can talk easily without battling loud background music.

    It was one of those rare venues where conversation flows effortlessly—you’re not competing with loud music or overhearing every table around you.

    Clare D

  • Cozy Atmosphere for Neighborhood Date Nights

    With warm, dim lighting, attentive hospitality, and an unpretentious neighborhood rhythm, the bar offers a natural, relaxed setting for evening dates over shared plates.

    Cozy, dim lighting, and a really welcoming vibe.

    Forkin’ Opinions

  • Patient, Guided Wine Navigation

    Staff take the time to pour side-by-side tastings and explore different flavor profiles until guests find their ideal crisp white or vintage without feeling hurried.

    Nathan was incredibly patient and helpful throughout the whole process. He brought out a few different white wines for my girlfriend, my friend and I to taste, trying to help me find the style I was looking for.

    Jas “Jazzy” S

  • Tap Pours and Petite Cocktail Formats

    Thoughtful drink options include red wine on tap alongside mini-format cocktails designed to let guests sample spirits while deciding on wine or food.

    Also love their mini cocktails; they’re great while you decide on the perfect meal or wine.

    Natalia

  • Upscale Nostalgic Potato Cakes

    The kitchen elevates classic Australian takeaway culture, crisping thick-cut potato cakes and pairing them with crème fraîche and caviar for a high-low wine bar snack.

    these are huge and you’re getting a more premium wine bar version with crème fraîche and caviar.

    Christopher Wu

  • Deep-Fried Tim Tam Finale

    A playful dessert offering deep-fried Tim Tams served hot with cold ice cream and caramel sauce creates a memorable, indulgent finish to the meal.

    it was the deep fried Tim Tams served with ice cream and caramel sauce that stole the show!!

    J T G Nielsen

Guest-favorite pours and nostalgic share plates

  • Bear's Potato Cakes

    Try the potato cake, it will change your life!

    Matthew C

  • Deep-Fried Tim Tam

    it was the deep fried Tim Tams served with ice cream and caramel sauce that stole the show!!

    J T G Nielsen

  • Prawn Toast

    The prawn toast was next level - generous chunks of prawn, not that mushy stuff, with a crispy outer layer that held up beautifully.

    Forkin’ Opinions

  • Mini Cocktails

    Also love their mini cocktails; they’re great while you decide on the perfect meal or wine.

    Natalia

Other favorites

Curated pours and savory bar bites that complete the neighborhood experience.

  • Red Wine on Tap

    I had red wine on tap (first time to see red wine on tap!!), and it was nice :)

    Lyda Chan

  • Dirty Martini

    Naturally, I paired mine with a dirty martini (I’m currently on a bit of a dirty martini obsession). The lemon garnish instead of olives caught me by surprise, but it was still delicious.

    Clare D

  • Gruyère Gougères

    the Gruyère gougères were to die for.

    Nathan Dunn

  • Kangaroo Dumplings

    the kangaroo dumplings were something different and delicious

    Nathan Dunn

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality details that elevate a neighborhood wine evening.

  • Patient Side-by-Side Wine Tastings

    Bar staff patiently pour multiple different glasses to taste side-by-side, taking the time to match specific palates without rushing before opening a bottle.

  • Pre-Selection Mini Cocktails

    The bar serves dedicated mini cocktails—like the house minitini—providing a quick sip to enjoy while you deliberate over the food and wine list.

  • Tableside Chef Service

    The chef steps past the pass to personally serve freshly prepared courses directly to your table.

  • Tailored Dietary Accommodations

    Dietary restrictions are accommodated without friction, including thoughtful swaps like pairing smoked trout rillettes with crunchy chips instead of focaccia for gluten-free guests.

Before you head over

Practical guidance on seating limits, personalized pours, and dietary options—book your table to enjoy North Melbourne's welcoming neighborhood wine bar.

  • Plan Around the Two-Hour Window

    Table reservations operate with a two-hour sitting, so it is best to order your savory plates and dessert promptly. If visiting without a reservation, drop by during the afternoon or check for seats at the bar.

  • Taste Before You Settle

    If you have specific preferences or want to explore unfamiliar varietals, ask staff for sample tastes before committing to a bottle, or order a mini cocktail while reviewing the list.

  • Dietary Requests Handled Smoothly

    Dietary needs are handled with ease—gluten-free diners can enjoy share dishes like the smoked trout rillettes served with chips instead of the house focaccia.

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