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Restaurant

Kirk's Wine Bar

46 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 35 people

Updated

Find Kirk's Wine Bar

46 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9600 4550
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Kirk's Wine Bar

Perched on the corner of Hardware Lane, this walk-in wine bar delivers European bistro charm with steady Melbourne grit. Regulars treat the curb as prime real estate for people-watching over bottles of vermouth and skin-contact pours. Inside, tight tables and warm chatter frame quick post-work check-ins or unhurried solo meals at the bar. While the kitchen turns out steak frites with café de Paris butter, the real cult status belongs to the snacks—namely the rich pig's head doughnuts, savoury goat cheese eclairs, and fat, hand-cut house chips dusted with salt.

  • Laneway People-Watching: Snag an outdoor seat on Hardware Lane to watch the city foot traffic with a glass of vermouth or skin-contact wine.
  • Spontaneous Walk-Ins: Tables turn on a walk-ins only setup, making it an easy spontaneous stop for solo drop-ins and pre-dinner drinks.
  • Signature Bistro Bites: Beyond steak frites, the bar serves cult snacks like pig's head doughnuts, goat cheese eclairs, and fat, hand-cut chips.
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What's On at Kirk's Wine Bar

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Kirk's Wine Bar

Why visitors choose Kirk's Wine Bar for spontaneous drinks, European plates, and Hardware Lane atmosphere

  • Intimate European Laneway Ambiance

    Kirk's Wine Bar brings a Parisian bistro ambiance to Melbourne's CBD, pairing curated bottles and vermouths with attentive cellar guidance.

    The interior has that intimate, Parisian café feel with its small, cosy, and full of character

    James S

  • Signature Bistro Fare & House Specialties

    From golden hand-cut chips to steak frites and delicate savory pastries, the kitchen crafts standout European bar snacks suited for wine pairings.

    We had the pigshead doughnut, fries and the 3 cheese option. Would recommend, loved it!!

    Isabeau Damen

  • Laneway Setting for Catch-Ups & People-Watching

    Positioned on the lively corner of Hardware Lane and Little Bourke Street, outdoor tables offer an ideal vantage point for casual drinks with friends.

    My go to wine bar whenever I am in the city for a catch up with friends or a drink before dinner.

    Julia Curcio

  • Vibrant Hardware Lane Gathering Spot

    A lively open terrace invites guests to rug up and soak in quintessential Melbourne street life over shared bites and wines.

    Rug up and sit outside in the bustling laneway, quintessential Melbourne experience.

    Amber Harrison

  • Reliable Walk-In Access Without Bookings

    Operating without advance reservations, the bar maintains steady turnover so spontaneous diners and solo travellers can easily secure a seat.

    The place doesn’t take reservations but that helps in turnover and I’ve always been able to find a table.

    Pod Gern

  • Effortless Solo Dining & City Respite

    Solo visitors can comfortably pull up a seat at the bar or window counter for an unhurried, welcoming dining experience in the CBD.

    I love the location in one of Melbourne's famous laneways, and that I'm not made to feel like a burden by dining solo.

    Stephanie Davies

Signature bistro snacks and classic mains that define the Kirk's experience

  • Chips

    The best chippies in all of Melbourne!

    Ella Russell

  • Steak Frites

    The steak was phenomenal, perfectly cooked and beautifully accompanied by a delectable sauce, 10/10 no notes.

    J H

  • Pigs Head Doughnut

    especially the pig’s head doughnut

    Mia Goreng

  • Goat Cheese Eclair

    The sour cherry goats cheese eclaire was a unique one-of-a-kind dish, where the flavours were a combination of sweet and savoury mixed together.

    Pauline

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and attentive hospitality that elevate your Melbourne laneway wine bar visit

  • Weather-Defying Laneway Care

    Floor staff actively accommodate outdoor diners when rain hits Hardware Lane, shifting tables under shelter and braving downpours so guests can keep dining outside.

  • Proactive Table Relocation

    When outdoor tables are full upon arrival, attentive staff notice and immediately transition diners to the bustling streetscape as soon as outdoor seats open up.

  • Welcoming Solo Walk-In Hospitality

    For spontaneous walk-in diners and solo travellers arriving without bookings, staff make room even during peak service, ensuring guests feel welcome rather than rushed or burdened.

  • Personalized Wine Guidance & Bottle Takeaways

    Sommeliers and waitstaff guide diners through the bottle list and by-the-glass offerings with tailored recommendations, including sending guests home with standout retail bottles.

Before you head over

Practical tips for timing your visit and navigating seating at Kirk's Wine Bar.

  • Arrive early to secure walk-in seats

    The venue operates entirely on a walk-ins only basis without bookings. Arrive just after 5pm or earlier in the afternoon to beat the rush and secure prime indoor window or laneway seats before the tables fill up.

  • Keep group sizes small indoors

    Indoor tables are intimate and compact. For the most comfortable experience, visit solo or in small parties of two to three unless you plan to sit outside along the laneway.

  • Order the signature bar snacks

    If you are stopping by casually for drinks before dinner, pair your wine with Kirk's signature house-made thick chips or bar snacks like the pig's head doughnut and goat cheese éclair.

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