Northside Nights: 3 Reasons Why Everyone’s Drinking in Coburg Right Now

Coburg has long been loved for its multicultural food scene, vintage shops and old-school charm — but lately, something’s shifted. A quiet bar renaissance is bubbling away in Melbourne’s north, with a fresh crop of venues bringing style, substance and seriously good drinks to the suburb.

From Gemini — a warm, wildly inventive neighbourhood bar by a powerhouse hospo couple — to the dreamy lighting and stellar wine list at Olivine within the Pentridge precinct, and the effortlessly cool Sweet Nectar Inn that’s redefining what a local can be, Coburg is truly having a moment. Here’s why it’s well worth raising a glass to.

But Also Dining On…

Gemini’s Neighbourhood Night: With Special Guests Pep Pepper, July 24th and 31st

Northsiders, Neighbourhood Night is the Thursday ritual your week’s been craving. From 5pm, tuck into a $35 winter-warmer feast: steak sourced from Gemini’s local butcher, golden potato gratin, and a rotating sauce du jour. On July 24th and 31st, things heat up even more with guest appearances from the spice savants at PEP Premium Black Pepper — expect fresh-ground flair, pepper chat, and a silky peppercorn sauce you’ll be dreaming about for days.

It’s a little bit theatre, a whole lot of flavour, and a perfect excuse to keep your next two Thursdays free.

Book your spot here

158 Sydney Road, Coburg

Gemini

Found inside a historic Sydney Road beauty, Gemini is Coburg’s low-key rockstar — a slick wine bar, bottle shop and pantry all wrapped into one irresistible package. Owners Tresna Lee and Shane Farrell have nailed the vibe: bluestone walls meet sunlit timber, with a granite bar that just whispers chic. European-inspired snacks like Skull Island prawns on toast and fried peppers with blackcurrant agrodolce hit all the right notes, while their Victorian wines pack personality and punch. The staff? Effortlessly cool guides in this refined but totally relaxed spot you’ll want to name-drop and revisit forever. And here’s the kicker — Gemini isn’t just about good pours; they’re a full-on community hub, throwing neighbourhood nights, tarot readings, wine tastings with local winemakers, and even a run club. We heart them so hard.

158 Sydney Road, Coburg

Sweet Nectar Inn

Sweet Nectar Inn is the kind of bar that feels like it’s always belonged — an easygoing local that blends the soul of a milk bar with the spirit of a dive. Inside, it’s low-lit and nostalgic, with vintage portraits, old-school touches, and shelves stocked with everything from dill pickle crisps to pâté. The wine list is all-Australian, the beers rotate, and the pantry doubles as a take-home trove of delights. Whether you’re sipping a spritz scrawled on the specials board or filling a flagon with small-batch wine, there’s an unfussy charm to it all. The vibe? Relaxed, generous, quietly cool. It’s a place to drop in, linger, and feel like a true regular — even if it’s your first time.

140 Nicholson Street, Coburg

Olivine

Housed within the heritage bluestone walls of Pentridge’s former prison, Olivine is a moody and masterfully executed wine bar that makes Coburg feel like the centre of something bigger. The interiors strike a cinematic note — dimly lit archways, velvet booths, and over 500 bottles lining custom-built shelves like a sommelier’s dream library. The wine list is globally expansive but grounded in intention, leaning into minimal-intervention producers and lesser-seen varietals, with a team who guide, not lecture. There’s no pressure to perform — whether you’re sipping skin-contact or a rare Rhône, the service is relaxed but razor-sharp. Pair it with oysters, caviar, or something warm from the refined snack menu. It’s a bar built for slow pours, quiet revelations, and long nights.

1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg

So next time you’re heading north, skip the city circuit and settle in — because in Coburg, the drinks are thoughtful, the lights are low, and the good times are quietly pouring. For more unforgettable nights out in Melbourne, explore our favourite cocktail bars and intimate spots made for moody date nights.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

27 July 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.