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 and wildly inventive neighbourhood bar from an ex-Vue de Monde chef, to the dreamy lighting and excellent wine list at Olivine inside the Pentridge precinct, and the effortlessly cool Sweet Nectar Inn that’s redefining what a local should be — Coburg is having a moment. Here’s why it’s worth raising a glass to.

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

Gemini

Tucked into a historic building on Sydney Road, Gemini is Coburg’s quietly confident gem — a wine bar, bottle shop and pantry rolled into one. Owned by locals Tresna Lee and Shane Farrell (ex–Vue de Monde), the space balances old and new with sandblasted bluestone walls, a granite bar and sunlit interiors softened by pale timber. Snacks lean European: Skull Island prawns on toast, oysters with plum-spiked hot sauce, and a bar sandwich that changes with the mood. Wines are chosen with care — mostly Victorian, always characterful — and staff guide with an easy assurance. Refined but relaxed, Gemini rewards curiosity and lingers in the memory. The kind of place you’ll find yourself recommending — and returning to.

158 Sydney Road, 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

12 April 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.