Here's our guide to the best bars in Melbourne. We've got rooftop bars, jazz bars, gay bars, wine bars, hidden bars, cocktail bars and more.
The best bars in Melbourne take on many shapes and forms: some are intimate, hidden down quiet laneways, while others are bustling, straddling brightly lit rooftops. These establishments ensure we have a place to knock back a few while catching up with some mates, listen to some fresh music (either live or not) and expand our cocktail palettes.
Though bars are quite simplistic in their premise, the historical significance of these establishments cannot be understated. They’ve served alcoholic beverages to its patrons and fostered communities for centuries, surviving through prohibitions and COVID-19 lockdowns. The best bars in Melbourne include a lot of niche venues, but you can peruse our guides to the best jazz bars, gay bars, wine bars and cocktail bars here as well.
Here in Victoria, we’re incredibly lucky at the quality (and quantity) of bars to choose from, so use this list as a guide for navigating the best bars in Melbourne!
Beat has been Melbourne’s most comprehensive city guide since 1986. Check out our bar and pub guide, our gig guide, our festival guide and our live music venue and nightclub guides.
The best bars in Melbourne’s CBD
Section 8
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Section 8 sums up the best of modern Melbourne in a neat little package down one of our popular laneways. They’re dedicated to slinging cocktails and all your alcoholic faves until the cows come home, and they couple it up with some killer music.
There’s never a dull moment at Section 8, there’s music from funk bands, DJs, and a whole heap more. Ask anyone around, and without a doubt, Section 8 will consistently be named among the best bars in Melbourne.
Lily Blacks
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Lily Blacks is the spot for all you cocktail fans out there, the bar branding itself ‘for the true cocktail aficionado’.
Their massive menu is the epitome of something for everyone, there are things like Pompelmo Spritz, which is full of Grapefruit, or even the aptly titled Passionfruit cocktail called the Passionista.
Whitehart Bar
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Yet another bar down one of our wonderous laneways is the Whitehart Bar. In what sounds like a classic Melbourne choice, this bar is run out of a shipping container. They offer all of your alcoholic favourites, plus a few more cool things like some rare bottled beers from all corners of the earth, or even some wines from makers you probably haven’t heard of, but will love in no time. If you’re a bit peckish while you’re here, Whitehart offers up some bar snacks, like Hommus and Corn Chips, which sounds like a great match for some bevs.
Goldilocks Bar
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Ever dreamt of enjoying a rosé on a roof, looking over our marvellous city skyline? That’s just me? Goldilocks is a rooftop bar that’ll give you an unforgettable experience. It’s pretty classy up there too – according to their website, all attendees need to wear smart casual clothing, with no thongs allowed. Don’t ask us how we know.
To top off this amazing experience, you can also grab some great bar food, things like calamari or even pancakes. If you’re looking for a rooftop view among your Melbourne CBD bars and pubs, Goldilocks is a very strong contender.
Heartbreaker
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The Heartbreaker is far from its sad name, head here and you’ll fall in love with the incredible service and great drinks list.
There’s literally every drink under the sun available at this venue, anything from a Non alcoholic gose to a liquor called Fortaleza Blanco. The bar’s distinct red lighting gives the atmosphere a hazy air, evoking that mysterious late night feeling which’ll have you coming back for more.
They’re clearly dedicated to the rock, it being one of the only spots that still has a jukebox, jam packed full of songs from back in the day.
Lui Bar
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If you’re over sitting in your trackies at home with a cheap wine from Aldi, Lui Bar is the spot for you, a classy joint that brings the best of the best.
It’s on the top floor of the Rialto building and gives 360” views of the beautiful Melbourne skyline. Lui is one of the fancier joints on this list, there being a minimum $50 spend after 5pm, but drinks are reasonably priced so you won’t feel like you’re digging too deep into your bank.
Cherry Bar
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You’re reading Beat, so there’s no doubt you’ve not only heard of but have had a few pints at the Cherry. It’s a staple of the Aussie music scene, many of the world’s greatest performers have graced its stage. They’re a great bar in their own front, slinging some great drinks that really top off the experience. There’s no doubting it, all the writers here are massive fans of Cherry, and we couldn’t have a proper crawl of the best bars in Melbourne without it.
Like many Melbourne venues, the Cherry offers up some awesome merch, so you can represent the spot wherever you are.
The best bars in Carlton
The Curtin
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The Curtin Hotel is not only a hugely important bar in the history of the Melbourne labour movement, but a pillar of its celebrated live music scene. It’s a vital spot for a huge range of local and international musos, and they are fantastic champions of young talent.
But on top of that, they’re also an awesome pub, slinging some awesome food thanks to Sonny’s, who cook up fried chicken and burgers. Their menu is pretty awesome as well, if chicken can sometimes make you feel gross, you can specify the kind of chicken you want, whether that be white or dark, wings, or something else.
Johnny’s Green Room
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If you’re keen for a chill spot that’s a little bit trendy, Johnny’s Green Room is the joint for you. The Tuscan-esque architecture, combined with a Italian inspired menu of food and drinks, makes this spot feel right at home in Melbourne’s little Italy on Lygon. This rooftop bar is the perfect place to spend the summer, but they’ll also pump up their indoor fireplaces during the cooler months, which sounds like a cosy way to spend the weekend. There’s something for everyone, with a menu that features fancy sounding pizzas with things like zucchini and mortadella, or even a drinks list that features some great non-alcoholic beverages.
The Great Northern Hotel
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Carlton North’s Great Northern is an awesome sports bar that’s focused on delivering customers some quality service, quality food, and quality drinks, and it’s paired up with the team chucking on pretty much each and every game in the sporting world.
To go along with your Sunday sport viewing, Great Northern has a deal worth writing home about, the $28 Sunday roast, ideal for these wet winter weekends.
Carlton Wine Room
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The Carlton Wine Room is a quintessential dining experience for grape lovers. This bistro/bar has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and is the ultimate spot for a wind-down wine. Set in a stylish 19th-century building, The Carlton Wine Shop offers an ever-changing, extensive wine list and an impressive menu created by head chef John Paul Twomey.
The ground floor offers a cellar room, an intimate space that seats up to 24 guests. However, upstairs is the Faraday room, a private dining room met with an art deco aesthetic and strikingly high ceilings with a view over Faraday Street.
If you’re looking for a drink and beautiful surroundings, make sure to spot by the next time you’re in the neighbourhood.
The best bars in Collingwood
Easey’s
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The best way to sum up Easey’s is to just quote directly from its website:
“Burgers & Beers served five stories up in a rooftop train carriage overlooking Melbourne City. Beat that.”
Easey’s isn’t your standard rooftop bar, it’s three trams situated on top of a building in Collingwood. It’s a pretty cool premium location that brings together hipster vibes with quality service. Its menu feature some of the best burgers in the Melbourne region – there’s things from the classic cheeseburger to the Metropolitan Mayhem, which has a little bit of everything.
Runner Up
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Collingwood’s Runner Up rooftop bar is one of the best spots in the city, it’s laid back, hip, and has some pretty great stuff on offer. Like all good spots out there, Runner Up’s menu isn’t jam-packed, rather committing on a few things that they ace, there’s things like Sauv Blanc’s, Proseccos, and they’ve even got a Bodriggy seltzer on tap. Also, its website design is really unique and worth checking out.
The Gasometer
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From its blood-red exterior to the retractable roof over the main bandroom, the building housing The Gaso is somewhat of an attraction. Throw in a roster of ripper gigs, a comfy bar space and plenty of room to just hang out, and you’ve got the whole package. Among our storied list of the best pubs and bars in Collingwood, The Gaso is one of the most renowned.
Nighthawks
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Nighthawks is the kind of place where you feel comfortable to drop in by yourself and sink a pint while you read or sit back and take it all in. Upstairs, you’re likely to find a gig featuring back-to-back stellar local acts while downstairs, you can soak up whatever the DJ is spinning. Either way, the tunes are always sublime.
The Tote
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There’s only one word to describe The Tote: iconic. The venue has been standing since 1876, though it was known as the Ivanhoe Hotel until it became a live music venue in 1980.
Not only is it rich in history, it’s got endless character. Yeah, she’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s all part of her allure. There’s just something ineffably special about The Tote.
Above Board
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This spot is definitely among our favourite hidden bars in Melbourne, with a pretty fancy vibe to match. The brainchild of popular bartender Hayden Lambert, who has a repertoire to wonder at. You can head to Above Board, have a chat with him, and get to enjoy a cocktail for your liking. He’s even named a bunch of drinks after his family, previous employers, friends and family too.
Above Board is pretty small inside, but it doesn’t need to be too big – with around 16 seats, you know you’ll be getting A+ service. Due to their small interior, they don’t take bookings, so make sure you get there early, you can head down there from around 6pm most days and enjoy what makes Above Board special.
The best bars in Fitzroy
Naked For Satan
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You simply couldn’t make a list of the best bars in Melbourne and not include this one.
With pornography on the walls and one of the best rooftop bars (Naked in the Sky) in Melbourne, there’s perhaps no more famous bar across this great city than Naked for Satan. It oozes funky bohemia, it’s always packed, there’s a very solid sit-down food menu and an excellent range of drinks. The only downside is that bloody elevator.
Bar Open
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Bar Open is a Fitzroy legend, a mainstay of Melbourne’s live music scene for 24 years that supports a huge array of genres. With art and mural splashed walls and a general decor and clientele that screams ‘You’re in Fitzroy, welcome home’, it’s no wonder that Bar Open is one of those venues that people associate with unique Melbourne culture. It has a delightful beer garden, a cozy fireplace, an upper level and an improv night, but you really need to head here to experience it for yourself.
The bandroom is pumping at least six nights a week and drinks are served until late every night. Bar Open is a bastion of the old Fitzroy. Hang around in the courtyard or head up into the band room, which has, over the years, hosted everyone from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to The Presets.
Labour in Vain
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Labour in Vain is a cool little hole in the wall that’ll make you feel at home immediately as you walk through the doors. They’re dedicated to great live music, great service, and offering some amazing drinks.
They’ve also got a killer beer garden, great for a summer catchup over a pint or two. Labour in Vain also currently have no food on offer, but you’re able to order food in from your favourite local joint. It also bears mentioning that there’s a heap of amazing music acts hitting the Labour in Vain stage on a regular basis, and it’s completely free!
Marion Wine Bar
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Located in the heart of Fitzroy, right next to Cutler & Co., is Marion – one of the best Northside wine bars featuring an exclusive wine list and seasonal gourmet dishes. If you’re looking for an intimate setting to impress your date, Marion is the perfect place. Star chef Andrew McConnell is known for his eclectic and unique flavour pairings, and his Marion creations are no different.
While here, you must try the burrata or their flounder, but if you’re looking for something to snack on, there’s also a selection of fine cow milk cheeses that always go down just right.
The Shady Lady
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On top of being one of the most respected dive bars in Melbourne, The Shady Lady is also a stellar home for those who want their night to be transcendent. Wander past the vertical bar and find the holy parchment, where dreams are made. Shady will also sling you drinks at a mean price so get there a bit earlier and reap the rewards.
Sircuit
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Smith Street’s beloved gay bar that is inclusive to everyone. It constantly stands high as one of the best bars in Melbourne to have a boogie and it’s no surprise why – this spot delivers a versatile range of events from Wednesday to Sunday.
The best bars in Brunswick
Bergy Seltzer
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Once an awesome hidden gem, the Bergy Seltzer now has its own dedicated live music space next door, the Bergy Bandroom!
Their hole in the wall venue has a nice beer garden / outdoor seating area out the back, making sure you can enjoy a beer in the warm of the summer.
Bar Oussou
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Put simply, Bar Oussou is just a lot of fun. It’s an immensely enjoyable and funky venue with a superb multicultural flair that really makes it stand out from the usual Sydney Road vibe. Often considered an African hub in Melbourne’s north, Bar Oussou features a dazzling array of world and jazz music and French-Senegalese food to die for. It has a beautiful little courtyard and for the winter month’s, an actual fireplace. Those are few and far between these days, and we love them.
Amelia Shaw
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Amelia Shaw Bar is located above one of Brunswick’s favourite pubs and local watering holes, The Retreat. This place is pretty well hidden up there too, it took me longer to discover its existence than I am proud to admit after my many sessions at the pub downstairs.
Named after the pub’s first licensed owner from way back in 1842, Amelia Shaw is well worth checking out, it’s one of the most unique venues among our picks for the best cocktail bars in Melbourne, with its eclectic mismatched furniture, old-school west coast vibe and fully loaded cocktail list. This place is also a popular function room, so be sure to ring and book before heading on over.
Howler
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Another venue with some much-needed parking spots out the front, Howler is one of the best bars in Melbourne. It’s even just worth heading to check out the amazing skylight / rooftop, where you can bask in the November sun over a pint or two.
They’ve got some cool deals each and every week, to name a few; Thursday steak night lets you dig into a mouth-watering steak for an equally mouth-watering $25. Howler is also one of Melbourne’s most popular music venues, with plenty of entertaining acts on every week.
Shabooh Shoobah
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For a little bit of a journey outside central Brunswick to Brunswick West, Shabooh Shoobah is one of Melbourne’s coolest looking bars. There’s very little about Shabooh Shoobah online, but it’s definitely worth checking out, their chilled seating, and cheap drinks make it a great spot to kill some hours with some friends.
They’re only open from Wednesday to Sunday, making sure all the staff are keen to give you the best service and you’ll know it’s always busy and fun.
Benjyss Karaoke Bar
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If you’ve been looking for a karaoke venue to sing that favourite foreign language track of yours, look no further than Benjys, they’ve got a whopping 60,000 songs to choose from, all in a variety of different languages. They’ve also got a stacked bar, full of a selection of our tastiest wines, beers, and spirits. Unlike many other Karaoke bars out there, you can actually see the entire song register of Benjys Karaoke Bar online, the 431 page song document can be found here.
The best bars in Northcote
Wesley Anne
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If you’re a music fan in Melbourne, there’s no doubt you’ve come across the Wesley a couple of times in your travels. They’re a laid-back bar with equally laid-back staff, who are always keen to give you the best service they can. You can grab some mouth-watering grub at this spot, everything from gnocchi to steak. What’s not to love?
Francesca’s Bar
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Francesca’s Bar is a real up-and-comer among this illustrious collection of Northcote bars and pubs. In fact, we predict it’ll be one of the top spots in the region very soon. You can grab some great drinks like a classic daquiri, a pina colada, and a bunch more you can dive into.On the food side, their menu has a little bit of everything, finger food like jalapeno bites, arancini and a whole heap more that you can dive into here.
Oh Loretta
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Walking into Oh Loretta is like heading into another world. The white walls and leafy interior will make you never want to leave. They’ve got some regular live music events, great service, and a whole heap of tasty drinks. The decor and resultant vibe make this venue a unique spot on any list of Northcote bars and pubs. If you get a little peckish during a visit to Oh Loretta, their menu has some locally sourced items, giving some of Melbourne’s best restaurants a run for their money.
Low Key
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There’s never been a more aptly titled bar than this. They’ve got a bunch of local brews on offer, with a couple of beers on tap from Bodriggy, or a flight of wines from a local winery. They’re open Monday through to Sunday from 4pm, check out more info on Low Key here.
Bar 61
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If you need a new staple among your favourite Northcote bars and pubs, Bar 61 – situated in the heart of Northcote – is waiting to be discovered by you.
With a delectable selection of cocktails, an extensive menu, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy a flavourful and diverse menu in the relaxed ambience of the outdoor beer garden or the intimate setting of their candlelit indoor space. Moreover, with three function rooms on offer, they’re fully equipped to host your upcoming event. Dive into their mouth-watering menu here.
The best bars in Thornbury
Franklin’s Bar
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Franklin’s Bar is a must-visit if you find yourself out and about in Melbourne’s inner north. Come by in the afternoon and settle out in the beer garden for some sunshine or roll in a little later to the dark and cosy lounge. No matter the time though Franklin’s is serving up all the beautiful cocktails that you will find on their menu.
More than just a cocktail bar, Franklin’s is also known for getting in some of Melbourne’s finest DJs every weekend to spin some vinyl. It’s located right in the middle of the ever-busy High St so even if it’s just one stop on a multi-stop crawl, you’ll love your time at Franklin’s.
Barton Fink
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While outdoor bars in summer are all well and good in theory, there comes a point where you just want to go somewhere cool and dark. Taking its name from the 1991 Coen Brothers film, Barton Fink pays homage to cinema through a range film-inspired décor that will have you feeling nostalgic. Forget bells and whistles, Barton Fink has classic pub fare and all the signature cocktails a bar should have. A bar that does the fundamentals well, Barton Fink can be proud to call itself one of the best bars in Melbourne.
Nasty’s Bar
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Don’t mind the name, Nasty’s is anything but. It is fun and colourful little bar, with a miss matched interior where nothing quite makes sense. It’s a bar full of personality.
If you are after a fancy cocktail Nasty’s may not be for you, what it does offer is beer, wine and spirits at a price that won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse the next day. Nestled in up the crowded north end of High St, Nasty’s is known for its top selection of reasonably priced beers as wells as its beer specials.
Nasty’s will feed that hunger you may have to, with food specials often on the go, whether its Sandwich Sundays or Taco Tuesdays you should find something to line your stomach. Known for its fun vibe and fun and energetic staff, Nasty’s is well worth a look.
The best bars in Preston
The Keys
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Now for one for all the suburbanites out there, The Keys is one of Preston’s most popular watering holes, and one of the best bars in Melbourne. They excel in their bowling offerings, you’ll get something here you really can’t find anywhere else. But if you’re not a bowler, there are many other games here, like pool, arcade machines and even a dance floor. If you’re peckish, The Keys sling up ‘gutter snacks’, things like ribs, poppers and fries, or bigger items like parmas, schnitzels, Mozzarella pizzas, and lots more. To top it off, there are a whopping 13 beers on tap, from local brewers who do fun and interesting things.
Surly’s Bar
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Opening its doors in December 2019 before being forced to close just a few months later due to the pandemic, this relatively new kid on the block might’ve slipped your radar.
Contrary to what its name suggests, Surly’s is intimate, warm and familiar. Decked out with mismatched furniture sourced through Facebook Marketplace and channelling the aesthetic of the ’30s and ’40s, this unassuming watering hole is full of character and charm. Championing fellow small businesses within the community, Surly’s has a bunch of local brews on tap while punters are welcome to order in food from one of the neighbouring eateries.
Olivia Social
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When all night parties with loved ones at Nonna’s place in Thomastown and Lalor become too big, it’s time to open a bar, says Oliva Social owner, Adam Cursio.
“I had a vision of a party in a bar… a relaxed place, where you don’t have to dress up and that reflects simple food,” Cursio says.
The bar boasts an impressive cocktail list and it’s hard to beat their signature Chinotto Connection (whiskey, Chinotto San Pellegrino, lemon juice and honey). On the menu, pizzas, tapas and grazing platters are bound to tempt even the fussiest foodies. Inside, high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and black and white décor create a modern, spacious feel while the front courtyard invites you in with cosy picnics tables surrounded by fairy lights and plants.
Racoon Club
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Arriving at The Raccoon Club, a red door leads you down the long, narrow venue filled with patrons playing pool and various boardgames. Raccoon skins and other taxidermy animals hang above the bar while political statements and nude drawings plaster the walls. The grungy, vintage feel inside is amplified by CDs, records and VHS tapes piled on a shelf. Old-fashioned lamps hang above the bar. The large drinks list is well-priced and while there is no kitchen on the premises, local eateries are happy to deliver there. All in all, it’s a great spot to unwind, and can definitely boast being one of the best bars in Melbourne.
Jamsheed Urban Winery
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Melbourne’s first fully-functional winery, Jamsheed is an open-plan warehouse where you can grab a glass of vino, a bowl of pasta and watch the winemaking process taking place.
The industrial space is softened by the addition of vintage furniture, ageing barrels, abundant plants and moody lighting. Upstairs, you’ll find a snug lounging area where you can pull up a comfortable chair or settle in for a quiet game of pool.
On the wine list, you’ll find an assortment of natural wines including their beloved pet nats and a wide selection of reds.
The best bars in Richmond and Melbourne’s outer east
The Kilburn
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Found in Hawthorn, The Kilburn is a hard-to-miss cocktail and whiskey lounge located in a beautiful heritage-listed building that was once home to one of Melbourne’s most popular cigar bars. With a beautiful and bright (golden) décor The Kilburn is usually always a pumping and a popular place to host events and functions.
The cocktail list has all the classics you know and love, as well as several house creations for you to give a try. If you’re a whiskey lover then The Kilburn may be your choice of venues from this list. We are talking Australian, American, Japanese, Island, blended whiskeys and more to choose from. You will have a hard time choosing, so just tell the helpful bar staff what you like, and they will be sure to have a suggestion for you.
The Budgie Bar
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The Budgie Bar is already one of the best bars in Melbourne. Forgoing the old-school, classic cocktail bar look that a lot of the others are going for, The Budgie Bar is a converted warehouse that’s light and bright and has a real party vibe.
There is a killer Japanese food truck on site to keep you fed while you make your way through the large list of cocktails on offer. This place is decked out, with liquid nitrogen on tap and, I shit you not, a classic car collection to peruse while you’re sipping on your white chocolate pina colada.
Richmond Club Hotel
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Here’s another sporting bar for you: Richmond Club Hotel. When you are walking into the Richmond Club Hotel, stop and marvel at the beautiful façade and architecture. They don’t make them as nice as this anymore. But things only get better once you make your way through the doors. You can grab all the pub classics at the Richmond Club Hotel – burgers, fish, and even bangers and mash.
They love sport here, earlier this year creating the ‘Footy Multi Play’, where with the purchase of a pint of Balter Easy Hazy every Thursday or Friday, you can go into the draw to win some cool prizes. Check out more info on that here.
Roc’s Social Bar
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Not it’s time for another spot for all those who live in the outskirts, Roc’s Social is a bar for all types of entertainment lovers. There’s bowling, arcade games, and lots more, check out what else is happening at Roc’s Social here. They are part of the Village Entertainment family, so there are often deals for members, and lots of specials happening, so if you’re looking for a pre-movie or post-movie party, look no further than one of the most popular gaming bars, Roc’s Social.
The best bars in South Melbourne
Bellota Wine Bar
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Bellota is the extension of the beloved Prince Wine Store, showcasing some of the most delicious wines and carefully curated dishes. From the moment you set foot in this classic Victorian building, you’re immediately taken back by the stunning European bar culture, boasting the finest salamis and cheeses with its delicatessen-like display.
Here, you can find a whopping 3000 bottles in stock with a European menu, including a range of classic dishes with a modern spicy twist. This French and Italian-inspired menu has an assortment of charcuterie boards, seafood and pasta made from the freshest local produce.
If it’s a luxurious cheese and wine night you’re craving, this is the place. It’s a no brainer then: Bellota is one of the best bars in Melbourne.
Limerick Arms Hotel
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The Limerick Arms has been servicing the Clarendon St crowd for 160 odd years now and is still going strong. If you are chasing a feed, steak is their forte or their “heart” as they claim, so it has to be good. This place is also perfect for the beer aficionado, with 16 different craft brews on tap for you to match with your steak if you’re not the red wine type.
The other thing Limerick does well is live sport, if your team is on the TV but you feel like getting off the couch, this place is perfect with big screens and plenty of seats to settle in and cheer on your team.
Bells Hotel
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Another rooftop bar people. Bells Hotel says it best themselves, they are “a lifestyle, entertainment, event, food and sports experience all in one precinct” which is quite something and they aren’t lying. This place has a dinning area, a couple of bars, a rooftop area and a garden lounge so more than enough room to provide all that they are boasting and more.
Sports is the bread and butter of Bells, with a large TAB and big screens in nearly every room. If you are looking for somewhere to go for any sporting special occasion Bells, has you covered. AFL Grand Final, Bledisloe Cup or the Super Bowl (I have attended one of these myself at Bells and it was a ripper day) they will have something going down, from drinks specials and specialised meals to actual cheerleaders running around.
The Albion Rooftop
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This rooftop bar is the perfect place to catch up with some mates for a drink and a feed with an extensive drinks list and beautifully curated modern Japanese menu, with the odd pub classic for good measure, to choose from. They also have DJs on the spot every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you are looking to turn one on, Sunday is the day to hit The Albion, not only will there be a DJ dropping the tunes, but there is also the option to partake in a bottomless lunch followed by three hours of happy hour. So, you could really do some damage and make sure Monday at work will be a battle.
Railway Hotel
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The Railway has been one of the best bars in Melbourne for well over 100 years now and there is good reason for it holding a place in people’s hearts. It’s got style, with a beautiful wooden bar, warm fire (3 fireplaces actually) and sun-soaked beer garden.
It’s a great place to visit every day of the week, with Trivia Mondays, Parma Tuesdays, Sunday roasts and live music most weekends, but the highlight for me is a $25 Steak Night every Wednesday. Nothing better than a hump day dine out and the Railway’s steaks are no joke.
The best bars in South Yarra, Prahran, and Toorak
Toorak Cellars
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This trendy wine bar and bottle shop is one of Southside’s best hang-out spots, as from the moment you enter, you immediately notice the excellent service and warm atmosphere.
Toorak Cellars sits right across from Toorak Station on Beatty Avenue and is incredibly versatile. Not only does it offer a fine wine list from 20 different labels, but it also serves great cocktails and food all year round. Enjoy the luxurious outdoor garden while sipping on an Aperol Spritz in the Summer or cosy up inside and indulge with one of their wood fire pizzas in the colder months.
There are so many reasons to love Toorak Cellars, easily landing it the status of being one of the best bars in Melbourne.
Katuk
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Katuk’s a pretty cool place that you wish you’d heard about earlier. It’s in the heart of South Yarra, and is dedicated to killer service and even better drinks. Katuk’s focused on slinging some high-quality beverages for all types of drinkers, everything from a strawberry-basil mocktail to a glass of Argentinian Malbec. They do something pretty cool on the food side of things, you can grab a jaffle to go along with your beverage, featuring things like pumpkin, pesto, ham, and even a spaghetti jaffle.
Talk To Me
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After a night in the city, Talk to Me is an awesome after party spot. They’ve got some regular cool events too. Every Wednesday, there’s speed dating, and every Thursday, there’s a uni night, where you can grab some killer deals on some bevs.
Talk to Me is also a big player in the function world, if you’ve got a party on the horizon and you’re looking for a spot to have it.
Electric
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Walking into the Electric Bar is like entering a different world. Each visit here will unearth something new and exciting, this spot will end up being one of your new favourites.
Their laid-back orange interior is like something out of a New York jazz club, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere overseas while enjoying some of their signature cocktails.
Some of their most popular drinks include one called the Golden Cadillac; which has Joseph Catron cacao, Galliano L’Autentico, Liquor 43, and it’s topped off with orange juice and whipped cream. This is just one of the many tasty cocktails they offer, check out more of their cocktails here. Their staff are some of Melbourne’s best too – experts in the world of mixology, so you know you’ll be getting some high-quality drinks.
Three Monkeys
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Three Monkeys is a hidden gem you probably wish you’d heard about earlier. Every day there’s something different and exciting happening. There’s also a bit of a weird novelty vibe: their overhead TV in the bar often plays a kid’s movie, which makes them a little enigmatic, and is precisely why they’re one of the best bars in Melbourne.
The best bars in St Kilda and Melbourne’s outer south east
Hotel Esplanade
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Also known as The Espy, they are one of the biggest staples in the live music scene, and they’ve got some of Melbourne’s best food, the pizzas they’ve got feature things like potato, cheese and even summer greens. They’ve got a massive live music stage where massive names have graced the stage over recent years.
Lona
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Lona really loves giving great deals to their customers, they’ve got some cool stuff happening if you become a member, one of the biggest things being you can get a half price meal every Wednesday. Checkout more info about that here. They’ve also got a bunch of special weekly deals, every Monday, they’ve got a massive ‘Mad Monday’, with $4 beer, wine and bubbles, $1 wings, and $13 large pizzas! You can enjoy a massive feed and enjoy a few beers for close to nothing! check out them all here.
Voodoo Love Child Speakeasy Bar
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Based on the name alone, this bar takes the spot of the funkiest location on this list. Inspired by all things New Orleans, Voodoo Love Child is inspired by bars of past and present, notably classic speakeasies from back in the day. There are awesome deals ready to go at Voodoo Love Child too, like 4pm – 8pm Happy Hour, which includes $15 cocktails, $9 wines and $9 beers, almost going back to the prices during prohibition.
To top off what’s already one of our best spots, Voodoo Love Child has regular gigs, so you can enjoy a bev alongside a selection of our most talented musicians.
Iron River Bar and Grill
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Iron River as you can probably guess is as much about the food as it is about the bevs with an amazing American grill menu that is sure to make any meat lover sweat with anticipation. We are talking massive serves of spareribs, wings by the kilo and steaks the size of your face. All cooked perfectly and served covered in amazing spices and smothered in mouth-watering sauces. That being said, this isn’t a best restaurants list, it’s a best bars list, but don’t fret – what we have going drinks-wise at Iron Side is equally as impressive. They have a massive drinks menu that has beer, wine and a number of cocktails for you to get stuck into. I mean a number; the cocktail list is extensive and there’s a whole lot of spirits on offer too.
Martini & Co
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Martini and Co is a cocktail bar and café/restaurant that has been plying its trade in Frankston for a long while now. Martini is open for breaky and stays open all day providing lunch, dinner and drinks. So come in for an espresso in the morning and revisit for an espresso martini later on. So not only is this place one of the best bars in Melbourne, but also one of the best restaurants too.
At night this place is as killer a restaurant as it is a cocktail bar though, the food is top notch. Martini & Co mixes modern Australian with fresh sea food as well as dishes with a oriental flair. So, you can enjoy a parma or steak, a seafood platter or an authentic Thai chicken curry. This place is well rounded so be sure to check it out whether you are in town for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The best bars in Footscray and beyond
Sloth Bar
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Appropriately named, Sloth is your quintessential dive bar in the best possible way as friendly staff and cheap drinks create a relaxed, easy-going vibe. Thursdays are the best nights to find yourself in the dimly-lit front room as you can catch entertaining local musicians, poets and performers stepping up on Open Mic night. The back beer garden is ideal for socialising with friends, or you can sit upstairs on the balcony with some takeaway food and look down on Barkly St like royalty from above.
Back Alley Sally’s
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Tucked down a laneway near the Maribyrnong River resides Back Alley Sally’s. Founded by the creators of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Back Alley’s lies in an old abandoned warehouse also containing a beer garden, pizza shop and grocers. Venture up the stairs and slide into a cosy booth where you can order pizza, nachos and toasties made downstairs by Slice Girls West. Get down on Tuesdays for half-price pizza (they’re bloody good!) and trivia on a Wednesday.
Littlefoot Bar
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The first bar to make their stamp on Barkly St, Littlefoot is the perfect venue to enjoy a meticulously-crafted cocktail and some delicious homemade Italian cuisine. A stylish bar and funky interior fitted with an iconic Footscray neon sign sets the mood inside, while a spacious beer garden allows larger groups looking to chat over cocktails. Littlefoot also hosts music events and DJs, so you’re guaranteed some good tunes if you pay a visit.
The Funderdome
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If you want to make a day out of a visit to one of these spots, The Funderdome should be your bar of choice. Bring your whole family for mini golf, karaoke, arcade games, and killer tunes. There’s a stacked menu, with pizzas, corn dogs, cheese balls, squid chips, and plenty more, including a kids’ menu, if you plan on bringing the whole family. Of course, there’s a huge drinks list too, with drinks from wineries from all around the world on offer, places like Italy, France and Argentina. Or tap beer from classic providers like Pirate Live and Somersby Cider, or lesser-known brewers like Fundersuds and Balter.
Lay Low Bar
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One of Melbourne’s hidden bars set among a trendy clothes shop is the Lay Low bar, one of Seddon’s coolest secret gems. When you head in, it’s a little bit tight, but once you make your way into the bar, you’ll be shocked at how spacious it is. We give it bonus points because it’s a hidden bar in Melbourne that’s all the way out in Seddon.
When you’re there, you can immerse yourself in their beverage world and enjoy all types of drinks, there’s bound to be something that’s up your alley. Many of their cocktails come from fresh local produce, and are all made in-house, so you know you’ll be getting quality.
And there you have it! The best bars in Melbourne, sorted by suburb, for your convenience. Save this one for later, or send it to your friends, to ensure you always know the best bars in Melbourne.
You can also check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive guides to the best bars and pubs in each suburb and street here.
