Summer is officially here, the sun is staying up longer and the festive season is just around the corner, meaning it’s a better time than any to take advantage of Melbourne’s abundant bars.
We all know there’s a big difference between winter bars and summer bars. In winter, we’re looking for mulled wine, whiskey, fireplaces, cozy reading chairs and maybe even a couple of board games if you’re lucky.
In summer, it’s just about the opposite. Our ultimate summer bar has a vast array of beers on tap, spritzes and slushy cocktails. It’s got a vast outdoor seating area (bonus points for those little produce section mister machines), plenty of shade, good tunes and vibes for days.
So if you’re speaking our language and you’re looking for a spot to whet your whistle and delight your senses, you can guarantee there is somewhere in this glorious city that will be right up your alley. Here are a handful of our favourite spots to grab a drink this summer.
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Madame Brussels
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Madame Brussels is the sky-high garden party dreams are made of, complete with AstroTurf, pastel parasols and white picket fences. Cocktails include ‘The Pollinator’, a concoction of apricot nectar, Bombay Sapphire gin, white chocolate and Aperol. When paired with high tea-style finger food, a French-inspired menu and delectable cupcakes, Madame Brussels will make you feel like you’re in your own backyard – albeit with staff clad in tennis whites catering for your every need.
Find Madame Brussels at Level 3 59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Dr Morse
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If you’re chasing a casual haunt where you can grab a beer on a scorching afternoon, Dr Morse is your new go-to. Pull up a stool in the beer garden, munch on pan-Asian-inspired bites, throw back a couple’a cold ones and catch some local DJs. It’s a guaranteed way to beat the heat. Plus, with cocktail names like ‘Rhonda From HR’ and ‘Pablo Escubac’, you know you’re in good company.
Find Dr Morse at 274 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
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.
Find Barton Fink at 816 High Street, Thornbury
Goldilocks Bar
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What Goldilocks Bar lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. Perched atop a rooftop in the CBD, this is an intimate space that exudes comfort. Offering seasonal cocktails featuring flavours from around the world, this is the ideal spot for a casual first date or catch up with mates. It can fill up quick, but if you manage to snag a spot overlooking the city, it’s well worth your while.
Find Goldilocks Bar at Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Section 8
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If you’re in the mood for a drink and a dance, you have to check out Section 8. The shipping container bar started as a pop-up, but after making a name for itself in the CBD, it’s not going away anytime soon. With graffiti-covered walls and steel drums for tables, it’s every hipster’s dream. So whether you’re getting up early for the day drink menu, or showing up as the sun goes down. It’s the perfect place to chill all day and party all night.
Find Section 8 at 27-29 Tattersalls Ln Melbourne 3000
Sojourn
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For after-work drinks, there is no better place than Sojourn, the dining experience that twists the meaning of a laneway bar has both food and cocktails to satisfy those post-meeting munchies. The bright blue bar closes at 8 pm meaning you’ll always have an excuse for not staying out too late, while still being satisfied with the assortment of food and drinks. Whether you’re after the crispy pork belly or the cured kingfish, their menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed.
Find Sojourn at 501 Bourke St, New Chancery Ln Melbourne 3000
Naked For Satan
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One of Melbourne’s busiest rooftop bars, Naked For Satan is always filled to the brim with people. Considering it’s got Melbourne’s best view, it’s no wonder why it gets packed up there. The lively rooftop bar in the heart of Fitzroy has a wide selection of drinks and cocktails, as well as a solid comfort food menu. Summer is the perfect time to settle on the rooftop, to sit under the day’s blue sky, or bask in the night’s warm weather.
Find Naked For Satan at 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Bar Oussou
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A venue strong on World Music and global foods, this cosy hotspot for multicultural celebration is the perfect destination for a summer’s outing. Take a seat in the little courtyard, or treat your ears to the unique live programming of afro-beat, jazz, soul and much more. The range of French-Senegalese dishes on offer is delectable. Earnestly appealing to diverse audiences, Bar Oussou is truly one of a kind in Melbourne’s bar scene by bringing so many cultures together.
Find Bar Oussou at 653 Sydney Road, Brunswick
For more bars to visit in Melbourne this summer, head here.
