The best bars and pubs in Melbourne, with guides for beer, cocktail, wine, live music, pub food, dining, nightclubs and so much more.
The following guide is a master list that contains the best bars and pubs in every Melbourne suburb – including the CBD – and all of those suburbs’ major streets and nightlife precincts.
It also contains the best nightclubs and live music venues across the entirety of Melbourne (with separate guides for regional Victoria), as well as a collection of very specific lists for every cultural niche; whether it be dog-friendly bars, gaming bars, karaoke bars, sports bars, wine bars, hidden bars, rooftop bars and so on (over 46 separate guides in total).
We’ve also included related articles, such as our list of every 24-hour and late-night bottle shops, and our ranking (from worst to best) of the city’s alcohol delivery services. Together, it creates the most extensive cultural repertoire of this city available, allowing you to easily capitalise on years of careful hand-picked curations from local journalists. So without further-ado, tuck in!
The best nightclubs in Melbourne
Melbourne continues to pioneer a club scene that values and considers diversity and equity for all. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Melbourne nightclubs to spend the night (and the following day) dancing at, where you can catch incredible live acts (almost) every night of the week.
The 30 best live music venues in Melbourne
We’ve done a lot of more specific lists like these over the years: Melbourne’s most underrated gigging hotspots, Melbourne’s best music venues for a first date, a walking guide to Melbourne’s music destinations and of course, the ones we’ve loved and lost, among many, many more. But today, we’re releasing our most comprehensive list yet, of the venues you absolutely must go to this year. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The best rooftop bars in Melbourne
Diving into the best rooftop bars in Melbourne reminds us that this city – both the CBD and all of its numerous inner suburbs – is truly spoilt for choice when it comes to roof top bars and pubs that serve cocktails, spirits and beers in some incredible surroundings with outstanding views across the skyline. No matter what you’re into, this city’s got a rooftop bar up your alley (it certainly has a lot up its alleys).
The best secret bars in Melbourne
This is the largest list of secret and hidden bars in Melbourne, including venues behind bookshelves and through fridge doors, to enjoy cocktails, wine, beers and fine dining. This city’s nightlife has never a stranger to getting a little bit weird, a little bit wacky and a little bit wonderful, and this hugely comprehensive list of the best hidden bars in Melbourne, featuring a massive range of secret bars around the city, is constantly being updated with new and emerging spots that find cool ways to go about their business. This is just one of the many lists we have celebrating venues like these, we’ve also previously covered venues where you can get yelled at, a spot (that’s now closed) where you can eat naked, or even a space that lets you eat in the dark.
The best speakeasy bars in Melbourne
You wouldn’t be blamed for being unaware of what a speakeasy actually is, the term first came to prominence back in the 20’s – 30’s in America, when the ban on alcohol (also known as the prohibition) first came into effect. After that, many budding mixologists and brewers opened underground bars, known as speakeasies. They would have distinct features, including fake signs, low lighting, and intimate interiors. Many would also feature popular music at the time, a trend that has continued into Speakeasies today.
It’s obviously been a hot a minute since the ban on alcohol was reversed, but that hasn’t stopped speakeasies being opened since, many bars across Melbourne’s nightlife are inspired by the feel and design of the speciality bars, so today we’re looking around the grounds at the best speakeasy bars across the city.
The best dog-friendly bars in Melbourne
On our list of the best dog friendly bars and pubs in Melbourne, there’s a huge variety of pubs, cocktail bars, and breweries with expansive outdoor spaces perfect for you and your pooch to spread out and enjoy the weather as these warmer months roll around. There are also a number of spots that hold a few events throughout the year to celebrate man and woman’s best friend.
The best gay bars and clubs in Melbourne
Let’s get one thing straight: all of Melbourne’s bars should be ‘queer friendly’. And they are, for the most part. Yet, there are many dedicated gay bars and clubs who have intentionally made space for the LGBTQIA+ community from the beginning. To celebrate what these venues offer for the queer community and beyond, here’s a list of Melbourne’s dedicated gay bars and clubs, ranked in no particular order. From Rainbow House Club to The 86, Poof Doof and beyond, we spotlight the Melbourne bars providing safe spaces for the queer community.
The best drag bars in Melbourne
The most pivotal moment in Australian drag was in the early ’90s, when The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert launched drag into the mainstream. It was no longer seen as something which was taboo or shameful, but something to be celebrated. One of Melbourne’s most famous drag spots was Trish’s Coffee Shop in North Melbourne, which ran for over 25 years supporting new and emerging queens into the industry. Fast forward to 2021, there is an abundance of regular drag shows across Melbourne. Not only can you go see a choreographed show, but you can participate in drag bingo, see drag queen stand up comedy and even hire queens to come to your bachelorette party.
The best Melbourne bars with outdoor dining
Melbourne pubs and bars with outdoor dining and drinking are now in hot demand but never fear, we’ve got 11 of the best right here for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best pubs and bars around our city that we can enjoy outdoors this summer.
The best beer gardens in Melbourne
The best beer gardens in Melbourne prove the old adage that beer tastes better when you drink it outside. That frothy sip from a crisp-chilled glass in one of the best beer gardens in Melbourne, whether it’s in a pub jungle surrounded by trees, or maybe watching a DJ spinning some vinyl while your dog’s at your feet…it’s the best way to combat these sweltering summer days.
The best wine bars in Melbourne
With Melbourne’s vibrant and thriving nightlife, there’s certainly no shortage of different wine bars to try and dining experiences to immerse yourself in. Whether you’re after a crisp savvy b or impatiently waiting for dance floors to come back, a wine bar is a perfect way to destress after a long work week, or hell, even mid-week to help you get through, no judgement here – we’re drunk right now.
The best cocktail bars in Melbourne
We are partial to a bit of a cocktail in these parts too. Whether it’s an espresso martini or a tequila sunrise. Whether you are a tanned and tattooed tradie or a sharply dressed business exec. Whether the sun is shining, or the storm of the century is in full swing. We love the taste of something that’s a little fancier on occasion. So, read on to find a list of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne’s suburbs for when you get the feeling for something a little fruity.
The best jazz bars in Melbourne
Jazz is one of the broadest styles out there, there are many subsets within the genre. No matter what type of jazz you’re into, there’s a jazz venue in Melbourne celebrating it, there’s bebop, blues, jazz, improv, and plenty more. Also, if you’re a budding jazz musician yourself, some of the venues below have open mic opportunities too, where you can play that new song you’ve been working on to a packed crowd, and maybe meet some like-minded people.
The best sports bars in Melbourne
We embarked on a beer-fuelled journey to find the best sports bars and pubs in Melbourne beyond The Sporting Globe. These are the greatest venues to down a pint and eat pub food while you watch footy, NRL, A-League or whatever else has balls.
The best pubs in Melbourne to watch the footy
If you can’t physically get to a footy game, the next best thing is going out to watch the action. When you’re watching from a pub surrounded by other fans or casual watchers, the excitement is palpable. Pubs are also significantly more comfortable – as long as you know where to go. Say goodbye to sleazy sports bars with primitive drink lists and boorish vibes – we’ve got you covered with a list of excellent pubs that incidentally also show your favourite sports.
The best gaming bars in Melbourne
Games at bars and pubs have been around since bars and pubs were ever a thing, pool tables and dart boards have been staples of watering holes for decades. This list looks at Melbourne’s best gaming bars, from video game homes to vintage arcade bars, to board game boutiques, dart board spots, and everything in between.
The best karaoke bars in Melbourne
There’s no question that the best karaoke bars in Melbourne make this Australia’s best city when it comes to new and original ways to get out there and experience nightlife. We have the best theatres, art galleries, live music venues and stages, each full of interesting and peculiar shows day in and day out. At these brilliant singalong karaoke lounges, you’ll be able to provide your own entertainment.
The best winter bars and restaurants in Melbourne
Winter’s got us by the scruff of the neck so we’re compiling the best winter bars and restaurants in Melbourne. The allure of a hot cocoa alongside your rekindled flame has overcome your basic social obligation and the 7am rise ‘n shine alarm has swelled out to a 10am ‘I don’t want to take the doona off’ siren. It’s a daunting time for us all but there are always avenues of escaping winter’s dreary aversion. Beat’s donned a turtleneck and some hosiery, some thermals and a balaclava to find the best bars in Melbourne to abet that remorseless winter fever.
The best happy hours in Melbourne
Here’s our list of the best happy hour deals in Melbourne bars, pubs and restaurants. Whether you’re after a happy hour cocktail or beer, these are the best venues for cheap drinks across the city.
The best trivia in Melbourne
We’re diehard fans of the best trivia in Melbourne because we know the pub is a place for spinning yarns, knocking back some beers with mates, and proving your knowledge in extremely niche and useless information, is in fact very useful. Luckily for us, a solid trivia or quiz night offers a chance to do all three. From nights based on fun and breezy questions that anyone can get around, to high-tech trivia showdowns with all the modern bells and whistles you could ask for – we’ve compiled a who’s-who of the best places to bust out some facts and take home the glory.
The best bottle shops in Melbourne
Melbourne’s never been a stranger to getting specific with our shops. No matter what you’re into, there’s bound to be a seller somewhere across Melbourne. In the world of bottle shops, the state is jam-packed with almost too many cool spots that offer customers a bunch of rare beers, international wines, and heaps of premixes you probably haven’t heard of before.
The best 24-hour and late-night bottle shops in Melbourne
The most popular time to have a drink is the witching hours of the night. But here’s the big irony – it’s hard to find a bottle shop open when you’re out and about hunting for booze at that time. With that in mind, here are the best 24-hour and late-night bottle shops in Melbourne. While the typical 10pm (or earlier) closing time for bottle shops can be frustrating, there are a few bottle shops open late when you feel like a drink or two after midnight – especially if it’s not in a bar. And no, you don’t need to venture into the CBD to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Alcohol delivery services in Melbourne, ranked worst to best
Imagine the scenario: you’ve got some mates around, enjoying the (hopefully soon-to-be) warm weather, and looking forward to enjoying a beer or seven. You open the fridge and you’re faced with the sight of empty shelves. What do you do? Thank god we’re not in the bad old days where you have to stumble down to the bottle-o anymore – there is an amazing range of alcohol delivery in Melbourne to get drinks to your door faster than you can slur Dan Murphy’s.
The best bars and pubs in every Melbourne suburb and street
The best bars and pubs in Melbourne’s CBD
The best bars and pubs in Melbourne’s CBD: Swanston Street and beyond
This is it, the head honcho of our countless list of the best Melbourne CBD bars and pubs. This list of historic drinking, dining and live music venues is jam packed with some of the entire country’s coolest and quirkiest bars and pubs. As a city with a demographic of many different cultures, backgrounds and personalities, Melbourne does a great job in providing a space where they can feel comfortable and welcome.
The best bars in Brunswick
The best pubs and bars in Brunswick: Sydney Road, Lygon Street and beyond
In our comprehensive guide to the best Brunswick pubs and bars, we’ve packed in some old favourites, post-covid newbies, and some hidden gems that you probably didn’t know about. There’s something for all types of people: if you’re not an alcohol drinker, we’ve got some awesome spots with classic pub meals, some spots with non-alcoholic drinks, and a maybe even a dessert bar. Check out some info about all the spots below, book in a visit, and maybe even find your new favourite local haunt.
The best bars in Preston
Move over Thornbury, Preston bars are where it’s at. With Northcote and Thornbury well known for their many great bars, cafes and restaurants, it’s time to explore what Preston has to offer. Here’s a few places worth checking out for the next date night, catch up, or celebration.
The best bars in Thornbury
Squished in between Preston and Northcote, Thornbury’s High Street has one of the most crowded and diverse selections of bars and pubs you will find in all of Melbourne. Head down on any given weekend and you’ll spot a swarm of people enjoying a cocktail on the street side furniture or lined up for a live gig.
In a strip of street, roughly a kilometre and a half long, you will find an amazing collection of stops for a beverage, making it a great place for a walking pub crawl on a sunny weekend. If you’re feeling especially lazy you can catch a tram up the length of the strip and save that energy to dance to some of the live tunes you are likely to come across on your travels.
The best bars and pubs in Coburg
Melbourne’s inner north suburbs boast a variety of pubs and bars; it seems as though there is one on nearly every corner. Up past the busy streets of Brunswick, you’ll hit the best bars and pubs in Coburg. With a plethora of restaurants, quieter streets and bigger homes, many people are making the move the extra couple of kilometres up the road.
The best pubs and bars in Fitzroy
The best pubs and bars in Fitzroy: Brunswick St, Johnston St and more
In our comprehensive guide to the best Fitzroy pubs and bars, we’ve packed in some old classics, post-covid newbies, and some hidden gems that you probably didn’t know about, but need to know. There’s something for all types of bar-goers, whether you’re keen for some rum or a cigar, a pub meal, some fine dining, or even some spots for those wannabe Karaoke singers out there.
The best bars and pubs in Collingwood
The best bars and pubs in Collingwood: Smith Street and beyond
We’re a huge fan of Collingwood. Bordered by Alexandra Parade, Hoddle Street, Victoria Parade, and Smith Street, this pocket-sized suburb is home to a bunch of craft breweries, boutique bars, and some of Melbourne’s most iconic live music venues.
The best pubs and bars in Richmond
The best pubs and bars in Richmond: Swan St, Church St and more
Today we’re taking a journey over to Richmond and checking out some of their amazing pubs and bars. We’ve got venues for all types of people; rooftop bars, sports bars, old school pubs and lots more.
The best bars and pubs in Abbotsford
The best bars and pubs in Abbotsford: Victoria Street and beyond
While many Melburnians will tell you to head to Fitrzroy for the best bars and pubs in Melbourne, we reckon little old Abbotsford is one of the most underrated nightlife destinations. The very best bars and pubs in Abbotsford – with so many beautiful beer gardens to choose from – are right up there with the best of Melbourne.
The best bars and pubs in Northcote
The best bars and pubs in Northcote: High St, Arthurton Rd and beyond
For those new to the north, Northcote is a Melbourne suburb jam-packed full of history. Some of the houses harken back to the days of the gold rush, and the Northcote Picture House is one of the oldest in the region, now around 110 years old. In the 90s, the suburb went through a bit of a boom and attracted a higher socio-economic base to move in, pour money into the local economy, and make Northcote the melting pot familiar to most northern suburbs that it is today.
The best bars and pubs in Hawthorn
There are some great sights around the region too, Hawthorn FC called the great Glenferrie Oval home for many years, Swinburne Uni is in the heart of the main street, and there are some fantastic old-school venues and homes from hundreds of years ago, giving a great classic feel to the region. Hawthorn is also only a quick tram ride into the city, the suburb is home to a bunch of tram lines, it’s an easy venture to pretty much any spot across Melbourne.
The best bars and pubs in Docklands
The best bars and pubs in Docklands: Bourke Street and beyond
In the 90s, big investments into the area helped to bring the former industrial area to life, with skyscrapers, office buildings and modern amenities springing up seemingly from nowhere. Docklands is now an entertainment hub, wth Marvel Stadium, Docklands Studios, and HQs for Channel Nine and Channel 7 located within its borders.
The best bars and pubs in Footscray
The best bars and pubs in Footscray according to a local: Barkly Street and beyond
Have you had a Footscray adventure yet? Here are the best bars and pubs in Footscray to check out from Barkly Street to Napier Street. As the population of the inner west suburb explodes, here are the best bars and pubs in Footscray, burgeoning and eclectic venues transforming its nightlife, from a local Footscrayan himself.
The best bars and pubs in South Melbourne
The best bars and pubs in South Melbourne: Clarendon St and beyond
Just to south of the Yarra and just to the north of recently covered suburb, Port Melbourne, is the bustling and happening bars and pubs in South Melbourne and its main thoroughfare Clarendon Street. Boutique shops and highly regarded cafes are scattered all around the beautiful suburb, and barely a stones throw away you’ll find the eye candy of Port Phillip Bay and the Botanical Gardens.
The best bars and pubs in North Melbourne
The best bars and pubs in North Melbourne: Errol St, Victoria St and beyond
North Melbourne has always been a well-populated suburb, often lauded for its upper-class shops and locations. Located right in the middle of the city, it’s a stone’s throw from some of the greatest music venues, locations, and landmarks across Melbourne. It’s right on the cusp of public transport too, so drink as much as you like, there’s nowhere you can’t get to from North Melbourne.
The best bars and pubs in Carlton
The best bars and pubs in Carlton: Lygon St, Cardigan St and beyond
Carlton’s been a staple of the bar and pub scene for a number of years, and has recently seen an awesome resurgence of a younger crowd flock there to enjoy what they have to offer. Carlton is the perfect balance of city hustle and bustle, while also feeling like a suburb with some wonderful parks and greenery littered throughout. It’s also a great distance from public transport, shops and everything else you’d ever need.
The best bars and pubs in Port Melbourne
The best bars and pubs in Port Melbourne: Bay Street and beyond
With amazing views of the bay and the docks, there is no better place to get a drink and take in the surroundings. Centre to all this is Bay Street, a bustling area full of new age cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as old beautiful pubs that have stood in place for well over a hundred years. If you are looking for a drink and a feed, there are far worse places to head to than Bays St and beyond in Port Melbourne.
The best bars and pubs in South Yarra
The best bars and pubs in South Yarra: Chapel St, Toorak Rd and beyond
There’s some highly-renowned wine and cocktail bars and beautiful, historic pubs across the suburb, from the classic pubs on Commercial Road to the brunch bars on Chapel Street. For the uninitiated, South Yarra is an old and storied Melbourne suburb. Originally home to the Wurundjeri tribe of the Kulin nation, South Yarra was one of the first suburbs settled by Europeans back in the 1830s, and soon after, wealthy socialites begun transforming it into the highly-affluent suburb it is today.
The best bars and pubs in Windsor
The best bars and pubs in Windsor: Chapel St, Albert St and more
In many ways, Windsor is one of those Melbourne antiquities, stemming from a time when the city was broken up in to many smaller suburbs, rather than the monoliths we know today. Despite its small size, Windsor packs some of the best pubs and bars in the city, offering up some Chapel Street highlights that even its bigger brother, Prahran, struggles to match.
The best bars and pubs in Prahran
The best bars and pubs in Prahran: Chapel Street, High St and more
There’s something for all types of bar-goers, whether you’re pro-beer or cocktail, live music or DJ, and of course lots of pubs where you can enjoy a parma and some more classic pub meals. If you’re thinking your favourite spot’s missing, ensure it’s not in our best pubs and bars guide of Windsor.
The best bars and pubs in Frankston
The Nepean Highway runs right along the waterfront from St Kilda to Portsea, cutting through Frankston on the way. It’s here that you will find a large number of Frankston’s best bars and pubs that tend to have a killer view as well as a killer drinks menu. If the highway is too busy for your liking though and you want to grab a drink a bit further inland this list of the best Frankston bars and pubs also has you covered.
Now, check out the best bars and clubs in regional Victoria, and visit our sister publication Forte for the best bars and pubs in every regional Victorian town.
