

Melbourne’s bar scene blends creativity, sophistication, and high spirits. You’ll find it all here whether you’re seeking inventive cocktails, dynamic nightlife with live music, chill craft beer joints, or bars with breathtaking city views. From hidden laneway gems to whisky, gin or espresso martini spots, each of the top 25 Melbourne bars offers a unique experience. Enjoy stellar service, diverse atmospheres, and an impressive array of drinks and wine lists beckoning locals and travellers. Slip into the vibrant social hub of Melbourne, and you’ll quickly realise just how much the city has in store for you – and we’re just scratching the surface!
Trapt Bar & Escape Rooms
377 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
TRAPT is a bar and Melbourne escape room venue located in the heart of the CBD in the basement of the heritage Keep & Co building. TRAPT experiences are a thrilling challenge for any group of friends or family and an inclusive team building activity for a diverse workforce where your team has 50 minutes to enter our fantasy realms and work together to solve a series of puzzles.
Service Options:
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
- Escape Rooms & Games
- Dine In
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Romantic
Apollo Inn
165 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Located in the 1920s neo-renaissance-style building on the corner of Flinders and Hosier Lanes, Apollo Inn is a space that takes its cues from the timeless cocktial bars of Europe. Its name references one of Melbourne’s first public houses that once stood on the site of its neighbour, Gimlet at Cavendish House. Apollo Inn is our ode to the ageless art of the cocktail, the bar, the bartender and the drinker with a considered cocktail list of old-world classics with new-world sensibility, as well as a concise food menu to accompany the drinks.
Service Options:
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves food at bar
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Casual
City Wine Shop
159 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wine store with a vast, global selection & chic cafe serving contemporary small plates & mains.
Service Options:
- Delivery
- In-store Pickup
- In-store Shopping
Eau De Vie
1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Classy bar with whiskey, cocktails and tasting menus, plus a hidden lounge behind a bookcase.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Alcohol
- Food At Bar
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Upmarket
Music Room
Level 1/270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
On Level 1 at HER, MUSIC ROOM is a dedicated space to lounge, drink, and listen to a premier roster of DJs
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
- Live Music
- Restaurant
- Bar on Site
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Alcohol
- Food At Bar
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Casual
- Upmarket
Heartbreaker
234A Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Extensive range of international beers & whiskeys in a lively bar with a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Bar Games
- Live Performances
Service Options:
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Happy-hour drinks
- Food At Bar
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Casual
Byrdi
211 La Trobe Street, Tenancy GD075, Melbourne VIC 3000
Modern Australian bar by Luke Whearty & Aki Nishikura.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Takeaway
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Casual
The Everleigh
Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Intimate bar for classic or custom cocktails with old-world decor like chesterfields and deer heads.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
- Live Performances
- Live Music
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Cosy
- Casual
Asian Beer Cafe
211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Beer, cocktails and eclectic bites in a sleek, vibrant space with Asian decor and balcony tables.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Great Bar Food
- Rooftop Seating
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
Offers:
- Happy-hour Food
- Happy-hour Drinks
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Casual
Rooftop Bar
Curtin House, level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Burgers & drinks served at an laid-back open-air venue featuring city views.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Live Performances
- Rooftop Seating
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Food at bar
- Happy-hour Drinks
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Casual
Kirks Wine Bar
46 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Specialty wines & creative bar bites in a chic space with floor-to-ceiling windows & a patio.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Food at bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
- Upmarket
Above Board – Collingwood
Chopper Lane” , Behind “Beermash Through the back door, 1/306 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Above Board is a an award winning cocktail bar in the heart of Collingwood, with seating for 16 people. Not suitable for large groups (5 or more people) No Bookings, No standing Entrance directly behind “Beermash”
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
- Spirits
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
- Upmarket
Blackcat Fitzroy
252 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Stalwart bar with comfy sofas, bright windows and pavement beer garden, featuring local art and DJs.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Arcade Games
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Albion Hotel North Melbourne
171 Curzon St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Highlights:
- Quiz Night
- Bar Games
- Sport
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
- Takeaway
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
The Tipsy Cow – Cocktail Tapas Bar & Beer Garden
359 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
A place for everyone to gather, and leave behind the stresses of ‘real’ life at the door. Where you can hang out with your friends, your family, or by yourself. We have created the type of space where you can melt into our comfy setting and allow the tensions of your day to melt away, and we want to share it with you and your dog. Here at The Tipsy Cow, we embrace our furry best friends, here they are Royalty. Everyone is on a journey, and we give the world our best every day.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Outside Food Allowed
- Free Wi-Fi
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
- Takeaway
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Happy-hour drinks
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
- Upmarket
Goldilocks Bar
Denyers, Building Level 5/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Craft beer, wine & snacks in an intimate rooftop bar featuring a rotating menu of cool cocktails.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Rooftop Seating
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
- Takeaway
- Delivery
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Whiteheart Bar
22 Whitehart Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Busy spot set in a 2-level shipping container offering craft beers & cocktails, plus music.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Live Music
- Live Performances
- Rooftop Seating
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Casual
Charlie’s Bar
71 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Creative cocktails mixed in an opulent basement setting with red velvet curtains & leather sofas.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Bar Carlo
20 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Chuckle Park Bar
322 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Craft beer & cocktails served from a caravan in a trendy laneway with hanging lights and art.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Happy-hour Drinks
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Cabinet Bar & Balcony
11 Rainbow Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000
Casual Parisian-inspired bar with lounge and balcony areas, serving tapas, cocktails and flatbreads.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
- Rooftop Seating
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Bar Margaux
Basement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Vibrant, old-timey venue serving French eats such as escargot & meat dishes, plus cocktails & wine.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Accepts Reservations
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Upmarket
- Cosy
The Last Chance
238 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Convivial bar & live-music venue with diverse acts, offering craft beer & American-inspired snacks.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Live Music
- Live Performances
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Cosy
Trinket Bar
87 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Trendy, brick-lined venue for share plates & pizza, plus wine, beer on tap & creative cocktails.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Live Performances
Service Options:
- Dine-in
Offers:
- Food At Bar
- Happy-hour- Drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
Atmosphere:
- Casual
- Upmarket
- Cosy
Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Buzzy open-air bar with drinks served from a shipping container, DJs and graffiti-covered walls.
Highlights:
- Great Cocktails
- Great Bar Food
- Live Performances
- Live Music
Service Options:
- Dine-in
- Outdoor Seating
Offers:
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Dancing
Atmosphere:
- Casual


What Makes a Melbourne Bar Special?
So, what exactly sets Melbourne bars apart from the rest? Is it the vibes, the people behind the bar, or the unique ambience that makes a Melbourne bar special? Let’s explore it.
One of Melbourne’s best features is its vibrant bar culture, which is deeply woven into the city’s fabric. These bars aren’t just places to catch a quick drink; they’re social hubs where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and memories are created.
Here are some things that make Melbourne bars stand out:
- Stellar Customer Service: The folks behind the bar aren’t just mixologists; they’re your guides to a memorable night. Their knowledge, friendliness, and passion for their craft set the tone for your experience.
- Incredible Vibes: Each Melbourne bar has a unique vibe that resonates with different kinds of people. Whether you’re after a quiet corner or a bustling crowd, you’ll find a bar that matches your mood.
- Innovative Drinks Menu: Melbourne bars are known for their inventive drinks. They’re not afraid to push boundaries and surprise their patrons with something new and exciting.
Finding The Best Melbourne Bar For You
Now, let’s find your perfect watering hole in Melbourne.
First, you’ll need to take into account your night-out style.
Are you more into laid-back pubs, or do you prefer buzzing cocktail lounges?
What’s Your Night Out Style?
What’s your idea of a perfect night out in Melbourne?
You may enjoy fancy cocktails in an upscale setting or live music in a buzzing atmosphere that gets your heart racing.
H4: Fancy Cocktails & Upscale Ambiance
Suppose you’re searching for an elegant night out with top-shelf cocktails. In that case, Melbourne boasts an impressive array of upscale bars to match your sophisticated tastes.
- Sip on fancy cocktails at intimate venues, each with a unique charm.
- Revel in the upscale ambience of the best bars in Melbourne.
- Delight in the creative drinks menu that will leave you wanting more.
H4: Live Music & Energetic Atmosphere
Craving a night filled with live music and an energetic atmosphere? Melbourne’s bar scene won’t disappoint. You’ll find late-night spots with talented DJs spinning tunes on high-quality sound systems.
Revel in the vibrant energy of the crowd while savouring the pulsating live music. Melbourne’s bars offer the perfect blend of rhythm and vivacity for an unforgettable night out.
H4: Dive Bars & Local Haunts
But a bustling scene isn’t your style, and you’re more interested in the laid-back vibe of local haunts and dive bars. Melbourne’s dive bars offer:
- An array of craft beer from the bottle shop
- A casual game on the pool table
- The warm, familiar feel of local haunts
It’s your perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the evening with charm to spare.
H4: Rooftop Bars & City Views
Elevate your night out with Melbourne’s stunning selection of rooftop bars, where you’re sipping cocktails and soaking up breathtaking city views.
The best bars in Melbourne now offer views of Melbourne’s CBD space from their sky-high vantage points. These rooftop bars, nestled among the city’s high rises, redefine nightlife by blending great drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and cinematic cityscapes.
H4: Breweries & Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Suppose rooftop bars are different from your style. In that case, you might find yourself at home in Melbourne’s bustling brewery scene, which is perfect for any craft beer enthusiast.
- Beer Garden: Melbourne’s finest, an oasis for the beer lover.
- One of Melbourne’s Best Breweries:** Where craft beer dreams come true.
- Craft Beer Enthusiasts: A community sharing your passion right in the city’s heart.
Immerse yourself in the joy of craft beer discovery.
Planning Your Melbourne Bar Crawl
So, you’re ready to plan your Melbourne bar crawl?
Let’s discuss how to hop from bar to bar like a local.
The best transportation options available to you are plentiful in Melbourne.
And remember, it’s essential to know how to drink responsibly in Melbourne.
Get set for a memorable night out in this vibrant city!
Bar Hopping Like a Local
Ready to experience Melbourne’s nightlife like a true local? Let’s plan your ultimate bar crawl. The best bars in Melbourne are often tucked away in the city’s laneways, offering a treasure trove of hidden cocktail gems waiting to be discovered. Master the art of bar hopping and find the city’s secret spots where locals love to hang out.
Here’s a teaser of what you can expect:
- Hidden cocktail bars: Melbourne’s laneways are famous for hidden bars. Feel the thrill of discovering a secret door that leads to a mesmerising world of unique cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Rooftop bars: Soak in the city’s skyline while sipping your favourite drink. The panoramic views from Melbourne’s rooftop bars are a sight to behold, making your bar hopping experience unforgettable.
- Local breweries: If you’re a beer enthusiast, the local breweries are a must-visit. Taste the flavours of Melbourne in every sip and mingle with the locals.
Transportation Options
Before immersing yourself in Melbourne’s vibrant bar scene, organising your transportation to guarantee a safe and hassle-free night out is essential. Melbourne Central, one of Melbourne’s key transportation hubs, can be your starting point. It’s well-connected via trains, trams, and buses, making reaching any of the city’s best bars easy.
Melbourne’s transportation options are abundant and diverse. If you prefer travelling on wheels, consider the city’s reliable tram network, which can take you to different parts of the city quickly and conveniently. Melbourne’s bike-sharing system is another option for those who like to stay active, even while bar-hopping.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Didi are always available for a more private and direct commute. These services can be beneficial if you’re planning to visit bars outside the city centre or need more time navigating the public transportation system.
Responsible Drinking in Melbourne
As you plan your Melbourne bar crawl, it’s essential to prioritise responsible drinking to guarantee a fun and safe experience. The best bars in Melbourne all encourage responsible consumption, ensuring that the vibrant nightlife is as enjoyable as it’s secure.
Melbourne’s cocktail bars are renowned for their great drinks and commitment to responsible drinking. Bartenders are well-trained, aware, and respectful of patrons’ limits.
To make the most of your tour, here are a few tips:
- Know your limits: Don’t let the excitement of discovering new bars push you to overdrink. Stay mindful of your alcohol intake.
- Hydrate: Intersperse your alcoholic beverages with glasses of water to maintain hydration.
- Eat well: The best bars in Melbourne also offer delicious food. Eating before and during your crawl will help absorb the alcohol.
FAQs
Let’s tackle some of the most common queries about Melbourne’s bar scene, from dress codes and drinking age to reservations, happy hour deals, and safety at night.
Is there a dress code for bars in Melbourne?
While most bars in Melbourne don’t enforce a strict dress code, you’re generally expected to dress smart casual. As you prepare to visit some of the best bars in Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife, remember that each bar and restaurant may have its own unwritten rules on what’s acceptable to wear.
Some more upscale establishments, like one of Melbourne’s famous rooftop bars or an elite cocktail lounge, might prefer if you dress up a bit. Here’s what you should consider:
- Comfort counts – Melbourne’s nightlife can be an all-night affair, so choose something you’ll feel good in for hours.
- Layer up – Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable. Bring a stylish jacket or wrap, just in case.
- Footwear matters – Many places frown upon thongs or overly casual shoes. Opt for a bright pair of boots or nice sneakers instead.
What is the legal drinking age in Melbourne?
The legal drinking age in Melbourne is 18 years old. This means you’ve got to be at least 18 to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and to step into some of the best bars in Melbourne.
Melbourne’s legal drinking age aligns with the rest of Australia, ensuring a uniform rule nationwide. This age restriction is strictly enforced in Melbourne’s best watering holes, with identification required for entry and service.
To help you understand better, here’s a quick table:
Legal Drinking Age | ID Required |
---|---|
18 | Yes |
Although the legal drinking age is 18, some bars have their own house rules, such as a higher age limit or dress code. Melbourne’s bar scene is diverse and inclusive, so you’ll find plenty of places just right for you.
Do I need to make reservations for bars in Melbourne?
Depending on the bar, making a reservation mightn’t be necessary. Still, it can help secure a spot during peak times. If you want to experience one of Melbourne’s best bars during a busy Friday or Saturday night, reservations are a wise choice.
Melbourne’s bar scene is vibrant and bustling, and the city’s most popular venues can quickly fill up. This is particularly true for:
- Rooftop bars with stunning city views
- Unique bars with live music performances
- Upscale cocktail bars in Melbourne’s CBD
When you make reservations, you’re not just guaranteeing a seat. You’re also ensuring you can fully enjoy your night without the stress of finding a place at the bar. It’s about having the peace of mind to fully immerse yourself in the experience offered by the best bars in Melbourne.
While making reservations might seem like an extra step, paying for a guaranteed good time in one of Melbourne’s best bars is a small price.
What are some of Melbourne’s best happy hour deals?
Many of Melbourne’s top bars offer fantastic happy hour deals, making your night out fun and budget-friendly. This city’s best restaurants often double as bars, giving you a two-for-one experience.
Among the best deals is the one at Melbourne’s ‘The Carlton Club’, renowned as one of Melbourne’s best. Their happy hour, from 5-7 pm, offers half-priced drinks. Another great spot is ‘The Workers Club’ in Fitzroy, with $4 pots and $8 pints available all day on Tuesdays.
Here’s a quick guide to the best deals:
Bar | Happy Hour Deal |
---|---|
The Carlton Club | Half-priced drinks 5-7 pm |
The Workers Club | $4 pots, $8 pints on Tuesdays |
The Toff in Town | $5 beer, wine and basic spirits, 5-7 pm |
Check these out next time you’re in Melbourne for a guaranteed good time without breaking the bank. Remember, there’s no need to compromise on quality for a deal – Melbourne’s happy hours offer both.