Rooftop Bar

Brave the seven floors to the top of Curtin House and a grand view of the city with the option of a chilled drink awaits you at the Rooftop Bar – unquestionably one of the best spots in the city for an open-air tipple. As such, you'll undoubtedly find a mixed bunch of patrons as the view, location and dog-friendly environment draws all types on a warm evening.

Naturally, the success of a session at the Rooftop Bar is subject to weather. A 2017 renovation (Rooftop's first since opening in 2003) added a series of rounded, Art-Deco-inspired metallic awnings, which nod to a 1950s drive-in cinema. Two of them retract to either embrace the sun or provide more shelter in less friendly weather conditions. At night, glowing neon rings illuminate the awnings – the result looks like halos.

Food is available from the Burger Shack (including vego options) or downstairs from Mesa Verde. Every day, the space is open from midday. So after a sleep in, grab a mate for a fried-chicken and kimchi burger, then wash it down with a non-alcoholic strawberry and lemon soda or a Paloma cocktail.

Be warned, from December through to the end of March the Rooftop Cinema usually takes over, and access to the roof might be restricted to ticket holders after 8pm. This isn’t a bad thing, as the cinema screens a mostly well-picked selection of indie and cult films, art documentaries and Bill Murray features. Otherwise, there's a rotating cast of DJs spinning in the booth, with a special guest featuring each month. Both are excellent ways to spend a warm summer evening.

Rooftop Cinema is closed for the 2021/2022 season.