The Best Bars in Melbourne
Picture this. An out-of-town friend is coming to Melbourne for one night only. You want to show them a real good time – loose and boozy with a high probability of late-night singing, dancing and random encounters. Something typically “Melbourne”.
A cocktail bar, a wine bar or even a pub just won’t do. You need the bars on this list. While they may incorporate elements of the above, they’re a genre unto themselves, experts at creating good, rowdy times night after night after night. Let’s hope your friend doesn’t have an early flight.
Bar
Heartbreaker
The cherry-red neon sign at Heartbreaker is a beacon for late-night punters chasing a good time. With pre-batched cocktails and classic rock on the jukebox – there’s only one result here. Wear your dancing shoes in case.
Bar
Leonard’s House of Love
If you’re really into burgers, tick Leonard’s off the list. This ’70s log cabin-themed burger bar serves some of Melbourne’s best. Expect American-style burger combos centred around beef, chicken, mushroom and vegan pattys. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry friend might be begging tableside for a bite.
Bar
Lulie Tavern
One of the friendliest, most relaxed bars in town.
Bar
Bahama Gold
An incredible sound system. Absurdly good value house wines. And an unusual canteen-style window that passes drinks right onto the footpath. This is one of Melbourne’s most fun wine bars.
Bar
Angel Music Bar
This audiophile spot serves bar snacks with a side of sub-bass. Things are fun and loud downstairs, with great drinks and a few bar stools to enjoy them on. But it's on the upstairs dancefloor where the volume really turns up.
Bar
Canecutters
Stop by this dimly lit dive bar for local beers and Guinness on tap, plus American-style bar food. With its neighbourly service, dog-friendly status and creative beer roster, it’ll easily become your local.
Bar
Goldy’s Tavern
Despite the modern refurb, this charming all-day boozer feels like it’s been around forever. Park up in the sunny, plant-filled atrium or out front for upmarket parmas. The knockout-style pool competitions here are a mid-week spectacle.
Bar
The Shady Lady
Like drinking at your cool grandma’s house.
Bar
Milney's
A lush courtyard-diner from a seasoned hospo crew.
Bar
Capers
A Greek neighbourhood bar inspired by yiayia’s house. Go for comforting home-style plates, including pickled calamari and gooey vegan moussaka, backed by a tight list of Greek beers and wines; stay for the retro setting and vibrant vibes.
Restaurant
Hotel Lombardo
A moodily lit diner that hits all the right notes, with a big hit of nostalgia. Slide into a cushy booth for a glossy pepperoni pizza – or a culture-crossing mortadella and pineapple. Then bring a round of Negronis to the pool table.
Bar
Misfits
This west-side bar champions art and music, in the former home of Baby Snakes. The vibey spot – run by three friends – has DJs on rotation, fun cocktails and a party-ready dancefloor.
Bar
Aster Bar
In a heritage building on Tattersalls Lane, this moody bar is all about late-nights, good times and killer cocktails. Come on weekends for DJs and a decent chance of a boogie.
Restaurant
Tiny Bar
While this bar may be aptly named, seating just 15 people, its size says nothing of its quality. Pair an unexpected bar snack with a specialty cocktail and enjoy an intimate dining experience.
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