The Best Bars on Chapel Street

by Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated 11 months ago

Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s most iconic strips. Over the years, it’s grown from a dedicated shopping hub more of a nightlife destination, drawing revellers from right across the city’s south-east.

Running from South Yarra to Prahran and down to Windsor and St Kilda, the strip has dozens of drinking holes, from glamorous sky-high bars like Beverly to cosy and laidback spots like ’70s-inspired Leonard’s House of Love. Whether you’re looking for a new favourite local pub, a perfect date night spot, or an opulent cocktail bar – this guide has you covered.

Looking for something specific?

Leonard’s House of Love
Bar
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.
Chapel Street Cellars
Shop
More kinds of wine and beer than you can imagine – and you're welcome to drink in-house.
Galok
Bar
A gleaming 100-litre still sits at the centre of this red-accented bar and restaurant. It’s where distiller (and chef) Carlo Tran makes the gin you’ll find in your Asian-inspired cocktails – most of which are on tap. Pair them with pan-Asian dishes such as chargrilled prawns, beef rendang, deconstructed bao and karaage chicken.
Windsor Castle Hotel
Bar
This quirky lime castle is an improbable oasis away from bustling Chapel Street, and it has a huge courtyard. During the warmer months it’s thronged with locals, all drinking iced beverages and frosty beers.
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Maha East
Restaurant
A sleek wine bar and restaurant serving up Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, some borrowed from its elder sibling Maha. Tuck into share plates of Armenian beef dumplings, lamb cutlets and taramasalata fried buns. There’s also a 120-strong wine list.
The Railway Hotel Windsor
Restaurant
This beloved pub, around since the 1920s, lets you choose from two bars or an upscale restaurant. Pile in for elevated pub classics, such as juicy steak with chips stacked like Jenga. Plus, there’s a deck for sunnier days.
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Two Wrongs
Restaurant
Where fine dining meets a dive bar meets a lounge and it somehow works.
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Lucky Coq
Restaurant
Bimbo Deluxe pioneered the beer-and-$4-pizza formula. Lucky Coq replicates it just as well.
Silverlake Social
Bar
An American-themed bar serving craft beer, ribs, hot dogs and cocktails.
Borsch, Vodka & Tears
Bar
An old-world Polish vodka bar and restaurant.
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Yellow Bird Cafe
Restaurant
A Chapel Street stalwart you can rely on.
Freddy’s Pizza
Restaurant
A traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Chapel Street.
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The Best Bars on Chapel Street

The Best Bars on Chapel Street

Leonard’s House of Love

Bar

Chapel Street Cellars

Shop

Galok

Bar

Windsor Castle Hotel

Bar

Maha East

Restaurant

The Railway Hotel Windsor

Restaurant

Two Wrongs

Restaurant

Lucky Coq

Restaurant

Silverlake Social

Bar

Borsch, Vodka & Tears

Bar

Yellow Bird Cafe

Restaurant

Freddy’s Pizza

Restaurant

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