• Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney
  • Tasmania
  • New Zealand
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney
  • Tasmania
  • New Zealand
Skip to Main Content

The Best Bars in St Kilda

Updated 3 weeks ago

Share

On a warm night, St Kilda’s bars are packed with revellers. But the variety in the area means that it’s not just a summery destination for a drink. In recent years, iconic local favourites the Saint Hotel and The Prince Hotel have been reinvigorated – and now offer something for everyone across intimate wine bars, diners with refined pub grub and a listening bar that plays into the early hours. And between The Espy and the Prince Bandroom, there are plenty of bars where you can see a gig. Here are some of our favourites.

  • The Espy

    Bar

    You might need a map to navigate this iconic seaside pub. Across its six floors, you’ll find no fewer than 12 bars, from the pint-friendly Public Bar to a table-service cocktail spot upstairs. Not to mention two restaurants and three stages for live music, including the legendary Gershwin Room.

  • Saint Hotel

    Restaurant

    An upmarket pub with serious barbeque skills.

  • Stellas

    Bar

    The Saint Hotel’s schmick upstairs listening bar features world-first audiophile speakers, a high-end Swiss-made DJ mixer and a creative cocktail menu. Dancing is optional, but with a 3am license, pretty much inevitable.

  • The Prince Public Bar

    Bar

    The ground-floor bar at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel was revitalised a few years back. Today, it’s the best version of itself, with a beautiful island bar and plenty of seating on the footpath for pints and people-watching in the sun. The bistro turns out refined pub grub from breakfast right through till dinner.

  • Little Prince Wine

    Bar

    A Euro-inspired wine bar, wine shop and deli set beneath The Prince Hotel. Enjoy classic Australian and European wines; cheese, charcuterie and small snacking plates from the deli; and descend to one of Melbourne’s most impressive wine cellars.

  • Overlook

    Bar

    A “Kubrick-y” bar next to the Astor Theatre.

  • Bar Di Stasio

    Bar

    A polished bar by the team behind right next door Café Di Stasio.

  • The Nelson Rum Bar

    Bar

    Rums from Trinidad, Martinique, Barbados and Nicaragua.

  • The Local Taphouse

    Bar

    One of Melbourne's first proper beer venues; still one of the best.

    Book a Table

  • Newmarket Hotel

    Restaurant

    17 beer taps and cocktail jugs.

  • Milk the Cow

    Restaurant

    180 cheeses and wines to match.

    Book a Table

  • Misery Guts

    Bar

    A mismatched bar that's serious about drinking.

  • Freddie Wimpoles

    Bar

    The former George Hotel has a new life.

  • The Lion & Wombat

    Bar

    At this neighbourhood pub, enjoy traditional English fare – including Scotch eggs, fish finger sandwiches, and classic roasts – while sipping on a cocktail inspired by a cup of tea.