The Best New Bars in Melbourne
While there’s always room for a drink at one of Melbourne’s best bars , it’s fun to try somewhere new, too. This is our edit of Melbourne’s best new bars, updated regularly. Some specialise in cocktails served in opulent surrounds, others are rollicking watering holes with loud music and local beers on tap. Here’s where we’re visiting for our next drink.
Bar
Prive
The stunning sibling bar to Reine, housed in the William Pitt-designed Safe Deposit Building on Queen Street. Visit for French-inspired cocktails served alongside a punchy snack menu.
Bar
Community Wine House
A European-style wine bar behind a Northcote warehouse roller door. Ricotta, burrata and local cheeses are cut to order, served alongside pickles, organic olives and other small plates.
Bar
Jacket
This charming little bar nestled in a busy strip of Thornbury’s High Street hosts artists across the week, from live jazz acts to soul and funk DJs, and flamenco dance nights.
Bar
Bar Ferdinand
A cocktail bar mixing drinks inspired by Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens in an opulent, old-world space. The menu stays the same, but ingredients in each drink change with the seasons.
Bar
Bar Kaeru
Bar Kaeru is built around a simple idea: if people are given the right entry point, they’ll fall in love with saké. The concept here is to educate people on the popular Japanese drink.
Bar
The Florence
A moody late-night Tuscan wine bar on Flinders Lane. There are about 250 bottles on offer, plus five rotating styles of Negroni. The venue trades until 1am and the kitchen is open late.
Bar
Bernie’s
A queer bar and safe space in the heart of Fitzroy North. Come for wines enjoyed al fresco or a classic cocktail up at the bar. And feel free to bring takeaway food from a nearby spot.
Bar
Coil
Cheap entry, local booze and a strict no-camera policy on the dance floor at this Windsor club. In the evening, Coil operates as a casual cocktail bar. Later on, it shifts into club mode.
Bar
Second Hand Dealer
A creative cocktail bar in Footscray (Banh Mi Martini, anyone?) from a Pie Thief founder. Expect a drinks menu that changes often, reflecting constant experimentation behind the bar.
Bar
Triple U
Big booze-forward cocktails like Negronis are in the minority here. The menu instead favours light, balanced drinks featuring ingredients rarely seen in Melbourne bars.
Restaurant
Bar Sala
Bar Sala is split into two distinct spaces: a dining room and a dedicated music room. One is filled with white tablecloths and candlelight, the other with vinyl and low-slung armchairs.
Bar
Champagne Video
Hit this 30-seat cinema for a classic flick from the pre-streaming era, then stick around in the bar for drinks after. DVDs and VHS tapes line the walls and they’re available to rent Blockbuster-style.
Bar
Smith St Hotel
New owners, same old soul. The latest iteration of the pub in the old Gasometer building. Inside, you’ll still find live music, local beers and open-roof parties.
Bar
The Angel of Malvern
A three-in-one pub, Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar spanning multiple levels in a major redevelopment of an old building. There’s something for everyone here.
