Bars & Pubs

Tune In At The Best Listening Bars In Melbourne

By Maya Varadarajan
18th May 2023

Nestled within Melbourne’s bar scene, there’s a niche subgenre that’s quickly gaining traction, for very good reason; listening bars. Although emphatically not a new concept, first conceived in Japan during the 1920s and later peaked in popularity after World War II, listening bars are a more recent addition to Melbourne’s nightlife. Combining the two things Melbournians gravitate towards the most—quality music and top-notch cocktails. 

Listening bars are spaces to enjoy a bev and maybe some banter, but the primary goal is to listen to some truly incredible music, auditorily enhanced for your listening pleasure. As music is the first priority, most of these bars are fully kitted with the holy grail of sound systems, so you can properly appreciate the acoustics. Without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best listening bars that Melbourne has in 2023:

Music Room

CBD 

Music Room has been modeled off the listening bars found across Tokyo and Europe, focusing on hi-fi sound and acoustics that'll have you conversing with your tablemates no matter what level the volume is. HER has called in Melbourne mainstay DJ Jnett to program an eclectic mix of rare grooves and residencies, making selections from the 3000+ records that line the shelf behind the bar. Moody lighting has been designed purposefully to provide a full sensory experience and gives off a serious vibe. Continuing with the Tokyo listening bar theme, the bar features a refined list of easy-going cocktails, a bespoke whisky made in collaboration with Starward and plenty of wine and bubbles to keep the good times going.

Angel Music Bar

CBD

Sometimes, you just can’t choose between a beverage or a boogie, but fear not, here you’ll find both options are readily available. From the mind of Con Christopoulos, the renowned restaurateur behind City Wine Shop, The European, Kirk’s Wine Bar, and so many more, Angel Music Bar has a strong focus on music with a killer sound system. An audiophile’s dream, the Funktion One speakers are from the same company whose speakers are used in iconic clubs such as Berghain in Berlin.

Stellas

ST KILDA

The first thing you’ll notice when walking into Stellas are the two 9-feet tall bespoke speakers, panelled in chic Blackbutt timber and nearly double your height. Designed by Tasmanian company Pitt & Giblin, who specialise in audio reproduction systems, the sound system at Stellas is one that’ll impress. Alongside this auditory experience is a craft cocktail menu to match, with a focus on seasonality and innovation. Among their signature cocktails will be the Channel Orange, and a wide selection of wines and beers have been curated by Head Sommelier Aleks Jeremic, most of them local or interstate. Make sure to visit Stellas on a Friday or a Saturday evening—they stay open late and will have a rotating lineup of local and visiting DJs to keep the decks spinning all night. 

Caretakers Cottage

CBD

Caretaker’s Cottage was literally once a cottage, so cozy vibes are abundant. Tucked behind an old church, this is the smallest little pub you’ve ever seen, though its tiny size is not at all indicative of its quality. Some of the rooms used to be bedrooms, and the original fixings were kept intact as much as possible, but we’d be remiss to not talk about their analog sound system. Tunes are put at the forefront here, with an eclectic collection of vinyl decorating the shelves. We also have it on good authority that their dirty martinis are as good as they come, so make sure you stay for a drink or two while you groove out. 

Waxflower

BRUNSWICK

Truly an audiophile’s dream, Waxflower is half bar, half sound haven. With plenty of inspo from Tokyo and London, they’ve designed the space to be as acoustically vibrant as possible, helped in large part by the sound system designed by Pitt and Giblin. Lovingly dubbed Superwax, the space was designed around the speakers, making them a true pièce de résistance. Their in-house vinyl collection spans all genres, but tends to lean towards disco, funk and soul, and DJs and artists play most nights. Of course, a listening bar isn’t complete without a drinks list, and theirs is more of a natural wine situation. 

Check out more of Melourne's best below:

 
Image credit: Annika Kafcaloudis, The Urban List 

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