Given that the days are beginning to be long and warm, it would be rude not make the most of it and hit up Melbourne's many excellent Sunday sessions. There's no better way to finish off a great weekend or preempt a tough week ahead by drinking very cold drinks, at very good prices. Here’s a quick round-up of some of the best places to be while soaking up your Sunday.
Tyranny Of Distance
Windsor
This has to be one of the best-kept secrets on the south side. This little gem of a bar is located just behind Chapel Street. It’s a conservatory style fit-out with an indoor area for nibbles too. Every day they have a happy hour from 4–7 pm where basic spirts, house taps, and wine are all $4. You’re welcome.
Where: 147 Union Street, Windsor
When: Every Sunday, from 3 pm–1 am
For more info, click here.
Captain Baxter
St Kilda
Captain Baxter has been kicking around for quite some time now, but they’ve recently undergone a facelift. Their new digs feature an awesome outdoor deck that overlooks the beach, which is the perfect space for live music and DJs on a Sunday arvo.
Where: St Kilda Sea Baths, 6/10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda
When: Every Sunday, 12 pm–late
For more info, click here.
Section 8
CBD
Our favourite little spot to spend a shady Sunday afternoon. Set among what feels like someone’s garage, this bar regularly hosts DJs each Sunday throughout summer, spinning disco, house and techno tunes. Entry is free, but be mindful of the $20 minimum EFTPOS spend, so come prepared.
Where: 27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne
When: Every Sunday, from 12 pm–11 pm
For more info, click here.
Rooftop Bar
CBD
If there was an OG of rooftop bars, this would be it. Ascend the seven flights of stairs to reach one of the best views in the whole city. This place is usually heaving on a Sunday and has a good mix of people in the crowd that all come together for a boogie and a beer. They also serve up burgers from about $10.
Where: Level 7 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: Every Sunday, from 11 am–late
For more info, click here.
College Lawn Hotel
Prahran
In the world of Sunday sessions, College Lawn is a classic. More of a laid-back variety, the vibe is more pub than a club and is perfect for a few low-key beers with friends in the courtyard. Over summer, they often host different events as well as have sausage sizzles and espresso martini specials. You can even bring your little fur babies too because dogs are welcome.
Where: 36 Greville Street, Prahran
When: Every Sunday, from 11 am–11 pm
For more info, click here.
Howler
Brunswick
Who knew a converted woolshed would make the perfect setting for a day party? For those who frequent the northside, Howler is an institution built around the creative community that surrounds it. There are usually different events on Sundays and a happy hour from 12 pm–3 pm, serving $10 pints of craft beer and Bloody Marys to cure last night’s hangover.
Where: 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick
When: Every Sunday, from 12 pm–11 pm
For more info, click here.
The Penny Black
Brunswick
Penny Black is a popular spot almost any night of the week, and often has day dance events and live music on Sunday afternoons. They have an extensive list of beers, with a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 pm, where you can grab wine, spirits, beers and pizzas for less than $10. The beer garden is huge so it’s ideal for big groups, and they’ve even got a pool table inside. A bit of friendly competition never hurt anyone.
Where: 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick
When: Every Sunday, from 12 pm–11 pm
For more info, click here.
The Great Northern Hotel
CARLTON NORTH
The bustling beer garden is the highlight of the Great Northern. With 21 taps to choose from, it’s definitely worth grabbing a table for your crew and preparing for a day of sun-dappled good times spent the right way.
Where: 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North
When: Every Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
For more info, click here.
Revolver Sundays
Prahran
I don’t care what you say, Revs on a Sunday is a big mood. It’s like a fun, non-judgemental community of people that all just wanting to dance away the week that was. Over summer, Revolver puts on their own summer series, complete with different headliners from house, techno, electronica and disco genres. Fair warning though, the heavy draping on the windows means you don’t know what the time is, or what day it is for that matter.
Where: 229 Chapel Street, Prahran
When: Every Sunday till Monday, from 2 pm–late
For more info, click here.
Welcome To Thornbury
NORTHCOTE
Melbourne’s favourite outdoor cuisine garden, Welcome To Thornbury hosts a rotating calendar of the city’s best food trucks. Think Super Taco, Mr Burger, Pizza Pony, Nuts-About-Tella and Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks. Have a cheat day on Sunday and enjoy an endless selection of street food along with an on-site bar.
Where: 520 High St, Northcote
When: Every Sunday, 12 pm–10 pm
For more info, click here.
Workshop Bar
CBD
Appropriately set in a converted warehouse, Workshop is a big open art space with a lot of light and cute plants throughout. It overlooks the busy city below and has $10 pizzas all day, as well as a range of signature and classic cocktails available by the glass or jug. Entry is free and live bands often frequent the funky space.
Where: 1/413 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
When: Every Sunday, from 2 pm–12 am
For more info, click here.
Dr Morse
Abbotsford
Open from first thing in the morning until late at night, you can honestly spend the whole day at Dr Morse, transitioning from inside to their beer garden when the timings right (or when you smell the BBQ going). It’s full of good tunes, good people and good vibes that will help ease you into the working week. Do yourself a favour when you’re there and try one of their signature cocktails (our favourite is Rhonda From HR—you won’t regret it).
Where: 274 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
When: Every Sunday, from 8 am–11 pm
For more info, click here.
Lounge
CBD
If you’ve done the rounds of Melbourne’s beer gardens and you’re looking for something a little bit darker (and dirtier), Lounge is your jam. This is the type of Sunday sesh that promises to leave you with a nasty hangover but is totally worth it. The vibe on a Sunday is still techno, but with a little bit of house music thrown in the mix too. Entry is also free unless there’s an event on.
Where: 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: Every Sunday, from 12 pm–1 am
For more info, click here.
Naked For Satan
Fitzroy
There’s a large chance that even if you’re not from Melbourne, you’ve heard about Naked For Satan. Popular for its rooftop with panoramic views, the bar also features a downstairs lounge and a grazing menu with oysters, sliders and other share dishes. Entry is free, but if you want a spot on the rooftop you’ll have to get in early.
Where: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
When: Every Sunday, from 12 pm–12 am
For more info, click here.
Pawn & Co
Prahran
Another south side favourite, Pawn & Co throw a pretty mean Sunday sesh. Spanning across two levels, including a courtyard and three bars, the Chapel Street spot is awesome if it’s a boogie you’re after. They also offer a selection of intriguing cocktails and DJs play till late. They open later than their neighbouring bars, so head here after you’ve toured our other suggestions.
Where: 177 Greville Street, Prahran
When: Every Sunday, from 6 pm–late
For more info, click here.
Now that the sun's out, have you worked your way through Melbourne's best craft breweries yet?
Image credit: Section 8