The year's coming to an end, we’ve put in the hard work and now it’s time for us to kick back with a drink, and we reckon there is nowhere better to do that than on one of Melbourne/Naarm's rooftop bars. If there’s any place to be, it’s high up above the streets of our city during golden hour, cocktail in hand. Luckily for us, rooftop bars are in abundance, and there’s nothing that pairs better together than a drink and a view.
Just in time for summer, Urban List's favourite perching locations are back and better than ever, with levelled-up drink selections and appetizers to snack on while you sip. Here are some of the best rooftop bars Melbourne/Naarm has to offer for 2023:
The Skinny Dog Hotel
155 High Street, Kew
Image credit: The Skinny Dog Hotel | Griffin Simm
Good Heavens
Level 2/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Good Heavens | supplied
Located above Fancy Hanks BBQ restaurant, Good Heavens is the place to turn up to if you’re after a solid feed, a few snacks, a stack of drinks, or all of the above. Their Fancy Hanks-inspired Americana menu has heaps to tap into—hello bbq corn ribs and smoked brisket party pies—and then there's the drinks list which is extensive to say the least. Think of craft and tap beer, signature cocktails, a very, very strong wine list and plenty of spritz options coming into the warmer months.
The Good Folk at Good Heavens have also expanded their offering, taking over the rooftop next door to cover off a total 700sqm of glorious rooftop bar—with a view to match, of course.
Madame Brussels
3/59 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Named after an eccentric 19th-century brothel owner, Madame Brussels is the stuff of fairy tales. When you arrive up high in the sky (via 7 flights of stairs or lift), you'll behold a garden party - astro turf, white wicker chairs and pink walls, opening up to one of the best rooftop bars and some glorious city views of Melbourne.
It's all about the cocktails here, with Pimms, rosé and punch brewed in teapots, plus a wide variety of cupcakes to put your sweet tooth into overdrive. This is one rooftop bar in Melbourne CBD you have to visit.
Pomelo
Level 3/169 Melbourne Place, Melbourne
You may be familiar with the experimental cocktail bar Bouvardia downstairs, but head up towards the heavens and you’ll find Pomelo. It’s all about the Dolce Vita up here - try the Rooftop Rose cocktail and you’ll see what we mean. The sweet, pastel aesthetics and gorgeous bougainvillea make you feel like you’re in a Mediterranean dream, making it a solid rooftop bar Melbourne can add to its arsenal.
Hotel Esplanade
11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
AKA the Espy. Simply put, there is no other place like the Espy. St Kilda’s Hotel Esplanade has been an iconic establishment of the area since its inception in 1878. The beer Garden Terrace with a retractable roof is the perfect casual drinking spot, for sipping cocktails, people watching or overlooking the amazing St Kilda Pier. Definitely a top contender for the best rooftop bar Melbourne has on.
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The Cornish Arms
163A Sydney Road, Brunswick
Yep we’re counting this classic pub as a certified gold rooftop bar. We're struggling to think of a rooftop in Melbourne with better CBD views (although The Provincial definitely comes close). The best thing about the Cornish Arms is the location: rooftop bars in Brunswick are bloody rare, so this is some prime real estate.
Palmz
193 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Palmz hosts one of the finest rooftop bars that Melbourne has to offer, occupying the top level of The Carlton Hotel on Bourke Street. One simply cannot surpass this location on a fine summer's evening. Adorned with tropical palm trees and those iconic plastic pink flamingos, one may approach the bamboo Tiki bar with the knowledge that Palmz is a true oasis of the Melbourne metropolis.
HER Rooftop
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
The crown of the multi-level bar, diner, and adult playground, the top floor of HER has quickly ingratiated itself as one of the best rooftop bars Melbourne has.
With a chic Euro garden terrace feel, colourful mosaic-tiled artwork decorating the walls and a long-brass-laden bar, it's an ideal spot to throw back their signature grapefruit Paloma while you take in the 360º vista of the CBD.
Runner Up
Level 2/35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
This isn’t coming in second place by any means; Runner Up, just across the courtyard from Hope St Radio in Collingwood Yards is a new contender for one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
The founders of Runner Up are the same as those behind Colour Club, Mildlife & Confetti Studio, so they know how to party there. With gorgeous views of Melbourne’s inner north and lots of niches for a cute date night, feel free to sample their generous menu, with cocktails such as Old Passion or a Negroni Sbagliato.
Gigi’s Rooftop Bar
Level 2/917 High Street, Thornbury
After a fairly lengthy dormancy, Gigi’s has flung open its doors once again and is welcoming you back with open arms. Gigi’s sits atop the Umberto Espresso Bar with a lofty gaze upon Thornbury’s High Street, so you’re close enough to the action to see it but far enough away to enjoy the fresh air and rolling views. Catch a sunset or two at this Melbourne rooftop bar while you sip on their selection of cocktails, wines and beers.
QT Melbourne
133 Russell Street, Melbourne
QT Melbourne’s split indoor and outdoor upstairs bar is one word: sleek. It’s the kind of place where you’ll come for a drink but you’ll stay for the panoramic views. Any time is a good time to turn up to Rooftop at QT, with their food menu that takes you all the way from morning ’til night, with an amazing drinks list to match.
Rooftop Bar
11/133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
A flagship amongst the best rooftop bars in the Melbourne CBD, Rooftop has long stood as the destination for a quick drink, or a long afternoon session that rolls into the night. Atop the iconic Curtain House, Rooftop has had a spiffy renovation from its original clandestine fit-out and is now adorned with plenty of wooden nooks and crannies to plant yourself in.
The bar line-up is filled with familiar favourites with local and imported beers, seltzers, and wines to keep you busy. Bartenders are more than happy to throw out a recommendation for one of their house cocktails, like the ‘Afternoon Delight’ with Poor Tom’s Imbroglio, apricot liquor, pineapple and lime juice, and chilli and lime bitters. Paired with the CBD sunshine it’s a match made in heaven.
Full Moon Fever
225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
Image credit: Full Moon Fever | Jake Roden
Full Moon Fever is the upstairs counterpart to the cult-favourite saloon, Lulie Tavern. Enter into the 70s California desert-inspired motley collection of prints, cacti and light fittings, with a bar made of re-used bricks and even the OG stain glass windows.
With spanning vistas of Abbotsford and Johnston Street, a menu laden with burgers, fried chicken and a collection of ice-cold tins it's getting the acclaim it deserves as one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Bomba
103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Bomba | supplied
Head to the upstairs of the Lonsdale Street building and cast your eyes on the plant-filled open-air rooftop of Bomba, aka one of the breeziest and best rooftop bars in Melbourne. With enough tapas options to line your stomach, fine cocktails and a spanking view of the city; Bomba has it all. Their carafes come in red, white and rose sangria, perfect for a golden hour drink.
Union Electric Bar
13 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne CBD
If you love gin, you’ve come to the right place. Union Electric specialises in gin, and their frankly huge selection proves it. It looks pretty unassuming, given it’s off a laneway in the city and is more lowkey than other bars nearby, but once you get up there, the vibes are immaculate.
Best of all, the staff are so knowledgeable that they’re more likely than not to suggest you a drink depending on your preferences. This little hidden gem is absolutely one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Stella
427 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Image credit: Stella | Kate Pascoe
It's a hot contender for the best rooftop bar in Melbourne, nestled right on the corner of a sleepier stretch of Chapel Street in South Yarra, Stella's fourth-storey rooftop is the cherry on top of the Italian bar and diner. Boasting a cocktail list littered with prime aperativo hour classics, a rotating selection of live musical acts and colourful sunsets over the city.
Johnny’s Green Room
Level 2/293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image credit: Johnny's Green Room | Arianna Leggiero
Johnny’s Green Room has arguably one of the most insanely picturesque views of the city, and after a recent refurb and a Karen Martini-led menu, it's an immpeccable spot for a rooftop soirée with mates. Combining the building’s longstanding history with its modern Italian fare (inspired by King & Godfree a few levels below), there’s so much to love. And we haven’t even mentioned their extensive drinks list yet which cements the Carlton local as one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
The Wolf’s Lair
Jimmy Watson Lane, Carlton
The Wolf’s Lair is well-hidden. Located behind Jimmy Watson's main restaurant, this snug, upper-level garden is filled with the usual drinks suspects, as well as unusual spirits mixed to perfection. If you’re feeling peckish, don’t be shy to grab a snack plate or pizza for sharing too.
Marquis of Lorne
411 George Street, Fitzroy
Marquis of Lorne’s menu is renowned for being nothing if not cool, what with the exposed brick walls and top-tier pub food. The backstreets of Fitrzoy are home to this institution, known for its killer wine list and whimsical, colourful lights adorning the rails, making it one of Melbourne’s best rooftop bars of 2023.
Imperial Hotel
2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Directly opposite Melbourne’s Parliament House, The Imperial Hotel is prime real estate. With solid pub feeds (and then some) on offer - this Melbourne rooftop bar is a place you can hang out for pre-drinks and dinner too.
Goldilocks
Denyers, Building Level 5/264 Swanston Street
Image credit: Goldilocks | supplied
Goldilocks is a hidden fairytale bar tucked away above the Denyer Building on Swanston Street. They’re not too big, they’re not too small, they’re just right in our opinion. With a focus on sustainability and recycling, the bar is committed to bringing local Victorian craft beers and wines to you, alongside their signature fairytale-themed cocktails and bar snacks which are mostly vegan and vegetarian. With this Melbourne CBD rooftop bar adorned in fairy lights, there’s a real fantasy atmosphere, coupled with a few ‘Run Goldie Run’ cocktails (gin, blood orange and passionfruit) and you'll fall right into the fable.
Siglo
2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
One that rarely misses out on the best rooftop bar in Melbourne list, this one’s a charmer. Situated on the city’s luxurious Spring Street, Siglo’s European-style rooftop cigar bar is all class. Be it late afternoon or early morning; premium cocktails await you.
Naked in the Sky
285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
It wouldn’t be a list of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne if we didn’t add Naked in the Sky. If you’re looking for a reason to get you over to the Northside, it’s right here. Just above the ever-popular Naked For Satan, this rooftop spot is as devilishly good as its name suggests, with fabulous views of the city, delicious eats, long drinks and everything in between.
Loop Roof
3/23 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD
Located in Meyers Place, which is undoubtedly one of Melbourne’s best laneways, Loop Roof is a recent addition to the Melbourne rooftop bar scene. And it’s a bloody good one. Easily described as a garden oasis, they’ve got cocktails, drinks on tap, as well as curated bites and a mains menu. Hot tip? Upon leaving, make the most of Meyers Place and hit up Pizza Pizza Pizza downstairs for a slice… or two.
Transit Rooftop Bar
Ground Level Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
Boasting some of the best views of the Yarra, a solid drinks menu and gigs too, Transit Rooftop Bar is definitely one of Fed Square’s greatest selling points. You can’t have the best rooftop bars in Melbourne list and not include this mainstay.
Heroes Karaoke & Rooftop Bar
188 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
About as much fun as one can have at a rooftop bar in Melbourne. As its name suggests, Heroes is all about that karaoke life. If you’re after a little air, venture upstairs to hang out at their rooftop beer garden with Chinatown views.
Fable
13/168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Fable | supplied
Touted as Melbourne's highest rooftop bar, Fable and its sweeping views have been likened to the sky-high saloons of Tokyo and New York, but there's more to this spot than the view. Perched upon Level 13 overlooking Exhibition Street and QV below, the towering bar features a collection of seasonal cocktails from Alessandro Nardini as well as an incredibly solid in-house diner from celebrated Chef Alex Xinis.
The Corner Hotel
57 Swan Street, Richmond
The Corner Hotel is one of Richmond's finest. An all-time OG, this is quite potentially the best rooftop bar in Melbourne. While they might be renowned for their iconic band room and its jam-packed gig guide, it’s a great spot to just grab a drink, kick back and stay awhile.
Whitehart
22 Whitehart Lane, Melbourne CBD
Located at the end of Whitehart Lane and in between Little Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street, you’ll find one of Melbourne’s best open-air rooftop bars. Their taste is impeccable in every regard—we’re talking cocktails, set-up and to top it all off, they have a regular line-up of local DJs on deck. Make your way up upstairs to get that coveted rooftop spot.
Dom's Social Club
1/301 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Dom's Social Club | Kate Shanasy
One of the newest rooftop-based bars in Melbourne and certainly one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne too, Dom's Social Club is a three-storey wonderland for cocktails, pizza, and yesteryear charm. The rooftop level, where summer negronis and starlit Melbourne skylines go down a treat, is a true hidden gem of the city. A huge contender for the best rooftop bar in Melbourne.
Harlow
447 Church Street, Richmond
Image credit: Harlow | supplied
They’ve got one rule at Harlow and it’s a simple one—good vibes only! Up until recently, Harlow’s space included a beer garden and the main bar, and now they’ve got a brand new rooftop to complete the trifecta. Perch yourself on the rooftop in Richmond for pristine city views.
Easey’s
3/48 Easey Street, Collingwood
A venue that’s got art, music, food, drinks and public transport tied together, Easey’s is well and truly the epitome of Melbourne. Get up there for burgers and cocktails in a train five stories above ground. One of the most unique and best rooftop bars Melbourne has to offer.
The Gertrude Hotel
148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Image credit: The Gertrude Hotel | Niki Schuch
You may have caught wind that The Gertrude Hotel has reopened it's doors after a suarve European makeover, but did you know it's hiding a rooftop bar above? You're welcome. Just head into the pub, down the back and up the stairs to discover this intimate sun-soaked space. You can order the entire food menu and all the staple drinks at the bar (pictured).
While you’re at it, check out more of Melbourne's best below:
Melbourne's best beer gardens
Melbourne's best restaurants
Melbourne's best restaurants in the CBD
Melbourne's best cafes
Melbourne's best bars
Main Image credit: Full Moon Fever | Jake Roden
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