The search for the perfect bar is the kind of quest you could commit your life to. But what if it isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of answer? In a city like Melbourne, there’s the best bar for every different type of mood, moment, night, and person.
Whether you’re chasing a perfectly poured Guinness in a cosy cottage, champagne from a shoe in a swanky old-world haunt, or a cheap beer in an old shipping container — Melbourne’s bar scene is as diverse as they come.
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- Best Wine Bars In Melbourne
- Best Cocktail Bars In Melbourne
- Best Rooftop Bars In Melbourne
- Best Pubs In Melbourne
From grungey rock ’n’ roll dive bars to rooftop cocktail bars with glittering skyline views and everything in between, this is our definitive guide to the best bars Melbourne has to offer for a top-tier tipple. These places aren't just serving drinks, they're dishing up an entire experience.
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Apollo Inn
165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Apollo Inn | Supplied
Apollo Inn is the very swish sister venue to Gimlet on Flinders Lane. The 30-seat clandestine bar provides a prohibition-era feel reminiscent of a New York speakeasy-style bar. It’s the full cocktail bar experience—the suited-up staff shave ice by hand and mix cocktails for your viewing, from established classics including four types of martini, to speciality aperitifs like the French Picon Biere. And whether you’re coming up to your tenth visit or first, the cocktails change on a monthly basis.
Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell says, "Apollo Inn is Gimlet's waiting room, kind of. It's also an absolute cracker of a bar in its own right. Martinis are the thing here, just don't ask for yours shaken. Their spin on an espresso martini is an absolute belter, it's a lot more subtle and perfect for dessert, but equally if you're after a party starter you can't go past their house."
Caretaker's Cottage
139-141 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
A tiny bluestone cottage in the middle of the CBD that also happens to be a bar, Caretakers Cottage has become a cherished spot for locals and travellers alike. The heritage building is as tight as bars get with what could be considered one of Melbourne's most-dialled drinks menus. The bar welcomes new cocktail editions every month, but a silky pint of Guinness will never go astray.
"Caretaker's has won a stack of awards for their cocktails and general vibes but I reckon they should get an award for their Guinness pours. They're perfect every time which is saying something. There's a great spot to tuck yourself away behind the stairs, Harry Potter style, that's my favourite nook," says Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell.
Bahama Gold
135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Image credit: Bahama Gold | Supplied
Bahama Gold is the plain-old charmer right in the thick of it on the Brunswick East stretch of Lygon Street. Located right next door to its sister venue Old Palm Liquor, Bahama has a more intimate and ambient atmosphere with a 12-seat bar that horseshoes around the entire venue and also features a bottle shop. Because of the design, it best suits people arriving in pairs, but walk down the back to find tables that can squeeze a good four people in.
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Nick & Nora's
80 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
You know how some places just seem to have a life of their own? That’s what it’s like at Nick & Nora’s. Walk through the doors and suddenly you’re in an old world cocktail bar having a debaucherous soirée. The cocktails are one-of-a-kind, and are just one of the reasons you’ll be coming back here again and again. Oysters, caviar, and charcuterie are the most perfectly fitting morsels to complete one heck of a night out.
Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell says, "You can do a champagne shoey at Nick & Norah's. Need I say more? I feel like that perfectly explains what they're going for here, a bit of a 1920s decadence and revelry, it's perfect for after-work drinks or an intimate evening on one of their terraces. Full table-service is a plus as well as a rather affordable cocktail menu for the quality of bev."
Slowpoke
Level 4/50 Gipps Street, Collingwood
The days, afternoons and evenings are slow (just like we like them) at Slowpoke. Where ‘70s Italian glamour meets old-school dive bar, it’s not somewhere you’ll be rushing out of anytime soon. The rooftop wraps around the building and large windows mean you’re looking straight at the skyline even sitting at the indoor bar. DJs every Friday and Saturday night complete the vibe check (jump onto their Insta for the monthly soundtrack), and the cocktails are just as curated as the venue and entire Slowpoke experience. To eat, the Slowpoke Cheeseburger, drizzled in honey alongside the hash brown fries with apple pie sauce might just trigger an existential crisis.
Pearl Diver Cocktails And Oysters
56 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Pearl Diver Cocktails and Oysters | Supplied
Pearl Diver Cocktails and Oysters on Little Bourke does what it says on the tin. Get oysters served three ways—natural, dressed, and cooked—alongside a raft of specialty cocktails. For those martini-inclined, you can choose your spirit, style, modifiers and garnish to be served up your way.
HER
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
The well-established five-story CBD labyrinth has made a name for itself. HER, from the creators of Abory and Afloat, occupies a 120-year-old heritage building and boasts a Parisian-style cocktail bar (HER Bar), a dedicated listening bar (Music Room), a Thai BBQ diner (BKK), and a European-inspired rooftop garden bar (HER Rooftoop). Even though we're looking at bars, trust us, lock in and do the whole experience. Don't leave it too late to get in though, because lines build quick and sometimes you can be unlucky and not get in.
Cherry Bar
68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Cherry Bar, once in AC/DC Lane and now on Little Collins Street, embodies Melbourne's rock 'n' roll culture. The live music destination is an iconic nightlife institution and continues to pulsate with energy. The small stage hosts diverse acts, from local talents to touring musicians. It's also one of the few bars in Melbourne with a 24-hour alcohol license.
The Black Pearl
304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image credit: The Black Pearl | Supplied
The Black Pearl in Fitzroy is a Melbourne institution, even earning the title of the World's Best International Cocktail Bar some seven years ago. Rather than offering specific drink recommendations, Pearl constantly evolves its menu with the seasons. Bartenders here are encouraged to explore their creativity—whether it's a frozen cosmopolitan one night or bourbon and bananas the next.
Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne CBD
What was once neglected laneway space, has now blossomed into one the best bars in Melbourne with converted shipping containers and pallets a' plenty. Section 8 is at its best when the weather is pleasant and the beer is flowing, there are few better spots for a drink.
"Section 8 is one of those rite of passage spots in Melbourne, if you can find it. Even the most seasoned Melburnians will often take a wrong turn on the hunt for this grungy outdoor spot. The best part is they have random gigs and DJ sets that bring a crowd and slap every time," says Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell.
Siglo
2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
Siglo isn't your everyday Melbourne bar, perched above City Wine Shop it's an elegant and intimate space that extends out with a terrace overlooking Spring Street. It's mostly top shelf here: the spritz and cocktails are immaculately crafted, the wine list impeccable and there are even Cuban cigars were you so inclined.
Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell says, "If you're after wowing someone, or you have folks in from out of town, Siglo is the spot to take them. Overlooking Parliament this classic is distinctly European (cigars and haughty attitude included) and has class for days. Expect full table service, stunning drinks and an experience to match."
Above Board
306 Smith Street, Collingwood
Image credit: Above Board | Supplied
Above Board became famous right from the jump, foremostly because it was so hard to find. A pioneer of Melbourne's hidden bars, the downstairs basement with a long timber island bar features a selection of 25 signature cocktails. There are no elaborate gimmicks or architectural extravagances—instead, it offers a straightforward recipe for good times.
"Above Board is hands down Melbourne's best bar. Hidden upstairs from Beermash this 20-odd seater is perfect for working your way through a cocktail list. There's a distinct air of mystery around Above Board with no labels on display really letting you just enjoy the experience. This bad boy has featured on global long lists for world's best bars," says Urban List Melbourne Editor Navarone Farrell.
One Or Two
18 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne
They say the name One Or Two might refer to your group number or the amount of drinks you’ll have there before dinner, but at this joint one or two quickly turns into three or four and you won’t be mad about it. This moody, ambient cocktail bar seats just 26 people, tucked away in Chinatown right in plain sight yet easy to miss if you’re not looking. Inspired by the Japanese TV series Midnight Diner (IYKYK) and located in a heritage 1895 building, it’s packed full of character. The cocktail menu includes staples, classics re-imagined and completely original creations. Take your pick.
Black Kite Commune
30 Russell Place, Melbourne
Image: Black Kite Commune | Supplied
At this loft-style cocktail joint, Black Kite Commune, you can perch yourself at the bar, upstairs or even outside. The outdoor terrace is drizzling in greenery and (hallelujah) it’s heated — so you can spend those crisp winter evenings out there without working yourself into a shiver. And of course, perfect for whiling away long summer afternoons when weather permits. The skylight makes for gorg indoor lighting, and a decent selfie if you’re so inclined.
The menu features Australian wild game delicacies like crocodile nuggets, grilled emu and kangaroo kofta. It’s a meal you’ll remember, especially if you arrive with a curious belly. The cocktails are crafted thoughtfully and skillfully, and it absolutely shows.
Hope Street Radio
35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Image: Hope St Radio | Supplied
Hope Street Radio is more than just a wine bar and restaurant — it's a whole mood born from its origins as a community radio station. Owners Pete Baxter and Jack Shaw nailed the unpretentious, communal atmosphere, creating a go-to for great music and conversation. Whether you’re sliding into a booth or joining a shared table, the custom Hot Wax sound system ensures the tunes are always setting the perfect scene. The icing on the cake though, is the wine list. You can’t go wrong but know that the $50ish pet nat by the bottle has the power to make your night.
Image credit: Old Palm Liquor | Willem-Dirk du Toit
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