The best Melbourne bars offer atmosphere, great vibes and food and drink menus that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you are after a quiet place to have a beer, or want to listen to live music any night of the week – you can find it in Melbourne. You’ll also find bars influenced from all over the world. Curated wine lists, creative cocktails and craft beers are in no short supply.
If you are visiting Melbourne and want a great bar to visit for the afternoon or evening – we think you’ll find it on this list. No visit to the city is complete without partaking in Melbourne’s renowned bar scene.
If you are planning a trip to Melbourne we also recommend taking a tour to see the city or nearby destinations. We take tours of Melbourne as well as the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and more.
We would also be happy to recommend a great Melbourne bar to visit after your tour!
10 Best Melbourne bars
Black Cat
FITZROY
The vibe at Fitzroy’s Black Cat is what has keep it on the list of best Melbourne bars for many years. From the cushy couches to an extensive beer garden, and even the board games on offer to play, it is a welcoming and relaxed place. To drink you can choose from cocktails, spirits, craft beers and even coffee as well.
Black Pearl
FITZROY
This bar won the world’s Best International Cocktail Bar in 2017, and if thats not enough reason to visit, the atmosphere and fun to be had is. This bar has been the beginning of great careers for many Melbourne bartenders. It’s a bar that likes to experiment with different flavour combinations and as such, you can enjoy everything from frozen cocktails to bourbon and bananas.
Byrdi
CBD
For something quintessentially Melbourne, head to Byrdi bar to experience the simple elegance of this bar. Their menu integrates local and native ingredients, while the drinks menu features a range of experimental cocktails and highballs. For the ultimate experience, ask the staff about pairing the exquisite food with the perfect drink – you won’t regret it!
Caretaker’s Cottage
CBD
Perhaps Melbourne’s smallest pub, this watering hole is located in an old Caretaker’s Cottage in Melbourne’s CBD. With an extensive cocktail list that covers classics right through to more exotic creations – it’s a great place to spend an evening. If cocktails aren’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of beers on tap.
HER
CBD
Her is one of those bars you need to visit multiple times to fully appreciate. It is spread across five stories in a heritage building in Melbourne’s CBD. Each level has it’s one atmosphere and diverse drinks menus. You’ll find a Parisian-style cocktail bar, a dedicated listening bar, a Thai BBQ diner and a Euro-inspired garden rooftop bar.
Hope St Radio
COLLINGWOOD
Hope Street Radio is a wine bar and restaurant located in Collingwood Yards, to the city’s north. The celebrated artists precinct is the perfect place for this Melbourne bar which often has people spilling out into the courtyard. More than 60 different wines are on offer with a focus is on wines made with minimal additives.
Leonard’s House of Love
SOUTH YARRA
A stalwart of Melbourne’s bar scene, Leonard’s House of Love offers a relaxed atmosphere and one of the best burgers south of Melbourne. Inside the old suburban house in South Yarra you’ll find a great atmosphere and the perfect spot to while away the afternoon.
Section 8
CBD
Section 8 is an unpretentious, laidback laneway bar in Melbourne’s Chinatown district. Its simplicity means it is easy to pass by. The bar itself is a shipping container while the seating and tables are a mix of wooden pallets. While Melbourne is known for it’s rooftop bars, this is an open air bar art ground level with a fantastic vibe and an easy atmosphere.
Waxflower
BRUNSWICK EAST
Waxflower in Melbourne’s north is all about the music, but with a ripping wine list to match. This bar brings a distinct European influence to Melbourne’s bar scene. The local wine on the menu can be paired with delicious food in share-plates style dining. The monthly DJ sets feature everything from neo-soul to funk and hip-hop to neo-soul, in a venue with excellent sound design.
Workshop
CBD
Workshop bar is housed in exactly that – and old motorbike workshop. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, it is known for its cheap drink specials throughout the week, rainforest vibes on the balcony and DJ’s spinning up music every night.
Take a City Tour with Go West
If you are planning a visit to Melbourne join us to discover the city’s highlights. From the coffee and food scene, to the street art, galleries and more – there is much to love about our city. On tour with Go West you can visit Melbourne’s iconic attractions all in a half day tour, in the comfort of our touring bus.
Learn more about Go West Tours
We are a family-owned and operated tour business with 22 years in the industry. We have been the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne for many years. Every day on tour we are as committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience. One that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
