For a social city that thrives on banter and booze, Melbournians did it tough last year. But now that bars are back, do we even know which ones to go to? Now’s the time to try a place you haven’t been before; we’re spoilt for choice and Melbourne’s best bars specialise in different things. We’ve put together a list of our favourites, to help you get back into the swing of bar-hopping once again.
These are the best bars you’ll find in Melbourne.
Bar Americano
Presgrave Place, Melbourne
Bar Americano has an essence of calm about it. Whether it’s the buzzing box tv silently playing European sports, the classy elevator music that transports you to another era, or the perfectly iced-glasses—it’s a prime place to end the workday. Opened by accountant turned visual artist and sometimes bartender Matt Bax in 2011, Bar Americano pays homage to the Golden Age of drinking. They offer pristine classics only, including their infamous negroni, considered by many experts to be the best on the planet. Although previously having a capacity of 10 patrons inside only, Bar Americano graces us with 32 new euro-inspired alfresco seats.
How to book: Walk-ins are welcome, reservations via website.
Bar Margaux
Russell Street, Melbourne
Bar Margaux—a relative newcomer, but already one of the best bars in Melbourne—is a late-night bar and brasserie, serving cocktails, wine, and French comfort food until the wee hours, 7 days a week. This is the place you go for 2am oysters, fries, and a glass of Chablis. Located in a basement on Lonsdale Street, Bar Margaux is Melbourne city’s newest late-night love affair—she even smells divine!
How to book: If you’re wanting an intimate table, dinner or a larger group book here, otherwise just mosey on in
MONO–XO
Collingwood
MONO-XO has done a rebrand, from skewers and rock ‘n’ roll cocktails to Modern Japanese snacks paired with charismatic wines… and we’re not mad about it. With sustainability as a priority, co-owners Sam, Andy and Lincoln moved away from spirits and towards natural wine with good farming practices. The wine list is small but diverse, including hard-to-find allocations of Lofi Wines such as Christian Tschida and Guttagau, alongside some juicy sparkling sake. Super cute vibe, very charming staff and great addition of oysters, noodles and raw fish to the ever-changing snack options.
How to book: Bookings can be made via their website but it’s best just to walk in! Unless you want to book the super cute space for a little function.
Hemingway’s Wine Room
East Melbourne
Wander the quiet, leafy avenues of East Melbourne and you’ll find Hemingway’s Wine Bar. True to its name, Hemingway’s is focused on bringing back the style, sophistication, and romance of New York’s 1920’s Brasseries. Influenced by European and French fundamentals, the wine list and menu showcase simple and classic choices, with something to please everyone. Now, for the best part. Hemingway’s Wine Bar is launching their Oyster & Champagne event, which offers $2 oysters, $9 glasses of prosecco, and $15 glasses of Bille-Carte… every Wednesday, from 5pm – 7pm. A lush mid-week treat.
How to book: Book here, or call (03) 9416 5064.
The Everleigh
Fitzroy
The Everleigh has got to be one of the most beautiful cocktail bars in Melbourne. Inspired by the understated glamour of the 1920s, The Everleigh serves up delicious classics you’ve never heard of, with a side of history and live jazz. Set in a dimly lit loft just off Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, The Everleigh will take you back in time and you won’t want to miss it. They’ve won many awards, including the Australian Cocktail Bar of the Year, Best Victorian Bar of the Year, and Operator of the Year, as a group. The Everleigh should be on everyone’s list, always.
How to book: You are welcome to walk-in, but if you’d like to stay for a while, are with a bigger group or would like a sexy table in the corner, book here
Jungle Boy
Windsor
Jungle Boy is a flamingo-filled tiki bar, hidden behind the fridge door at sandwich store Boston Sub on Chapel Street. Complete with your tiki must-haves; Painkiller, Jungle Bird, Singapore Sling, and the infamous flaming Zombie—all of your 80s fantasies will come true, complete with cute bartenders wearing tiki holiday shirts. What more could you want?
How to book: No bookings!
Eau De Vie
Malthouse Lane, Melbourne
Eau De Vie brought the speakeasy bar to Melbourne. Inspired by prohibition bars of the 1920s-30s, Eau De Vie is one of Melbourne’s best hidden cocktail bars. Situated on Malthouse Lane (if you can find it) Eau De Vie has a theatre-themed cocktail list, with drinks that catch on fire, sit under smoked-domes, and get turned into ice-cream before your very eyes. It is an entire production, where you, as the audience, get to take part. Housing over 500 whiskeys, a library, and a secret Whisky Room, Eau De Vie is a treasure trove full of delicious surprises.
How to book: Here a degustation dinner with matching cocktails, here for a drinking perch, or just walk-in (but be prepared for a queue!)
Above Board
Collingwood
Above Board is an intimate award-winning cocktail bar, with 16 seats and no standing room, it exudes minimalism and class. With beautifully curated cocktails and ingredients you won’t have tried together ever, Above Board offers a unique and one-off experience, which definitely makes it one of the best bars in Melbourne. Found up some secret stairs via Beer Mash on Smith Street, a visit to Above Board will tickle all of the senses.
How to book: No bookings, just walk in. Order takeaway cocktails here
Romeo Lane
Crossley Street, Melbourne
Another tiny gem in the heart of Melbourne CBD is Romeo Lane. Focussing sherry, gin, champagne and cognac—although you’ll never know because the bar is a leadlight window of label-less, crystal decanters filled with alcohol in all the colours of the rainbow—Romeo Lane is known for its European-inspired twists on classics. Situated on Crossley Street, the name is a nod to the laneway’s colourful past. The street was named Romeo Lane during its time as the epicentre of Melbourne’s Red Light District, back in the 1800s.
How to book: No bookings are taken, but you can find all contact details here
Whisky Den
Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Whisky Den is for Whisky lovers—especially of the Japanese kind. Whisky Den was designed as a hybrid of the tiny yokocho alley bars of Japan and the Hutong bars of Beijing. Rather than the traditional 3-5 patrons, Whisky Den can hold 40 seated drinkers, complete with exclusive whiskey lockers and a selection of over 370 whiskeys from all over the world. Whether you like them neat or on the rocks, whether you prefer a dram or a cocktail – Whisky Den is at your service. Located in a hole in the wall of Russell Street, it’s the perfect spot for a quick work-break (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
How to book: They’re totally laid back. No bookings.
Little Andorra
Carlton North
Little Andorra is back, and boy are we glad! With bookings back on since Feb 3 and welcoming Tom Sarafian (Bar Saracen) to the team, Little Andorra promises to provide you with their usual selection of weird, wonderful, and downright classic wines as well as some amazing new snacks. Sarafian is known for his spanner crab and prawn hummus (uh, YUM) and will be offering some other tasty things like Gilda pintxos with Cantabrian anchovies, labneh-stuffed green olives, roasted bullhorn & guindilla peppers. Little Andorra also has one of the cutest courtyards going around, very citrus tree heavy. We like. A lot.
How to book: Book via obee or walk in.
Bad Frankie
Collingwood
This Collingwood bar houses over 150 Australian spirits. Yes, all of them are homegrown. They’ve got everything from Australian gin, to tequila, to Australian vodka and whisky. The cocktail list is sprinkled with quintessential Australia flavours, such as pepperberry and quandong, and lest you go hungry, there are a range of Australian-themed jaffles including roast lamb, lamington, and Anzac biscuit—we know, just try one. Bad Frankie’s is a true expression of Australian culture, it celebrates our beautiful country via the universal love of food and drink.
How to book: Call them on (03) 9078 3866.
Black Pearl
Fitzroy
Black Pearl is a Melbourne institute of fun. Not only has it seen some of the most talented bartenders that the Melbourne hospo scene has to offer, but the Black Pearl team also serves up great late-night vibes, yummy snacks, excellent service, and a consistently creative cocktail list. They have two main areas, downstairs which is all about bar service and mingling, and The Attic which is their upstairs bar, with a bit more of a fancy sit-down table-service vibe. Smack bang in the middle of Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, the Black Pearl party never stops.
How to book: Book via obee or walk in!
Tetto Di Carolina
Toorak
Climb the stairway to heaven until you reach Tetto Di Carolina. With sleek aesthetics that transport you to London or Rome—take your pick—angelic bartenders complete with white jackets and pristinely combed hair will pour you whatever your heart desires. Sunday live see’s Tetto’s idyllic outdoor terrace utilised, with local live music from 4pm – 7:30pm every Sunday. Situated on Toorak Road, directly above Italian restaurant Bar Carolina, Tetto Di Carolina offers a complete snack menu and is available for group bookings and events.
How to book: Book via their website, or just wander on up.
Union Electric
Heffernan Lane, Melbourne
If you listen closely, you may just hear the pumping Latin-jazz tunes coming from Heffernan Lane. We advise that you do your best to follow them, as they may just lead you to one of Melbourne’s best drinking venues. Union Electric is hidden in one of the many alleyways behind Chinatown, right in the centre of Melbourne CBD. They’re known for making great drinks, wearing bad shirts, and having a bloody good time. And if you’re after an exotic, freshly pressed gin&juice; this is the place for you.
How to book: Book via obee or go for a hunt post-dumplings!
Longplay
Fitzroy North
Longplay is a cinema, cocktail and wine bar, restaurant and live music venue all in one. Having lived on St George’s Road for almost 10 years, Longplay is home to some of Melbourne’s most talented musicians and filmmakers. Pop in for a Pisco Sour, stay for an independent film premiere. Owner Tim Richmond, is also the hands behind the beautifully simple bites menu, seasonally offering things such as kangaroo and cured trout.
How to book: Book via OpenTable.
Mr West
Footscray
Mr West is a bottle shop and bar in the heart of Melbourne’s west—Footscray. With 24 craft beers on tap and many more in their fridges, it’s the perfect place to try out all the new local flavours. They also have an incredible offering of natural wine and seasonal cocktails for any season and every mood. Now with a huge alfresco area seating over 50 patrons, Mr West commands Nicholson Street and is the summer venue of Footscray.
How to book: Walk-ins are welcome, can also book via their website.
Shadowboxer
South Yarra
Shadowboxer is equal parts Modern Australian restaurant, wine bar & cocktail bar with a strong focus on small, local producers. This encompasses small farm growers for food, exclusively Australian wine list and an extensive drinks list which features over 100 Australian made spirits. The venue is set within an original terrace house built in 1895. It’s relaxed yet refined, with a sunny terrace out front, and two dining spaces inside. Shadowboxer can be anything you want it to be; a wine bar, a date spot, a restaurant or a quiet moment of tranquility, with a side of spritz.
How to book: Book via OpenTable, walk-ins are welcome.
Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.