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Melbourne is covered with a plethora of bars, clubs, and pubs. In addition, Melbourne bars offer top-notch cocktails that match the ambiance of the industry leaders across the globe.
Amazing drinks and food at reasonable prices. There are abundant options of quality bars in Melbourne so selecting the top few bars is a bit hard.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of Melbourne’s best and coolest bars, equipped with secretive entries, special menus, and themed private spaces. But, above all, these bars have one common trait; they have the best beverage in the entire city of Melbourne.
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Have you tried a drink from any of the bars on this list and liked it?
The Everleigh
Image Source by @theeverleigh Instagram
It’s obvious to see why this Melbourne-based bar has received global recognition. This bar first opened its doors in 2011, and it has dominated the awards’ boof shelf ever since.
The Everleigh is roused from the Golden Era of fine drinking ideation. The Everleigh has it all, from classic cocktails to the most up-to-date cocktails. It also offers one of the most extensive cocktail offerings in the city.
Son of a Beesting made with Settlers Old Tom gin, lemon, honey, ginger, or Honky Tonk, created with Bourbon and Montenegro, are among the unique cocktails on the menu.
| Address | Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://theeverleigh.com |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Sunday to Saturday: 5pm to 1am
Monday: Closed |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9416 2229 |
Romeo Lane
Image Source by @Google Photos
It is recognized for striking the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. For partygoers, Romeo Lane is a subtle yet perfect location. So relax and enjoy the traditional cocktails at this nostalgic cocktail lounge, which breathes charm and pleasure. ‘Frank’s Special,’ as it’s known! Made with a blend of gin, peach, and French vermouth.
Joe Jones and Rita Ambroz, the business owners, enjoy traditional European-style cocktails, which is why you’ll find plenty of gin sherry on the drink menu. Romeo Lane has also been named to Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Melbourne Bars list for 2022.
| Address | 1A Crossley St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.romeolane.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5pm – 11pm Thursday: 5pm – 12am Friday: 5pm - 1am Saturday: 5pm - 1am Sunday: Closed |
| Phone No. | +61 457 673 647 |
Bar Liberty
Image Source by @google Photos
The cocktails at Bar Liberty are excellent. It’s a great place to drink because it’s so relaxing. This Melbourne’s finest bar was established by Michael Bascetta, Casey Wall, and Manu Potoi.
Every item on the extensive menu offers high quality, whether it’s wine, cider, whisky, or even housemade soda which makes it one of the best bars in Melbourne. Likewise, the wine inventory is smartly divided into classic and new exciting wines.
The menu is split into snacks and big sharing plates that change frequently. Raw beef chopped and fused with capers and Dijon for a smooth texture prepared to be dipped in sweet caramelized onion is just one example of excellent meal options for eating.
| Address | 234 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://barliberty.com/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Saturday: 5pm – 12am
Sunday: 12am – 5pm |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9415 9025 |
Old Palm Liquor
Image Source by @google Photos
Olm Palm Liquor is a newcomer to the scene, but it has quickly become one of the favorite drinking establishments. The aesthetics of this Melbourne-based pub are a reflection of the 1970s.
It’s made of thick wood and has a brown-beige color theme, making it warm and comfy. You’ll come for a glass of wine and some appetizers, but you’ll eventually never want to leave.
Old Palm Liquor has over 300 different wines to choose from and 12 different tap beers. Every bottle of wine is prepared with care and attention to detail. The grill is usually the focus of the cuisine here. In addition, the menus are rotated roughlyevery other day to present you with new options.
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| Address | 133B Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | oldpalmliquor.com |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday: 12pm – 12am |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9380 2132 |
Above Board
Image Source by @google Photos
This Melbourne cocktail bar has a unique but amazing atmosphere. Above Board is a small, retro, award-winning cocktail bar with limited seats, ensuring that your drinks are served quickly. This bar is special because of its minimalist design.
Hayden Lambert, the bar’s owner, has a decade of exceptional bartending experience and style. The door host, conversationalist, and bar supervisor are all played by Lambert and another bartender.
Approximately 25 cocktails on the menu, including signature and traditional cocktails. All of the cocktails are delicious and fresh. Must-try drinks are the ‘Empire Strikes Bax,’ a cocktail made of amaro, Campari, Negroni, Martini, sweet vermouth, and cold drip coffee.
| Address | Level 1/306 Smith Street Chopper Lane" , Behind "Beermash Through the back door, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | http://aboveboardbar.com |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday: 6pm – 1am |
| Phone No. | No Phone |
Black Pearl
Image Source by @Google Photos
2018’s Best Bar in Australasia award winner – Black Pearl is a world-class drinking establishment with daily hours extending until 3 a.m. This place is a paradise for individuals who care about their beverages, appreciate a great cocktail, and cherish the attention of a skilled and experienced bartender.
On the other hand, Cocktails are the highlight and center of interest here, allowing the bartenders behind the bar to show off their expertise. They have a small menu of intriguing drinks, a unique craft beer selection, and a bar food menu.
This place is mostly filled during the weekends. The bar also serves food until 10 p.m., including sausage rolls, a local favorite.
| Address | 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.blackpearlbar.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeaway, No Delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5pm – 1am Thursday: 5pm – 1am Friday: 5pm – 3am Saturday: 5pm – 3am Sunday: 5pm – 3am |
| Phone No. | +61 488 304 304 |
Bad Frankie
Image Source by @Google Photos
Bad Frankie is a well-known Australian bar that serves innovative cocktails with local Aussie ingredients. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a late-night treat.
The Bad Frankie has been chosen to the Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Bars in Melbourne for 2022. Its owner, Sebastian Costello, has developed a one-of-a-kind bar that only offers local spirits and jaffles.
The twenty-nine-page drinks menu features local vodkas, gins, and whiskies and is cleverly constructed to promote the boutique spirits. It would be best to try the lamb roast, lamington, and Anzac biscuit on the meal menu.
| Address | 141 Greeves St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.badfrankie.com/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday and Tuesday: Closed Wednesday to Sunday: 5pm – 11pm |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9078 3866 |
Gerald’s Bar
Image Source by @Google Photos
Gerald’s Bar is a boon to more than simply North Carlton locals. The ambiance has been kept joyful and relaxed by owner Gerald Diffey.
Gerald has about 200 different bottles on his wine list. But don’t worry; their staff will assist you. In addition, their bottle collection includes wine from all over the world, which distinguishes them from the rest. A big plus is the well-stocked and fairly priced wine list.
You can order dishes like hare and mash, sardines, pickled vegetables, and manchego from a handwritten menu on a roll of paper.
| Address | 386 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://geraldsbar.com/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Sunday to Saturday: 5pm – 11pm |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9349 4748 |
Union Electric Bar
Image Source by @Google Photos
Fresh ingredients are used every day at this fantastic bar, which serves cheeky tiki cocktails and thirst-quenching highballs. Union Electric Bar is also known for serving Asian cuisine with a good cocktail.
Union Electric is a hip-hop laneway cocktail bar with diverse menus. It’s a hidden laneway bar and rooftop gin garden in Melbourne. There are also artisan beers, Gin, and rum named after Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day.
When it comes to drinks, Gin is the primary attraction here. In addition, there are big-name products like Bombay Sapphire on-site and a large variety of small boutique items.
Their bartenders constantly keep evolving by investing in new flavors and blending them with the drinks to provide a mouthwatering experience.
| Address | 13 Heffernan Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://unionelectric.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Thursday: 5pm – 1am Friday to Sunday:12pm – 1am |
| Phone No. | +61 0450 186 466 |
The Elysian
Image Source by @Google Photos
Elysian Whisky Bar is one of Melbourne’s most popular bars. They have 350 bottles of rare whisky in their collection. Every bottle has been hand-picked, and these whiskies are not available anywhere else in the city.
The owners, Yao Wang and Kelvin Low, have modeled this place after Japanese whisky bars, so you can relax in the comfortable leather seats while listening to the jazz soundtrack playing in the back.
The Elysian contains bottles from Japan, Australia, Germany, Ireland, India, and even Holland in its inventory.
There are numerous additional beverages to choose from than whiskey, including rums, brandies, beers, and other spirits.
| Address | 113 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.theelysianwhiskybar.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in, No takeaway, No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Saturday: 4:30pm – 1am Sunday and Monday: Closed |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9417 7441 |
Gin Palace
Image Source by @ginpalacemelb Instagram
This Melbourne bar comes under the ’90s-revival’ laneway bars. Crowds at this bar start from early doors. The velvet seat, armchairs, and dim light will enhance users’ experiences. The expert crew of Gin Palace will present you with a bespoke concoction.
The touch of wow factor makes it perfect for private events. Every night with awesome gin and toasted chicken sandwiches waits for you at Gin Palace in the basement decked out with opulent upholstered couches. You will experience an enjoyable night out at this bar with a dazzling list of gin and tonic.
| Address | 10 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.ginpalace.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday: 4:00pm – 3am |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9654 0533 |
Boilermaker House
Image Source by @boilermakerhouse Instagram
This bar is entirely devoted to offering malt whiskey, beer, and a fantastic cocktail menu. You will find 700 whisky collections at this upbeat and friendly bar. You also get a complete lunch and dinner menu with amazing and mouth-watering dishes at this place.
The bar opens up to a loud explosion of bodies, blues, and brews through the large doors. Mostly you will find city employees looking for comfort with whisky, beer, or both.
You should visit this unique and trendy bar of Melbourne to get an introduction that they are full of a wide variety of possibilities.
| Address | 209-211 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://boilermakerhouse.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : 5pm–1am Thursday : 5pm–1am Friday : 4pm–2am Saturday : 5pm–2am Sunday : 5pm–1am |
| Phone No. | +61 3 8393 9367 |
StoryVille
Image Source by @storyvillemelbourne Instagram
This fairy-themed cocktail bar is located at the heart of Melbourne CBD. This brick-lined space serves inventive cocktails & butterbeer. This venue offers a unique and fabulous place where individuals can experience the best.
They have a variety of drink packages and catering that will suit everyone’s budget and taste. The complete fairy-themed setting makes it unique and differentiates from other bars of Melbourne.
You’ll enter a world of nostalgia and wonder the instant you walk through the door of StoryVile, where anything is imaginable.
| Address | 185 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.storyvillemelbourne.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : 5pm – 3am Thursday : 5pm – 3am Friday : 5pm – 7am Saturday : 5pm – 9am Sunday : 5pm – 7am |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9993 9034 |
1806
Image Source by @bar1806 Instagram
This is a classy venue for bars and cocktails in Melbourne. There is some significance behind its name. 1806 is the year in which the word ‘cocktail’ first emerged in this region. Individuals took the preparation of cocktails in a very serious manner.
Opened back in 2007, this bar is awesome with its low lighting, low music, and plenty of space for conversation. Still not many things have changed. The bartenders of this best bar, Melbourne, will always be there to make you experience the best according to personal preference. There you will find The Understudy, which appears as a private drinking room. This location is best for learning the history of cocktails while enjoying a drink.
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| Address | 169 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | https://1806.com.au/ |
| Service Options | Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery |
| Opening Hours | Monday : 5pm - 12am Tuesday : 5pm - 12am Wednesday : 5pm - 12am Thursday : 5pm - 12am Friday : 4pm – 1am Saturday : 4pm – 1am Sunday : 5pm – 12am |
| Phone No. | +61 3 9999 1982 |
Frequently Asked Questions
From the loudest nightclubs with some of the hottest celebrity Musicians in the world to the quiet pubs and bars for after-work drinks and hearty talks with friends or even strangers, Melbourne has it all!
