twlmhorizontal lr3

Melbourne’s bar scene is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and sophisticated in the world, defined by hidden laneway cocktail lounges, rooftop destinations, world-class whisky bars, and intimate neighbourhood institutions that rival anything in London, New York, or Tokyo. This guide to the best bars in Melbourne brings together standout venues that deliver exceptional drinks, atmosphere, and hospitality across the CBD and inner city.

From iconic cocktail institutions that helped shape Melbourne’s modern bar culture, to cutting-edge rooftops and whisky-focused sanctuaries, each venue on this list offers a distinct experience that reflects the city’s evolving nightlife identity. You’ll find everything from refined, intimate spaces perfect for late-night conversations, to high-energy destinations designed for celebrations, skyline views, and long evenings that stretch into the early hours.

Having visited many of these bars multiple times - from exclusive whisky events and rooftop celebrations to laneway favourites and hidden cocktail dens - this curated selection focuses on real experiences, atmosphere, and consistency, not just reputation.

Whether you’re searching for Melbourne’s best cocktail bars, whisky bars, rooftop bars, or hidden gems, this guide highlights venues that consistently deliver on quality, creativity, and vibe. These are the bars that define Melbourne drinking culture today.

Updated April 2026.

Apollo Inn - Melbourne CBD

Apollo Inn is one of Melbourne’s most refined and intimate cocktail experiences, tucked discreetly into the CBD and operating with the quiet confidence of a venue that knows exactly what it is doing. The room is small, deliberate, and almost Parisian in its restraint — low lighting, polished service, and a sense that every detail has been considered.

A standout moment from my visit was attending an exclusive Sullivan’s Cove whisky event, which elevated the experience into something far beyond a standard bar night. Rare whisky pours, guided tasting notes, and the opportunity to engage with one of Tasmania’s most celebrated distilleries underscored Apollo Inn’s positioning at the top end of Melbourne’s bar scene.

apolloinn 06948

Cocktails here are technically precise but never overworked - balanced, elegant, and designed with clarity rather than theatrics. The food offering is equally considered, sitting in that refined small-plates space that complements rather than competes with the drinks program. 

Apollo Inn feels less like a bar you stumble into and more like one you are quietly inducted into. It’s intimate, exclusive in feel without arrogance, and firmly positioned among Melbourne’s most elite drinking destinations.

Mill Place Merchants - Melbourne CBD

Mill Place Merchants leans into a deliberately nostalgic cocktail ethos, evoking the spirit of a bygone era where drinks were generous, unapologetically strong, and built around conviviality rather than restraint. There’s a clear sense of “yesteryear” in both the presentation and philosophy - cocktails arrive with a certain old-world confidence, often more generous in pour and character than contemporary precision-led bars.

The atmosphere amplifies this concept beautifully. Tucked away in the CBD, it carries a warm, slightly vintage energy that feels removed from the pace of the modern city outside. It’s the kind of venue where time slows down, conversations stretch longer, and the experience feels intentionally unhurried.

Importantly, the food offering has stepped up significantly (we love the food as much as the drinks), evolving from a supporting role into a genuine reason to visit in its own right. The menu now matches the bar’s ambition, with thoughtful plates that sit comfortably alongside the bold cocktail program.

Mill Place Merchants succeeds because it commits fully to its identity - nostalgic, generous, and a little rebellious in its refusal to conform to overly restrained modern cocktail trends. It’s a bar that feels both familiar and distinct, offering a rare blend of comfort, character, and genuine hospitality in Melbourne’s CBD.

IMG 8466

Caretaker's Cottage - Melbourne CBD

Caretaker’s Cottage is widely regarded as one of the most atmospheric and joyful small bars in the world, and that reputation is not accidental. Set inside a restored 19th-century cottage, it captures a rare balance between historic charm and contemporary cocktail excellence.

On my visit, it was pre-event drinks, but the experience lingered far beyond a quick stop-in. The energy is warm, communal, and unforced — a bar where strangers naturally become part of the same conversation. There’s a looseness to the atmosphere that never undermines the precision of the drinks.

caretakersThe cocktail program leans classic with refinement rather than gimmickry, executed with a level of hospitality that feels genuinely human. Service is a standout -  engaged, knowledgeable, and effortlessly welcoming.

What makes Caretaker’s Cottage exceptional is its emotional impact. It doesn’t just serve drinks; it creates a moment of collective ease in the middle of the city. It remains one of Melbourne’s defining bar experiences and a benchmark for what small bars can achieve.

Goodwater - Northcote

Goodwater is a whisky and bourbon-focused bar that leans heavily into depth, generosity, and discovery. This is not a place for superficial drinking  - it’s built for those who want to explore spirit categories with seriousness and curiosity.

My experience here included access to an impressive range of exclusive bourbon pours, alongside a hospitality approach that felt both knowledgeable and relaxed. There is a sense of trust in how the venue operates - guests are guided rather than pushed, and the staff clearly understand the nuances of what they are pouring.

goodwater 07420

Food here is not an afterthought; it arrives well-timed and considered, designed to support long whisky sessions rather than interrupt them. Think robust, flavour-forward plates that match the intensity of the spirits program. 

Goodwater’s strength lies in its balance: it is educational without being intimidating, premium without being pretentious, and generous in both spirit and service. It sits comfortably among Melbourne’s most respected whisky destinations.

Eau De Vie - CBD

Eau De Vie is one of the bars that helped define Melbourne’s modern cocktail identity. Hidden behind an unmarked entrance, it carries a deliberate sense of mystery that has never faded, even after years of operation.

I’ve visited multiple times over the years, and what stands out is its consistency in delivering theatre, craftsmanship, and atmosphere in equal measure. The room itself feels like a Prohibition-era whisky den  -  dim lighting, leather, wood, and an undercurrent of drama that enhances every drink.

Walking Whisky Tour 2025 03 25 Blazing 5

Eau De Vie’s cocktail program is technical and inventive, but always anchored in balance. It’s a venue that helped put Melbourne on the global cocktail map, influencing a generation of bartenders and venues that followed.

There is also a strong sense of ritual here  -  drinks are often presented with flair, but never at the expense of substance. It remains one of Melbourne’s most influential and enduring cocktail institutions, still relevant in a constantly evolving scene.

Beaneath Driver Lane - Melbourne CBD

Beneath Driver Lane is one of Melbourne’s most atmospheric basement cocktail bars, tucked beneath the city streets and delivering a dark, moody, almost subterranean sense of theatre that immediately sets the tone. I’ve visited several times, and each experience reinforces its reputation for elite-level cocktails executed with precision and confidence.

The bar thrives on craftsmanship. Drinks are balanced, layered, and consistently well-structured, with a focus on classic technique elevated through modern interpretation. There’s a seriousness to the program, but it never feels rigid or inaccessible.

Food collaborations have also become a standout feature here, with rotating concepts that elevate the venue beyond a traditional cocktail bar. These partnerships bring genuine culinary weight to the experience, making it equally viable as a dining destination as it is a late-night drinking spot.

beaneathdriver 

Beneath Driver Lane succeeds because it commits fully to its identity - low-lit, intimate, and highly focused - while still evolving through thoughtful collaborations and seasonal creativity. It remains one of Melbourne’s most respected underground cocktail destinations.

Whisky and Alement - Melbourne CBD

Whisky & Alement is widely regarded as a pilgrimage site for whisky lovers in Melbourne, and for good reason. It’s a venue that takes its spirits seriously, with one of the most extensive whisky collections in the country and a team that genuinely understands depth, provenance, and nuance across global distilleries.

On my visits, what stood out is that it’s not only a whisky destination  -  it also offers an excellent and often underrated beer selection, making it far more versatile than its reputation suggests. This dual strength allows it to appeal both to purists and to more casual drinkers looking for variety without compromise. 

Laphroaig 09801The venue frequently hosts whisky-focused events and tastings, bringing in distillery partners and rare bottlings that elevate it beyond a standard bar experience into something more educational and collector-driven.

Food here is another strong point. Far from being an afterthought, the menu is hearty, well-executed, and perfectly suited to long tasting sessions  - the kind of food that supports rather than distracts from serious drinking.

Whisky & Alement remains one of Melbourne’s most important specialist bars, combining authority with accessibility in a way few venues manage.

Nick and Nora's Melbourne - Melbourne CBD

Nick & Nora’s Melbourne sits high above the city with sweeping skyline views and a distinctly glamorous, Gatsby-era energy that sets it apart from most Melbourne bars. It’s a venue built around celebration  -  champagne, polished glassware, and a sense of occasion that starts the moment you step out of the lift.

My visit here was particularly meaningful as it connected back to the Eau De Vie crew, and that lineage is obvious in the precision and confidence of the cocktail program. There’s a shared DNA: theatricality balanced with technical discipline, and drinks that feel considered rather than trend-driven.

Walking Whisky Tour 2025 03 25 Nick Noras Cocktail 2

The bar leans heavily into Champagne and spritz culture, but does so with structure and intent rather than novelty. Cocktails are refined, elegant, and designed for long evenings rather than quick stops. Service matches the aesthetic  -  polished, attentive, and fluent in guiding guests through both classic and contemporary pours.

What makes Nick & Nora’s stand out is its sense of escapism. It doesn’t try to be an underground hidden gem; instead, it fully embraces glamour and heightens it. From sunset through to late night, it feels like a venue made for milestones, celebrations, and elevated nights out in the CBD.

In Melbourne’s competitive rooftop and cocktail landscape, Nick & Nora’s holds its position by committing fully to its identity  -  luxurious, celebratory, and unmistakably connected to some of the city’s most influential cocktail talent.

Ponyfish Island - Southbank

Ponyfish Island is one of Melbourne’s most unique drinking destinations - a floating bar literally positioned beneath the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River. It is as much about location and atmosphere as it is about drinks, and that combination is what makes it unforgettable.

I visited during their 15-year anniversary celebration, which amplified everything the venue does best: energy, community, and pure riverside escapism. The vibe was electric - sunset reflections on the water, a constant flow of locals and visitors, and an atmosphere that felt distinctly Melbourne.

ponyfishCocktails were on point throughout the evening, with a focus on refreshing, easy-drinking styles that suit the riverside setting. What elevated the experience further was access to Marmont food, which added a strong culinary layer to what is often primarily seen as a drinks-focused venue.

Ponyfish Island thrives on its informality. It’s not about precision or formality - it’s about place, movement, and enjoying Melbourne from a completely different perspective. Few bars in the city deliver that kind of immersive setting.

Pearl Diver - Melbourne CBD

Pearl Diver brings a refined seafood and oyster-led focus into Melbourne’s bar scene, combining a coastal sensibility with a CBD sophistication. It is one of those rare venues where the food and drinks carry equal weight, each enhancing the other.

On my visits, oysters have been a consistent highlight - impeccably fresh, well-shucked, and served with confidence and restraint. They anchor the experience and immediately signal the venue’s commitment to quality sourcing.

Walking Whisky Tour 2025 03 25 Pearl Diver Cocktail 3

The drinks program is equally strong, with an elite selection of cocktails and wines that lean into precision rather than excess. There’s a clarity to the menu that mirrors the venue’s seafood-first philosophy.

Pearl Diver succeeds because it understands its identity: part oyster bar, part cocktail lounge, and entirely focused on quality. It feels polished without being overdesigned, and relaxed without ever slipping into casualness.

Baby Driver - Melbourne CBD

Baby Driver is a standout laneway cocktail bar with a strong identity and a clear connection to the broader hospitality ecosystem around it, including its relationship with the team behind Beneath Driver Lane. However, it holds its own completely as a destination in its own right.

The space is intimate and moody, designed for focused cocktail drinking rather than pass-through visits. There’s a strong sense of craft behind the bar, with drinks that lean contemporary while still respecting classic structure.

babydriverWhat makes Baby Driver compelling is its independence - while it shares creative energy with its sister venues, it has carved out its own personality within Melbourne’s dense laneway bar culture. It feels rawer, slightly more experimental, and deeply embedded in the CBD’s nightlife fabric.

It’s a venue that rewards attention, both in its drinks and its atmosphere, and continues to build its reputation as a serious player in Melbourne’s small bar scene.

Backspace - Melbourne CBD

Backspace Bar is one of Melbourne’s true industry hangouts - a late-night CBD bar where bartenders, whisky lovers, and serious drinkers converge in a space that feels equal parts underground and electric. It carries a raw, unpolished energy that sets it apart from more refined cocktail venues, yet the quality behind the bar is anything but casual.

I visited during a Japanese whisky night, which doubled as a celebration of some of the best bartenders in the country. The atmosphere was charged - a mix of industry respect, camaraderie, and genuine passion for the craft. It’s the kind of event that reinforces Backspace Bar’s role as more than just a venue; it’s a hub for Melbourne’s bar community. 

The drinks offering leans deep into whisky, with a strong focus on Japanese expressions alongside an extensive broader selection. Cocktails are bold and confident, often reflecting the personalities behind the bar rather than rigid templates.

What makes Backspace Bar stand out is its authenticity. There’s no pretence here — just serious skill, strong pours, and an environment where the people behind the bar are as much a drawcard as the drinks themselves. It’s a venue that captures the heartbeat of Melbourne’s late-night bar culture.

TakasheFINALS 2

Bahama Gold - Brunswick East

Bahama Gold is one of those Melbourne bars that quietly becomes a ritual rather than a one-off visit. I’ve been here several times with a mate, and it consistently delivers that same sense of ease - a place you return to without needing an occasion.

What makes Bahama Gold particularly interesting is how well it complements the surrounding dining precinct. It sits perfectly as a pre-dinner or post-dinner stop, effectively acting as an extension of the restaurant circuit around it. But it’s also important to stress that it’s not just a “convenience bar” — it is very much a destination in its own right.

bahamagold 03953

The atmosphere is warm, slightly playful, and effortlessly social. There’s a strong sense of flow to the space — conversations spill across tables, the music sits at just the right level, and the bar feels alive without ever becoming chaotic. It’s the kind of venue where you quickly lose track of time.

Drinks lean approachable but well-executed, designed for repeat visits rather than one-time spectacle. That consistency is part of its strength. Bahama Gold doesn’t try to reinvent itself every season — it simply delivers a reliably enjoyable experience every time you walk in.

In a city full of high-concept cocktail bars, Bahama Gold stands out by being genuinely easy to love and easy to return to.

Dutch Rules Distilling - Mitcham

Dutch Rules is a standout suburban destination that blends gin distilling, hospitality, and elevated dining into one cohesive experience. Located in Mitcham, it has evolved into far more than a distillery - it’s now a serious food and drink destination anchored by a strong sense of craft.

Having visited several times, what stands out most is the depth of their gin program. The range is expressive and experimental while still grounded in classic distillation principles, making it a genuine haven for gin enthusiasts.

dutchrules 00520

The recent addition of a new kitchen and a star chef-led food program has significantly elevated the experience. On my visits, the food has been exceptional - refined, seasonal, and clearly designed to match the quality of the spirits rather than sit beside them.

Dutch Rules succeeds because it integrates production, dining, and tasting into a unified experience. It feels both local and destination-worthy, offering one of the most complete gin-led hospitality experiences in Melbourne’s outer east.

One or Two - Melbourne CBD

One or Two is one of the coolest and most effortlessly stylish small bars in Melbourne, built around intimacy, design precision, and a strong sense of personality. I visited with a mate, and it immediately stood out as a venue that understands how to balance atmosphere with simplicity.

The space is compact and curated, with a focus on creating a relaxed but elevated environment where the drinks take centre stage. There’s nothing overdone here - instead, the bar leans into clean execution, thoughtful pacing, and a confident identity.

oneortwo

Cocktails are modern and well-structured, designed for easy progression across a night rather than one-off spectacle. It’s the kind of venue where time disappears quickly, not because it is loud or chaotic, but because it feels naturally engaging.

One or Two works because it doesn’t overextend itself - it is simply a well-designed, highly drinkable bar experience that fits seamlessly into Melbourne’s laneway culture.

Mr West - Footscray

Mr West is a West Melbourne institution that combines serious drinks culture with a strong neighbourhood identity. I visited with a mate and immediately appreciated its balance of accessibility and craft.

One of its standout features is the collaboration with the restaurant next door, which creates a seamless food-and-drink experience that extends beyond the bar itself. This pairing adds real value, allowing guests to enjoy a full evening without needing to move between venues.

The drinks list is well-curated and approachable, with a strong focus on quality spirits, local producers, and a rotating selection that keeps things interesting without becoming overwhelming.

mrwest

Mr West feels deeply embedded in its community while still delivering a level of quality that makes it a destination venue. It’s relaxed, confident, and consistently enjoyable - a true neighbourhood bar done right.

Bar Olo - Carlton

Bar Olo is a refined Italian-inspired wine and aperitivo bar that has quickly become one of Melbourne’s most reliable CBD destinations. It is particularly strong as a pre-dinner or early evening stop, with a killer happy hour that makes it highly attractive for both locals and visitors.

On my visits, I’ve often combined it with a pre-booking at nearby Scopri, making it an ideal starting point for a broader dining night in the area. The flow between venues works perfectly, reinforcing Bar Olo’s role as part of a larger hospitality ecosystem.

The drinks list leans heavily into Italian wine culture, aperitifs, and well-executed classics, all served in a polished yet relaxed setting. The food offering complements the drinks program with simple, high-quality plates designed for sharing.

Bar Olo succeeds through restraint - it doesn’t try to dominate the night, but instead enhances it. It is a destination for good wine, good pacing, and a strong start to an evening in the CBD.

barolo

HER Bar - CBD

Bahama Gold is one of those Melbourne bars that quietly becomes a ritual rather than a one-off visit. I’ve been here several times with a mate, and it consistently delivers that same sense of ease - a place you return to without needing an occasion.

What makes Bahama Gold particularly interesting is how well it complements the surrounding dining precinct. It sits perfectly as a pre-dinner or post-dinner stop, effectively acting as an extension of the restaurant circuit around it. But it’s also important to stress that it’s not just a “convenience bar” - it is very much a destination in its own right.

espolon 03358

The atmosphere is warm, slightly playful, and effortlessly social. There’s a strong sense of flow to the space - conversations spill across tables, the music sits at just the right level, and the bar feels alive without ever becoming chaotic. It’s the kind of venue where you quickly lose track of time.

Drinks lean approachable but well-executed, designed for repeat visits rather than one-time spectacle. That consistency is part of its strength. Bahama Gold doesn’t try to reinvent itself every season - it simply delivers a reliably enjoyable experience every time you walk in. 

In a city full of high-concept cocktail bars, Bahama Gold stands out by being genuinely easy to love and easy to return to.


Heartbreaker - CBD

We've visited rock n roll style bar Heartbreaker many times and its a showstopper.

barmargauxweb 31 of 31

Personally I love the vibe here where its more about your rock n roll get up than flashy suits. But suits are welcome.

barmargauxweb 29 of 31

Pre-made bottled Negroni is a hit and resonably priced. We visited Heartbreaker after visiting nearby Bar Margaux which I suspect many people do. Two great bars with different vibes in Melbourne.


Above Board - Collingwood

aboveboard 4

Above Board is a revelation in Collingwood with a nondescipt entrance and almost hidden location with Hayden Lambert a master bartender. The feature here is intimacy and connection with Hayden who is a character of note.

aboveboard 8 

aboveboard 14

Only a small number of seats as you sit around the bar and get personalised service and maybe a few stories from Hayden. 


Boilermaker House

Boilermaker House is one of Melbourne's most atmospheric bars. From the same family as Eau De Vie, the concept of a boilermaker bar is a winner. We imbibed beer and matching whisky pairings, as well as first class food. 

BoilermakerHouse 9

The magical pairing of beer and whisky is the ket at Speakeasy's second venture in Melbourne, Boilermaker House. With 750 whiskies and around 40 beers there is no lack of matching potential; for every and any occasion! The World Loves Melbourne enjoyed a top notch event at Boilermaker House during Good Beer Week with boilermakers the feature. 

We experiences the breadth of styles and depth of enjoyment that can be found in a humble matching of grain based beverages.

Food was also on point with charred cauliflower, sausage, charcuteries, chips with whisky salt and cheese platters; not to mention finishing the evening with fresh oysters.

 BoilermakerHouse 26

Decor is sophisticated and welcoming, but not too formal.

BoilermakerHouse 34

Boilermaker House hums all week and has become one of Melbourne's preferred bars.


1806 - CBD

Where to take international artists after a concert? You need a bar with sophistication and presence. 1806 will never let you down! 1806 is a standout bar in Melbourne that impresses with its classic decor, impeccible bar skills and an air of sophistication. 

What I love about 1806 is its classic finery - I appreciate grungy bars but when looking to impress here in Melbourne we prefer the classic refinement of 1806. Why the name 1806? Apparently because it was then that the word cocktail was first put in print.

The cocktails follow a timeline of some 200 years, and The World Loves Melbourne notes a trend in several bars around Melbourne to give a nod to the cocktails of yesteryear transporting them to today.

1806 is an institution in Melbourne and has a global following, having produced some of the most successful bar events and personalities in the industry. Coming here is not just about enjoyment but about education.

1806 2 of 2

Image credit 1806 Facebook. Sit back on a lounge or armchair, or sit up at the long bar. You know you're in the hands of highly talented bartenders you can trust. As we ordered our first drink, Negronis, we knew these guys do such a classic drink total justice.

After a while we decided just to put ourselves in the hands of the bar tender to fix us drinks and surprise us. A good way to go. These bartenders know their stuff and are consistently brilliant.

1806 excel in classic cocktails but also have a few gems of their own. The Charlie Chaplin is also super popular here. 1806 are one of the handful of bars that can successfully match cocktails and food and are well known for their matching degustations.

And hand cut ice baby...   They also provided guests with their 1806 cocktail book.

Check out The Understudy downstairs. We enjoyed 1806 with our international guests and were politely escorted to the door at close (they also do this well).


Black Pearl - Fitzroy

Fred Siggins 5

Black Pearl bar is often considered Melbourne's best bar and has attracted significant international acclaim. The World Loves Melbourne enjoys visiting Black Pearl, both downstairs, as well as the eclectic upstairs facilities. This is another place to take out of town guests, as we did in bringing a significant celebrity chef here from Sydney. Image above: Black Pearl Facebook.

From visiting with friends, to a whisky masterclass, Black Pearl always delivers. Considered as one of the best bars in the world a visit to Black Pearl is a rite of passage for drinks aficionados.

Fred Siggins 12

Make sure you visit upstairs The Attic for entry into another world of bar excellence.


Bar Liberty - Fitzroy

barlibertyweb 1 of 33
Bar Liberty is a leading Melbourne bar which features a great food selection as well as compelling cocktails, wine, beer and sake.
barlibertyweb 27 of 33
We grabbed a choice bottle of wine and charcuterie to match.
barlibertyweb 11 of 33

barlibertyweb 8 of 33

 


Carlton Wine Room - Carlton

carltonweb 116

Carlton Wine Room is housed in an iconic historical 19th-century building on the corner of Drummond and Faraday Streets. The hospitality team is a tour de force that features co-owner Andrew Joy (ex Marion), and chef John Paul Twomey (ex Cutler & Co.). The philosophy is simple - "A neighbourhood bistro and bar, serving food that works with wine."

carltonweb 68

Strong food game and the wines are based on merit - choose from local but also international wines, as well as stunning cocktails and beers.

carltonweb 78

As I walked in to Carlton Wine Room (car park nearby was handy) I was struck by the elegance of fit out, a charming marble bar and the large windows and views to leafy Carlton. The sheer size of the place is also impressive, with five floors.The basement was a highlight with a parcel of Andrew Joy's family wines on hand, as part of a cellar.

carltonweb 165

Best roast chicken of your life.

carltonweb 140


Cumulus Inc. and Cumulus Up (private events)- CBD

Cumulus Inc. in Flinders Lane is a standout bar destination with an air of sophistication in a large studio like atmosphere. Come here and perch on a stool at the long bar or grab one of the tables. Not only is Cumulus Inc. a great bar but the cuisine here is exceptional.

Cumulus 3

Cumulus Inc. has been a consistently top notch destination for many years now, whether breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night drink. The World Loves Melbourne has visited Cumulus Inc. on many occasion and found it to be a great place to take "out of towners". Cumulus Inc. Eating House and Bar opened in 2008 in Melbourne’s famous art and fashion precinct, Flinders Lane.  Celebrating the historic turn of the century rag trade building in which it is located, the space is a busy social hub offering Andrew McConnell’s acclaimed food.

Cumulus 5

Cumulus Up. is a stunning wine bar upstairs from Cumulus Inc. European in atmosphere, the space balances edgy luxe and familiar classic to stunning effect. Featuring parquet timber floors, the interior is warm and elegant. Multi-coloured jelly ‘pill’ lights add a playful glow to the two-tone timber/black surrounds. An intimate room with a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.

The climate controlled cellar houses a considered and eclectic selection of wine. Focusing on the best examples of vintage, varietal, style and region, it offers an extensive range from both the New World and the Old.
The menu is designed by Andrew McConnell to compliment the wine; grilled seafood, dry aged beef, roast Holmbrae chicken and a selection of favourite cheeses served at their very best.  A stunning black meat slicer adorns the bar, the chefs slice hams and meats to order.

FAQs – Best Bars in Melbourne

What are the best bars in Melbourne right now?

Melbourne is home to a world-class bar scene, with standout venues ranging from intimate cocktail dens to rooftop destinations. Some of the best bars in Melbourne include Caretaker’s Cottage, Eau De Vie, Apollo Inn, Nick & Nora’s Melbourne and Beneath Driver Lane. Each offers a unique experience, from world-class cocktails to unforgettable atmosphere.

What is Melbourne famous for when it comes to bars?

Melbourne is globally recognised for its laneway bar culture, hidden speakeasies, and highly skilled bartenders. The city helped pioneer small bar licensing in Australia, leading to an explosion of creative venues like Backspace Bar and Baby Driver that focus on quality over scale.

Where can I find the best cocktail bars in Melbourne?

For elite cocktails, venues such as Eau De Vie, Beneath Driver Lane, and Nick & Nora’s Melbourne consistently deliver exceptional drinks with technical precision and creativity.

 

What are the best rooftop bars in Melbourne?

If you’re chasing skyline views and vibrant energy, HER Bar offers one of the best rooftop experiences in the CBD, while riverside venues like Ponyfish Island provide a uniquely Melbourne perspective along the Yarra River.

 

Are there good whisky bars in Melbourne?

Absolutely. Melbourne is a haven for whisky lovers, with specialist venues like Whisky & Alement and Goodwater offering extensive collections, tastings, and exclusive events.

 

What are some hidden or unique bars in Melbourne?

For something different, explore venues like Mill Place Merchants for nostalgic cocktails, or One or Two for a cool, intimate small bar experience tucked into the CBD.

When is the best time to visit bars in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s bars are vibrant throughout the week, but the atmosphere peaks from Thursday to Saturday nights. For a more relaxed experience, early evenings and midweek visits offer easier access to top venues and a more intimate vibe.