If you’re looking for a great place to go for a drink in Melbourne, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re into beer, wine or cocktails, there’s a bar that can help you find what you’re looking for. To help you narrow down your choice, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bars in Melbourne.
Lui Bar Melbourne
Lui Bar is a sophisticated cocktail bar that sits on the 55th floor of the Rialto Hotel. The drinks are fantastic and the view is spectacular. This bar offers great service and a tempting snack menu. It’s a great place to meet up for a night out.
Lui bar has an impressive wine list and a full bar service. They also have a great selection of craft beer. And their snacks are almost as good as their drinks.
In Melbourne, you’ll find a plethora of bars that offer excellent drinks and fine dining. Some of the best in the world are located here. But, there are some hidden gems that aren’t as well-known. Here are a few.
One of the oldest pubs in Melbourne, Loch & Key is home away from home. The decor includes wood paneled walls, mounted deer heads, and a smoking area on an under-the-cover balcony.
Above Board
Above Board is a cocktail bar in the heart of Melbourne’s Collingwood. This small and cosy establishment offers a small but thoughtful selection of signature drinks. The staff is friendly and engaging, and the decor isn’t shabby.
As well as a great selection of drinks, the venue also focuses on customer service. You can see the bartenders at work in the open plan space. Unlike many other bars, there are no booths to interrupt the flow of conversation.
There is no back bar, but there is a huge timber island in the centre of the room. The decor is minimalist and the leather detailing is a standout. Not surprisingly, there are only 12 seats, with two banquettes in the rear.
Despite the small number of drinks on offer, the menu does a great job of showcasing the best of the region. Amongst the list are classic cocktails and some interesting concoctions.
Cumulus Up
If you’re looking for a wine bar in Melbourne, Cumulus Up is an excellent choice. The menu focuses on wines, cocktails, and food. There are over 400 wines on offer. It’s also a great option for after-work drinks.
The staff here know their wine. They’re passionate about their craft. Sommeliers can help you choose the perfect wine for your taste. With a range of different grape varieties and vine-growing regions, there are a lot of options to choose from.
Their food menu is inspired by European dishes. You can enjoy small plates or large platters. The selection changes seasonally to reflect small-scale farms. Guests can also order charcuterie, raw seafood, and house-smoked octopus.
Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy desserts made in-house. The cocktail list has classics as well as more modern concoctions. Traditional European-style cocktails include gin, sherry, and cognac.
Gerard’s Bar in Carlton
Gerald’s Bar is a popular, local establishment located in Carlton, Melbourne. It is known for its affable charm, jovial atmosphere and excellent wine list. The restaurant serves a variety of food, including bar snacks.
Gerald’s has been a staple in the Carlton bar scene for many years. Owner Mario Di Ienno has worked in a number of great restaurants. He has a great record collection, which is played through a valve amplifier.
You can also sample a range of local craft beers. These beers are served in the bar, along with house made bitters.
The food menu changes daily. There are small plates, changing plates, and original cocktails. On cold nights, Gerald’s has jackets to loan.
The wine list is large and varied. They have about 50 bottles on offer. Two-thirds of the listings are Victorian wines.
Moon local wine bar and bottle shop in Collingwood
The Moon is a local wine bar and bottle shop located in Collingwood, Australia. It’s owned by wine enthusiasts Lyndon Kubis and Mark Nelson, who have made a name for themselves with other businesses.
The Moon is a modern day bottle shop that offers a well-stocked selection of wine, tinnies and cocktails. It is also a restaurant, with an extensive cocktail menu and a good selection of charcuterie. If you’re looking for a night out in the northern suburbs, The Moon is a great place to start.
The Moon’s most impressive feature is its by the glass menu. You can choose from over 400 bottles and sample a variety of wines, ciders and tinnies. There’s also an aperitif menu to round out the experience.
The Moon’s other big claim to fame is its wine-friendly snacks. They offer a comte custard toastie and a whipped nduja. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a quick snack or something in between, The Moon is the place to go.
Gerald’s Bar in Carlton
Gerald’s Bar is a hip bar and a favourite among locals. It’s also a great place to enjoy a drink, especially when you’re in the Carlton area. You can take a seat and sample a cocktail or a glass of wine.
The decor at Gerald’s is simple and chic. There are antique light fixtures and a large, well-stocked wine selection. But don’t worry if you’re not into wine – they have good beer and cocktails.
The Carlton North bar is one of Melbourne’s most beloved bars. It was awarded a place in the Good Food Guide 2022, and it’s a popular destination. They have a great staff and a varied drinks list.
Aside from the drinks, Gerald’s Carlton Bar offers food. It has a few snacks to munch on while you’re drinking, and it’s worth checking out the seasonal degustation option. In the evening, there’s also a short dinner menu.
Ponyfish Island
Ponyfish Island is a floating bar located on an island in the Yarra River. It’s not only a fun place to dine, but also a unique venue that offers several other interesting and noteworthy experiences.
In addition to the bar’s main attractions, you can also check out the nearby Yarra River Cruises for a more relaxed experience. Also check out the Taboo Terrace, a two story island oasis. There are even two bars on the island, one of which is a swanky cocktail lounge.
While the Ponyfish isn’t the first place you’d go for a fancy dinner, it’s certainly a worthy stop on your next trip to Melbourne. With a plethora of drinks and food to choose from, it’s a perfect place to kick back and relax while taking in the sights of the city.
It’s not just the name that makes this a worthy visit, but the opulent design of the space. Designed by Studio Gram, it has custom terrazzo furniture, integrated lighting, and other high-tech touches.
LOOP Project Space Bar
LOOP Project Space and Bar is a creative space that hosts an ever-changing roster of music, art, and film. The venue is also an ideal setting for private corporate events. Its facilities include audio-visual equipment and two large-format built-in screens, as well as a stage. With 17 years of experience, LOOP has become an important part of Melbourne’s creative scene.
LOOP is an artist-run space that attracts progressive thinkers and social activists. They also support emerging artists. LOOP hosts music and visual arts shows and offers a range of catering options, as well as DJ-based events. Guests can choose from a range of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and craft beers.
Located at the Parliament end of Bourke Street, Loop is a multi-purpose room that can be themed to suit any occasion. From end of financial year parties to staff Christmas parties, the space can be adapted to suit your event.
Dessous
Dessous is a Melbourne restaurant and bar owned by the Mulberry Group. The menu is snacky, but it also offers substantial, well-prepared dishes. You can order dishes like braised fennel and crab noodles with nori. They also have a selection of craft beers and a wide variety of wines. Its cocktails are unique and creative, and they have a very strong by-the-glass line.
Aside from its cocktail menu, the Dessous menu features traditional European flavours with Asian influences. For dinner, the restaurant serves a range of seafood, including perfectly-cooked pork katsu sandos. If you are looking for a good cocktail or wine bar in Melbourne, Dessous is worth checking out.
Another place to try in the Melbourne CBD is the Goldilocks rooftop bar. This spot boasts stunning views of the city. Whether you’re looking to share a glass of pimms or have a romantic date, this is a great choice.
