23 Best Bars in Melbourne, Victoria

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Most of the central city's dance clubs are along the King Street strip, or near the corner of Queen Street and Little Collins Street. Clubs usually open at 9 or 10 weekends and some weeknights, and stay open until the early-morning hours. Expect to pay a small cover at most clubs—between A$15 and A$20.

Esplanade Hotel

St. Kilda Fodor's choice

Not only is this hallowed live music venue a great place to see local bands, but the Esplanade, or "Espy," is a historic pub—built in 1878—listed with the National Trust. Following a three-year renovation, she has retained her iconic band room, and added a swag of new bar spaces and three restaurants including My Tiger for Cantonese cuisine, in vibrant, beautiful settings: grab a table on the terrace to be seen.

Gin Palace

City Center Fodor's choice

Reminiscent of Hollywood's golden era, Gin Palace is a must-visit for gin lovers, with knowledgeable staff and more than enough types of martinis to satisfy any taste, and a brace of gin and tonics featuring Australian and international craft gins and exotic tonics.

The Everleigh

Fitzroy Fodor's choice

One of the city's best cocktail bars, the Everleigh also makes a perfect spot for couples, with dark lighting, soft tunes, and glamorous, 1920s decor. Expect hand-cut ice, fine spirits, and genuinely expert bartenders.

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Cherry Bar

City Center

This iconic and intimate, this rowdy rock 'n' roll bar is located on AC/DC Lane. The address alone says it all.

Comic's Lounge

North Melbourne

This comedy club is a good place for a laugh.

Cookie

City Center

Located in a lofty warehouse-style space with exposed ceiling pipes and a balcony, Cookie focuses on domestic and international craft beer and great Thai food.

252 Swanston St., Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- 03 - 9663–7660

Corner Hotel

Richmond

The Corner Hotel has alternative, reggae, rock, blues, and jazz gigs with an emphasis on homegrown bands. Tasty pub meals can be had on the rooftop for a pre-gig dinner or in the beer garden, 'Round the Corner.

Embla

City Center

Welcoming but still sophisticated, Embla is a throwback to and an improvement on Melbourne's original small bar scene. An accessible but often obscure wine list is accompanied by wholesome gourmet snacks from the wood-fired oven that are cooked to perfection.

Max Watt's House of Music

City Center

This popular venue is known for live local and lesser-known international rock bands, and as a stand-up venue during the International Comedy Festival.

Melbourne Supper Club

City Center

Age-buffed leather sofas, cigars, and an exhaustive wine list characterize this classy club. For views and cocktails, continue upstairs to the rooftop terrace bar Siglo, which overlooks the neoclassic architecture of Victoria's state parliament building.

161 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
03-9654–6300

Mitre Tavern

City Center

One of the oldest pubs in town, pulling pints since 1868, locals love the unpretentious vibe of this British-style establishment in the city's financial district. It's especially popular with nine-to-fivers who like an after-work drink in the beer garden.

Ms Collins

City Center
A bar from Tuesday to Saturday, with food designed by some of Melbourne's top chefs, Ms Collins turns Latin American on Thursday and R&B club on Friday night.

Palais Theatre

St. Kilda

This theater, which first opened in 1927, features film, music festival openings, and concerts by Australian and international acts such as the Soweto Gospel Choir and Joe Bonamassa.

Polly

Fitzroy

Mix with colorful and quirky clientele in an equally fun 1920s design with red-velvet lounges, gilt mirrors, and chandeliers. Also enjoy a traditional or contemporary cocktail—there are 55 concoctions to choose from.

Prince of Wales

St. Kilda

For rock and roll, punk, and grunge, head to the Prince Bandroom at the Prince of Wales, which attracts a straight and gay crowd. Ticket prices vary widely, depending on the gig.

Retreat Hotel

Brunswick

This expansive pub has local bands performing most nights of the week. It also has one of the city's best beer gardens.

Revolver Upstairs

Prahran

This bar caters predominantly to young partygoers, with early-morning recovery sessions—a time for revelers around town to keep on partying—that are especially popular.

Section 8

City Center

A shipping container located in an old parking lot in Chinatown, set in an alleyway filled with street art, Section 8 is all things Melbourne. The reliably trendy bar is popular with the artsy student crowd enjoying a drink (and maybe a dance) in this mostly outdoor bar.

Spotted Mallard

Brunswick
In addition hosting live bands, this venue also has trivia nights and serves a range of microbrewery beers.

The Atrium Bar on 35

City Center

This cocktail bar on the 35th floor of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins has spectacular views; a great way to end a night at one of the nearby theaters.

The Night Cat

Fitzroy

Bands and DJs play Afro-Cuban and disco dance music here Thursday to Saturday evening, and the Latin big band on Sunday night is legendary.

The Rainbow

Fitzroy

Most nights of the week, for the past few decades, this great pub, located down a backstreet, has been showcasing local acts. There's also a great range of craft beers available, which you can enjoy in the beer garden during the warmer months. Established in 1869, this neighborhood pub has budget steak nights on top of its regular menu, and over 100 beers for you to work your way through.

Union Hotel

Brunswick West

This family-friendly pub showcases local music on weekends. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.