Drink
Whether you're on the hunt for an extensive wine collection, a luxe date-night spot or a place to have a little boogie, these are our picks for the best bars in Melbourne.
The Keys
Preston's all-in-one beer garden, bar, arcade and bowling alley is the nostalgia-fuelled leisure centre you've been waiting for.
Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets
Late-night cocktails on Collingwood's Smith Street.
Santana Rooftop
Follow the glow from red neon lights to find this moody, winter-friendly rooftop bar in Melbourne's CBD.
Beermash
Try before you buy from the extensive range at this Collingwood beer bar and bottle shop.
Moon Dog Wild West
Make your way through the swinging saloon doors to find bucking bulls, arcade games, pool tables, a dog-friendly rooftop, and food and drinks aplenty.
The Moon
A moody and atmospheric spot for sipping from an extensive selection of interesting wines.
Beneath Driver Lane
Blues and bourbon in a moody underground space.
Aster Cocktail & Wine
Aster is Ferdydurke's replacement, swapping out live music for more grown-up date-night vibes.
The Shady Lady
Make yourself at home at this dark but glittering dive bar on Johnston Street.
The Rocket Society
Compared to the local institution that is Rumi, Rocket Society feels like the cool younger sibling. It stays up later, plays alternative beats and is a bit more playful with its food and drink offerings.
Misfits Bar
A trio of misfits have set up a sleek bar in Footscray, which champions local artists and community groups.
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
This sophisticated speakeasy has two great loves, pairing primo Aussie oysters with a dizzying collection of chablis.
Purple Pit
Drop by Purple Pit for the best dirty gin martini in town.
Carlton Wine Room
Home to a food menu that changes just as frequently as the 100strong wine list.
City Wine Shop
The best people watching, wine sipping spot on Spring Street.
Old Palm Liquor
A lush wine bar from the Neighbourhood Wine crew.
Dom's Social Club
The former home of Peaches and Cheek has been transformed into a laidback spot that feels distinctly like an Italian social club.
Mr West Bar & Bottleshop
A two-storey bar and bottleshop in the heart of Footscray.
Waxflower
What do you get if you cross a European wine bar with a Japanese listening bar?
Lui Bar
Vue de Monde's sister venue is a destination in its own right.
Music Room
Melbourne's first dedicated 'listening bar' boasts a 3000-strong vinyl collection and DJ Jnett in the role of Music Director.
Lulie Tavern
Abbotsford's no-frills neighbourhood warehouse bar.
The Everleigh
Experience the hedonistic pleasures of the 1920s in Fitzroy's hidden cocktail den.
Bar Lourinha
Packed to the brim, this little gem offers a trip to Spain sans the passport.
Bar Ampere
End your night with French aperitifs and raclettes at this Parisian-style bar.
Siglo
A glorious rooftop setting for some discerning bottles of wine.
Dessous
An underground bar in a heritage-listed CBD building with 'unicorn' doughnuts and strawberry and cream cocktails.
Bar Margaux
A CBD basement bar serving up French bistro food and cocktails until 5am.
Etta
The team has collectively worked at Attica, Cutler & Co, The Roving Marrow and Rosetta.
Navi
An innovative 25-seat fine diner from an acclaimed chef, nestled in the heart of Yarraville.
Heartbreaker
This wild-child American-style dive bar is a rock 'n' roll dream.
Embla
Raise a glass to Melbourne’s wine bar renaissance.
Bar Liberty
This Fitzroy wine bar has quite the sense of adventure.
Leonard's House of Love
Drink tinnies, down burgers, dance and play pool in Leonard's lounge room-like bar.
Above Board
Nab one of just 12 seats at this hidden, minimalist cocktail haunt — and prepare for some world-class drinking.
Lilac Wine
The Mulberry Group has transformed a lofty Cremorne warehouse into a cosy wine bar slinging wood-fired eats and interesting vino.
Byrdi
This new CBD cocktail haven comes from minds behind one of the world's best bars.
Caretaker's Cottage
This Melbourne bar is home to some of the world's best cocktails.
Marion
True to form, Andrew McConnell serves up another Gertrude Street gem.
Gerald's Bar
North Carlton's unchallenged eternal gem.
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