Where to Sip a Spritz in the Sun Now the Weather's Warming Up (And Get Your Drink on the House)
These top-shelf Melbourne venues are bringing big summer energy.
In partnership with 
Summer is coming — and it's about damn time we got back to living that rooftop-drinking, riverside-dining life. To celebrate the oncoming good weather, the friendly folks at Aperol are giving away 100,000 spritzes for the next two months. Yes, that's the correct number of zeroes.
To help you take full advantage of this huge offer, we've rounded up the top sun-soaked spots in Melbourne where you can get your Aperol Spritz on the house.
Whether you're in the CBD or partying it up at Fitzroy, the list below includes a carefully curated selection of bars that serve both great bevs and delectable dishes — guaranteeing you won't go home hungry (or wake up hungover) after spending the day drinking with your mates.
PRINCE ALFRED HOTEL, CARLTON
Carlton stalwart the Prince Alfred Hotel features a bar, beer garden, restaurant and function rooms where you can enjoy a chill catch-up session with friends. The menu is updated seasonally and sources some of the best local produce. In terms of its beverage offerings, the list boasts a selection of beers, cocktails, spirits and quality wines from Australia and New Zealand. But don't forget to try out some of the specials throughout the week: a classic pub roast on Sundays, half price pizzas on Mondays, $20 local dishes on Tuesdays, $18 parmas on Thursdays and happy hour from Monday to Wednesday.
HOPSCOTCH, SOUTHBANK
Hopscotch is all about the good vibes. Nestled in Southbank's urban backyard, the bar provides a plethora of beers on tap — 36 kinds to be precise — ranging from pale, stout, dark, lager, kolsch, wheat and more. But if beer isn't your thing, there are four taps dedicated to cocktails — and you can ask the bartender to try some out before you set your mind on one. You can also expect live music on the weekends, as well as sport on the big screens, as you soak up the last of the day's sun.
HER ROOFTOP, CBD
HER is an experience like no other. Conceptualised by the Arbory Crew — the brains behind Arbory and Arbory Afloat — HER Rooftop presents four floors of fun that will make you feel like you're in a different dimension. Start by dining in the Parisian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar or the Thai canteen. Afterwards, you can make your way up to the music room for a little boogie. And you can end your evening at the rooftop garden bar, which stuns with spectacular views of the CBD. Aesthetically speaking, this one is an absolute stunner. We could certainly think of worse places to get an Aperol Spritz on the house.
JOHNNY'S GREEN ROOM, CARLTON
We all love a rooftop moment, especially during the warmer seasons, so be sure to pay Johnny's Green Room a visit for a gorgeous 360-degree view of the Carlton and the inner north. Located on the third floor of King and Godfree, Johnny's serves an impressive line-up of drinks such as classic and house cocktails, beer on tap and local and international wines. Conclude your night by indulging in a range of elevated bar bites, from pizza and burgers to gelato and cheese. This is an easy win.
THE PROVINCIAL HOTEL, FITZROY
Situated in the heart of Brunswick Street, The Provincial Hotel is a bit of a local institution — and a perfect spot to unwind after a hard day's work. Our tip: head straight for the rooftop, which offers impressive sunset views. If you're feeling peckish, order yourself a parma, burger or pizza to share with your mates while you try out some of the bar's classic cocktails, beers and wines. Other than happy hour, The Provincial Hotel has a $10 pizza and trivia night on Mondays, $15 burgers on Tuesdays, karaoke and $15 parmas on Wednesdays and 50-cent wings on Thursdays. Deals, deals, deals across the board.
TETTO DI CAROLINA, SOUTH YARRA
Take your tastebuds on a trip to London or Rome at Tetto di Carolina. Sip on an expertly made cocktail on the terrace or savour your glass of white or red wine in the breezy dining area. Commence your dinner plans with freshly shucked oysters, then opt for the 200g O'Connor grass-fed steak with peppercorn sauce. Dessert is also a must. Try the cannoli served with sweet ricotta, milk chocolate or pistachio or tuck into the famous tettomisu. For now, Tetto di Carolina is also extending a few promotions such as $3 Oysters and $18 Taittinger on Wednesdays and a $20 Sando and Americano combo on Fridays — seriously, how can one refuse?
For more ways to elevate your summer with Aperol, head to the website.
