The Best Bars in Melbourne for After-Work Drinks
Sip speciality wine, drink local craft beer or enjoy a Negroni (or two) at these post-work haunts.

The Best Bars in Melbourne for After-Work Drinks
WFH life might have shaken up our schedules and limited our office time, but we'll always have a soft spot for the humble after-work drink. No matter how (or where) your working hours are spent, there's something to be said for a few relaxed knock-offs with mates, unwinding after a big day on the job. You've worked hard and you deserve a good ol' tipple.
Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of great spots primed for after-work drinks, boasting fun crowds, top-notch sips and maybe even a few cheeky drink specials. While you still have some energy left, venture to one of these bars for a couple of bevs and send out your working day in style.
Image: Yarra Botanica
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BrewDog Pentridge
This global brewery's first Melbourne home is a sprawling bluestone beer haven, complete with two bars and a supersized beer garden.
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Full Moon Fever
Lulie's all-weather rooftop bar is an escape to the Cali desert, complete with burgers, brews and an agave-heavy cocktail list.
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Pilgrim Bar
Sip gin tea cocktails at a waterfront venue in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
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Yarra Botanica
The Yarra River's permanent two-storey pontoon bar and eatery is celebrating local produce, native ingredients and an all-Victorian drinks offering.
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HER Rooftop
Venture up to HER's garden party-inspired rooftop for punchy Thai snacks and summery cocktails, paired with sweeping city views.
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Society
This dramatic venue from Chris Lucas features two restaurants and a glam cocktail lounge.
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Hope St Radio
Roll into this lofty bar for natural wines, top-notch drinking snacks and live radio broadcasts.
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Carwyn Cellars
This Thornbury stalwart has been sating northside thirsts for over a decade.
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Baby Snakes Bar
A colourful, no-fuss wine bar that also slings frozen cocktails and seriously good sandwiches.
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Holmes Hall
The plant-filled and neon-lit venue has 20 beer taps, a vegan-friendly gastropub menu and even pinball machines and a shuffleboard table.
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Ponyfish Island
The long-standing bar now has a Miami-inspired fit-out, summery cocktails and, for the first time ever, tap beers.
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Patient Wolf Distilling Co
Sip clever gin cocktails just metres from where the gin was made at one of Victoria's largest independent gin distillery.
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Tetto di Carolina
A South Yarra bar with an outdoor terrace, live jazz and lots crafty cocktails.
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The Moon
A moody and atmospheric spot for sipping from an extensive selection of interesting wines.
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Beermash
Try before you buy from the extensive range at this Collingwood beer bar and bottle shop.
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The Local Taphouse St Kilda
This Carlisle Street institution boasts 19 taps, two fireplaces and an indoor bocce court to boot.
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Milton Wine Shop
The best spot in Malvern to buy a bottle to take away or enjoy a glass with a plate of cheese.
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The Espy
The revamped Melbourne music institution sports 12 bars, two restaurants and three live music stages across its six levels.
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The Vale Bar & Eatery
A cosy Ascot Vale local with a strong selection of pizzas and 150 wines.
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Harlow
Richmond's Great Britain Hotel has been transformed into an all-occasions pub with a dog-friendly beer garden and lots of barbecued meats.
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State of Grace
The CBD venue has reopened in a new and improved location complete with a hidden drinking den.
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Atticus Finch
A Lygon Street spot with cosy nooks, DJs on Fridays, a cute courtyard and the best cheese plate in Brunswick.
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Builders Arms Hotel
Andrew McConnell's refined pub offers British-inflected fare, a strong wine selection and a lovely little courtyard.
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Newmarket Hotel
Great pub fare, exciting architecture and a dedicated gig space — the Newmarket is a triple threat.
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Swan Hotel
Glide in and grab a pint or dance away the night in this classic Richmond bar.
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Joanie's Baretto
Thornbury's cute neighbourhood Italian bar serving spritzes, cicchetti and gluten-free pasta.
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Neptune Food & Wine
An ambitious two-level Windsor wine bar with a 'fireplace lounge' and 'cocktail saloon'.
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Heartattack and Vine
The new Italian kid on the Carlton block is cool, comfy and serves chicchetti all night.
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Arbory Bar & Eatery
With great views and even better food, this is one platform you won't mind getting delayed on.