When it comes to the bar scene, Melbourne is world-class. The city’s creative mix of large-scale rooftop cocktail lounges and smaller, hidden saloons are a treat to anyone looking to quench their thirst.
While the city is riddled with hidden gems in almost all its suburbs, most good bars in Melbourne can be found in the CBD, Carlton and Brunswick.
Here’s our list of the top 10 best bars in Melbourne in 2022:
- Beneath Driver Lane
- HER
- The Everleigh
- Johnny’s Green Room
- Old Palm Liquor
- Jungle Boy
- Bartronica
- Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters
- Lui Bar
- Boilermaker House
READ MORE: We put together our Australia travel guide to help you start your planning
Are bars in Melbourne worth the hype?
Melbourne nightlife is a good mash-up of clubs, bars, diners, entertainment options like movie theatres and karaoke, games like bowling and pool, and even casinos and jungle safaris. Melbourne has it all, from the loudest of nightclubs with some of the world’s hottest celeb musicians gracing the DJ decks to quiet pubs and bars for after-work drinks and hearty conversations with friends, or even strangers!
Apart from the usual party hotspots and drinking dens, Melbourne’s best nightlife includes late-night gaming alleys with bowling, golf, indoor bocce, ping pong, and pool where one can play all night with their gang. Sports fans can cheer on their favourite teams on the big screen at one of the town’s many opulent sports bars, while music fans can sing their hearts out in karaoke bars or dance away during live band performances in high-end clubs to make their evening a melodious affair.
In short, yes it is definitely worth the hype. Now, let’s just straight into our list of the good bars in Melbourne.
Beneath Driver Lane
If you’re looking to enjoy your booze with blues while sitting in an old, rustic, victorian style hangout, Beneath Driver Lane is the place to be. It’s been transformed from an old bank vault to a laid-back and comfortable bar, decked with low-hanging lamps and carefully decorated with black and white photos. For those looking for live music, head down to Beneath Driver Lane on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Shop/3 Driver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
HER
This five-storey rooftop bar is a new player in Melbourne’s strong bar game but is already one of the most well-loved. Sitting atop the 120-year-old Pacific house, HER features a cocktail bar, dedicated listening bar, BBQ diner and European garden rooftop bar, along with a refined selection of boutique wines, beers and spirits. With a uniquely different experience at each level, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at HER.
Address: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
The Everleigh
Crowned Australian Bartender Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2018 and Best Victorian Bar of the Year in 2019, The Everleigh is perhaps the city’s most exquisite cocktail bar. Its drinks menu includes a fine list of creative cocktails that will definitely satisfy any cocktail connoisseur out there. Even after nine years of operations and ventures into bottling, books and hand-cut ice cement, this bar still eludes a special, olde-worlde drinking charm.
Address: Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Johnny’s Green Room
Along with an extensive list of cocktails, Johnny’s offers a stunning panoramic view of the city from Carlton. Inspired by King and Godfree several floors below, the bar’s modern Italian flare invites visitors to soak in the chill vibes and great views.
It’s no wonder it commonly makes the list of the best bars in Melbourne that you should visit.
Address: Level 2/293-297 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Old Palm Liquor
This bar’s the definition of a balance between classy and comfortable. With great music (mostly jazz and soul) and great drinks, you’re in for a relaxing time at Old Palm Liquor. The creative minds behind this bar aren’t new to the scene – they’re Simon Denman and Almay Jordaan, the owners of the well-loved Neighbourhood Wine in Fitzroy. Expect to choose from an extensive variety of 300 bottles of wine, including great-tasting house wines and fancy Japanese wines.
Address: 133B Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Jungle Boy
Looking for a bar outside the CBD? Jungle Boy is an eccentric, jungle-themed bar hidden behind a sandwich shop on Chapel St. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city by soaking up the relaxing atmosphere and enjoying tropical cocktails from cute tiki mugs. This unassuming spot is famous for its delicious and exotic rum mixes.
Address: 96 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia
Bartronica
For those seeking to play classic games while enjoying their drinks, consider visiting this arcade bar on 335 Flinders Lane. In addition to serving amazing cocktails, this place brings back those nostalgic gaming memories with its selection of classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Tetris, Street Fighter II or Mortal Kombat III and other rare and antique games.
Address: Basement/335 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Pearl diver cocktails and oysters
This speakeasy bar has great vibes, great drinks and of course, great oysters. You can get them in three different ways: natural, dressed and cooked. And although you can’t go wrong, the natural dressed oyster with the “Pearl Diver”, their signature martini, is a must-try. The space itself feels like a scene from the titanic – elegantly nautical and finished with tasteful touches like old ship paintings and palm tree coat hooks.
Address: 56 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Lui Bar
Perched high on Level 55 of the Rialto building, the Lui Bar Melbourne is arguably one of the most sophisticated cocktail bars on this list. Among the fancy lounges and lampshades, sip unique Australian-accented Martinis as Melbourne glimmers below. While you’re at it, be sure to try the Belvedere Vodka and single-estate coffee, Melbourne’s finest Espresso Martini.
Address: 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Boilermaker house
The last bar is for whisky lovers. Home to 900 whiskies and an ever-rotating tap list, you’ll never run out of unique sips and possibilities at Boilermaker House. The homely vibes consisting of blues and brews is a regular haunt for city workers. If you’re visiting Boilermaker House for the first time, don’t forget to order the signature malt whisky and craft beer pairing.
Address: 209-211 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
