Melbourne is full of unique, interesting pubs, clubs, and whatever else you wanna call a place to get a bevvy. (Note: Their pubs are referred to as “hotels,” so don’t expect to get any overnight accommodation when you walk into a grimy “hotel” on Swan Street.)
Eating and drinking is a lifestyle in Melbourne, and you will never be short on places to go quench your thirst. There truly is something for everyone in this city.
See Also:
- 22 awesome places to eat in Melbourne
- A local’s guide to the neighbourhoods of Melbourne
- Here are the top things to do on your trip to Melbourne, Australia
Here are some of our favourite places to get a drink in Melbourne.
Cheeky patio sippin’: Madame Brussels
This Victorian-style garden patio serves up delish drinks and eats, with a side of sass. Themed like a garden party that is the perfect mix of naughty and posh, this is a great spot for a happy hour “drinkipoo” (read their menu and you’ll see where we’re coming from).
Address: 59 Bourke Street
Neighbourhood: CBD
Phone: +61-3-9662-2775
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Steamy speakeasy: Eau de Vie
If you know Melbourne, you know that these people eat, sleep, and breathe espresso martinis. Located in a very hidden speakeasy bar that you will probably walk past three times before finding the door and then continuing through the bookcase, this bar serves up one of the best espresso martinis in town. Topped with frozen saffron and vanilla mousse, the Espresso Zabaione is literally steaming when it’s served.
Address: 1 Malthouse Lane
Neighbourhood: CBD
Phone: +61-3-8393-9367
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The freshest drinks & décor: Garden State Hotel
We’re slightly obsessed with the garden-inspired decor in this four-level pub. Located in the heart of the CBD, the Garden State Hotel’s ambiance is always on point and it’s a must-visit in Melbourne. If you’re looking for a cocktail recommendation, that’d be all of ’em.
Address: 101 Flinders Lane
Neighbourhood: CBD
Phone: +61-3-8396-5777
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Hipster rooftop: Naked for Satan
Located at the top of the Fitzroy district, Naked for Satan serves up epic views of the city along with affordable drinks and eats. Melbourne is all about its rooftop bars and this is definitely one of the best.
Address: 285 Brunswick Street
Neighbourhood: Fitzroy
Phone: +61-3-9416-2238
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Dance till you drop: Richmond Club Hotel
Swan Street in Richmond is where you want to be on a Friday or Saturday night. Richmond Club Hotel (again, hotel = pub) is always filled to the brim with a bumpin’ dance floor. Get there early as there is sure to be a line-up!
Address: 100 Swan Street
Neighbourhood: Richmond
Phone: +61-3-9428-6722
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Bumpin’ rooftop: The Hotel Albion
This three-level spaces includes one of Melbourne’s biggest rooftop bars with sweeping views of the city skyline, as well as a lounge and modern bar space. With DJs, dancing, leafy décor, and modern Aussie pub fare, the Albion is a guaranteed good time, every time.
Address: 146 Evans Street
Neighbourhood: Port Melbourne
Phone: +61-3-9646-1991
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Open-air courtyard: The Precinct Hotel
Another Swan Street favourite, the multi-level Precinct is a happenin’ place to come watch the game, mingle with friends (and maybe more-than-friends), or rip up the dance floor. There’s also a large area for functions and events. Located on the corner of Swan and Cremorne, this is a prime place to start your Swan Street pub crawl.
Address: 60 Swan Street
Neighbourhood: Richmond
Phone: +61-3-9429-1633
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Hip & happenin’: Longsong
The decor and ambiance in this place are on point. Take note of the high ceilings with rafters, plenty of long wooden tables, exposed brick and worn hardwood floors; the old and cozy character in this warehouse-style restaurant and bar makes it one of the hippest places in Melbourne.
Address: Upstairs, 44 Little Bourke Street
Neighbourhood: CBD
Phone: +61-3-9653-1611
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High-end dive bar: Two Wrongs
Yes, there is such a thing as a high-end dive bar. Situated at the end of the popular dining/retail strip Chapel Street (really we just like saying “Chap laps,” which is what they call the fancy cars driving around) you will find a grunge-meets-luxe bar called Two Wrongs that is exactly the vibe you are looking for. We may or may not have originally decided to come here because Macklemore did, but it was worth it.
Address: 637 Chapel Street
Neighbourhood: South Yarra
Phone: +61-3-9827-4510
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Grimey-yet-loveable: Swan Hotel
You know how all cities have that one bar that everyone just goes to drink their face off and dance to live oldies tunes? That’s the Swan Hotel in Melbourne. For all you Vancouverites, this is the Roxy on Granville Street. There is no shame in doing a shot at the bar and dancing like no one’s watching in this large corner club on Swan Street. You know you’re going to end up there at the end of the night anyway, so don’t fight it.
Address: 425 Church Street
Neighbourhood: Richmond
Phone: +61-3-9428-2112
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Trendy cocktails: Bar Americano
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a classic New York City bar in this cozy space with dark wood accents and a checkerboard floor. Grab a seat at the bar or peep over the shoulder of the person sitting there, pick your poison and have the bartender whip you up somethin’ tasty.
Address: 20 Presgrave Place
Neighbourhood: CBD
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Bottomless brunch: Fargo & Co
In the wise words of Drake, you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. Indulge in some bottomless champagne and mimosas from 11 am-2 pm on the weekend, or really just come any day/night because this rooftop cocktail bar is always bumpin’.
Address: 216 Swan Street
Neighbourhood: Richmond
Phone: +61-3-9810-0077
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From the top: Lui Bar
The Eureka Tower is Melbourne’s tallest building, but instead of paying $21 to get to the top, why not opt for spending this on a cocktail at the second-tallest building instead? Located on the 55th level, the views from the Lui Bar stretch all the way to St. Kilda beach and cocktails are worth the price – shout out to the passionfruit martini!
Address: 525 Collins Street
Neighbourhood: CBD
Phone: +61-3-9691-3888
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Floating bar: Ponyfish Island
Running through the center of Melbourne, the Yarra River is the action-packed centre of the city. There are a number of bars along it including some pop-ups in the summer, and they are a great place to sip on a cocktail while taking in the views. Tucked under the pedestrian bridge, Ponyfish Island is one of our favourites – and the best part is, it’s open 365 days a year.
Address: Kiosk Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Neighbourhood: Yarra River / CBD
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Burger & beer: Leonard’s House of Love
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This house of love says they provide, service, and cure hangovers – what more could you want from a bar, really?! Come here for good food, drinks, prices, and vibes. The fried chicken burger has your name on it.
Address: 3 Wilson Street
Neighbourhood: South Yarra
Phone: +61-428-066-778
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Beachside brews: The Local Taphouse
Situated in the seaside suburb of St. Kilda, the Taphouse is cozy, inviting, hipster and just the right amount of rowdy. The beer garden is one of our favourite go-tos in the summer months, and the rustic décor works like a charm in the winter too.
Address: 184 Carlisle Street
Neighbourhood: St Kilda
Phone: +61-3-9537-2633
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See Also:
- 22 awesome places to eat in Melbourne
- A local’s guide to the neighbourhoods of Melbourne
- Here are the top things to do on your trip to Melbourne, Australia
You are now set up for success on a night out in Melbs – cheers to that! Want to share your favourite spots to drink in your own city? Contact us at [email protected].
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