The 20 Best Bars & Nightlife in Melbourne

Hidden behind a secret entrance in the CBD, Eau de Vie is a theatrical cocktail bar with a strong focus on rare spirits and tableside presentation. The cocktail list is ambitious and the whisky collection is exceptional — ask the bartenders for a recommendation based on your palate. It's on the pricier side and reservations are strongly advised. The speakeasy atmosphere is genuinely well-executed rather than gimmicky.

A historic, centrally-located Melbourne pub with multiple dining rooms and an island bar, known for traditional pub food and a strong beer selection. Try the chicken parma, lamb, or squid. Book ahead on weekends—it gets extremely crowded, especially Thursday to Friday evenings.

A cozy, unpretentious bar on Peel Street known for exceptionally well-poured Guinness and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Order a pint of Guinness or a toasted tomato and cheese sandwich, settle in by the jukebox, and soak up the live music and literary vibe. Note that it gets noticeably busy at night, so arrive early if you prefer a quieter experience.

Cherry is an iconic Melbourne bar on Little Collins Street known for live music, classic rock vibes, and strong cocktails at reasonable prices for the city. The bartenders and security staff consistently earn praise for their attentiveness and friendliness. The main caveat: it gets very busy and crowded, which is part of the appeal for some but worth knowing if you prefer quieter venues.

A small, intimate bar on Flinders Lane with an impressive cocktail program and thoughtful whisky selection, run by owner Brenden who's genuinely warm and engaged. Order the creative house cocktails (try the Yarragoni), their house-smoked Irish whisky, or ask the knowledgeable bartenders for recommendations—they also serve excellent hot potato bread. The main caveat: it's tiny and cosy, so it can feel crowded and you might not get a quiet corner table.

A historic Melbourne pub on Swanston Street with iconic views of Flinders Station, known for solid pub food like Chicken Parma and Vanilla Slice, lively atmosphere mixing locals and tourists, and a rooftop bar available for events. The venue has significant historical importance as a farewell spot for Australian servicemen in WWII. Note that it can get quite busy, especially before AFL games at the MCG.

A lively bar on Victoria Street known for live music, vegan options, and quick service at bargain prices. The vegan seitan Parma and affordable Tuesday night family dinners ($10) are standouts. It gets genuinely packed during free shows—expect wall-to-wall crowds and intense energy rather than a relaxed atmosphere.

A classic underground English pub in the heart of Melbourne's CBD serving traditional British fare and well-made drinks in a cosy, old-world atmosphere. Must-tries include the Scotch eggs, chicken schnitzel, and Cumberland sausages with mash. Note that it's located downstairs/underground, so it's easy to miss from street level.

A natural wine bar and restaurant that has become a neighbourhood anchor in Fitzroy North, Bar Liberty offers an adventurous, rotating wine list alongside genuinely excellent food. The staff are passionate without being intimidating, and the room has a warm, convivial energy. Go for a glass at the bar or book a table for the full experience. It can be hard to get a walk-in spot on weekends.

A speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind an inconspicuous door on Benson Walk, featuring an extensive whiskey selection and creative cocktails made with impressive skill and theatre. The bartenders are genuinely knowledgeable and engaging, making this ideal for special occasions or casual drinks. Service can be slow during busy Friday nights despite the attentive staff.

A big, buzzy Fitzroy vodka bar on Brunswick Street whose real drawcard is Naked in the Sky, the rooftop with one of Melbourne's best skyline views. A friend sends you up for a sunset drink. Honest caveat: the famous help-yourself pintxos that made its name have been retired, so go for the view and vibe, not the old snack ritual.

A serious whisky bar with one of the most extensive Scotch, Japanese, and American whisky selections in Australia, paired with an excellent craft beer list. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable and happy to guide you through a tasting flight. It's a calm, unhurried environment that rewards those who want to drink slowly and thoughtfully. Prices reflect the quality of the pours, so budget accordingly.

Bouvardia is a hidden upstairs cocktail bar on Bourke Street with a sophisticated lounge atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks. The cocktails are the main draw—reviewers rave about the Major Tom and Barney's Embrace—and the staff show genuine pride in their work. One note: the space is quite small, so seating choice matters; the bar seating is preferable to the sofa area, which one reviewer found slightly dusty and humid.

A speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind an alterations shop in Melbourne's CBD, with classic old-school décor and expertly crafted cocktails. Try the Bird of Paradise Gin Fizz or Ginger Rogers, and don't miss the duck fat shoestring fries with miso aioli. Note that Saturday nights operate on a shared-table system for walk-ins due to heavy bookings.

A dimly lit, atmospheric bar on Johnston Street in Fitzroy with an owner who genuinely cares about making guests feel welcome. Order creative cocktails, classic shots, or tap beers in a cosy space lit by interesting lamps and neon. The main caveat: one review appears to be about an online merchandise order rather than the bar itself, so focus on the in-person drinking experience.

One or Two is a tiny, intimate cocktail bar hidden in Melbourne's Chinatown that's known for beautifully balanced, creative drinks and a rotating seasonal menu that changes regularly. The bartenders are knowledgeable and personable, taking time to explain flavor profiles and help you choose. The main caveat: expect a waiting line most visits—it's popular and space is very limited.

Three Horses is a chic cocktail bar on Little Lonsdale Street specializing in sherry and apéra with creative, rotating cocktails—try the Irish coffee with blueberry espresso or their frozen coconut-lemon-mango drinks. The intimate, moody fit-out and genuinely passionate staff make it a standout spot for pre-dinner drinks or a longer evening out. No caveats are evident from the reviews, though the rotating menu means your favorite drink may not always be available.

A two-level dive bar on Russell Street with a rooftop rum bar, strong bourbon and whisky selection, and a fun food menu featuring fried chicken burgers, mac & cheese waffles, and blueberry sours on tap. The staff are genuinely friendly and the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious—just know that reviews don't mention payment methods or parking, so check ahead if those matter to you.

A hidden basement cocktail bar beneath Flinders Street Station serving creative, well-crafted drinks and quality food in a moody, intimate space. Order the cocktails (reviewers rave about unique flavors), steak and fries, or miso pumpkin with quinoa, and catch Wednesday jazz nights when possible. The main caveat: it's tucked away underground, so you need to know to look for it under The Clocks at Flinders.

A proper English-style underground pub on Collins Street serving honest pub food and a solid range of beers. Order the Chicken Parmigiana, Beef & Guinness Pie, steaks, or the Ploughman's plate—all consistently praised. One note: food can take a while to arrive during busy periods, and at least one reviewer received a half pie instead of a full one.