When it comes to drinking around Melbourne, locals and visitors alike are spoiled for choice with a world-class bar scene unlike any other in Australia.

Readers often ask us about the best hidden bars in Melbourne, but in a city such as this, secrecy is overrated. While locals and out-of-towners alike would prefer the air of exclusivity that comes with stumbling upon a hidden gem in Melbourne, the truth is that this city’s exacting standards are so high that anywhere and everywhere is a reliably good time.

Melbourne’s best cafes, restaurants and pubs are all tied together by the throughline of storied Victorian produce. But bartenders also benefit from all those pristine ingredients, using them in creative ways to craft signature cocktails that blow minds by the day. Couple this with well-sourced wine lists and a strong connection to great local breweries, and you have a bar scene to rival cities like London, New York and Tokyo.

Below, we’ve rounded up over 40 of what we feel are the best bars in Melbourne right now, from Fitzroy to Footscray. And we’ve gone broad with it as well, listing our favourites so you’ve got a solid guide whether you’re searching for the best bars in Melbourne CBD or a sunny rooftop with an outsider’s perspective of Melbourne’s jagged skyline.

1. Beverley Rooftop, South Yarra

Beverley Rooftop has an exclusive feel to it.

Best For: After-work rooftop drinks high above South Yarra.

Set 24 floors above South Yarra, Beverly Rooftop smartly maximises its stunning 270-degree Melbourne skyline views. It doesn’t exactly fit the bill for anyone seeking hidden bars in Melbourne, but it’s still underrated enough that it feels exclusive.

You’ll find this excellent cocktail bar on the rooftop of Goldfields House on Chapel Street, brimming with sophistication, high-end wines (including a generous by-the-glass selection) and signature concoctions using top-shelf spirits.

There’s hardly a better place to be in Melbourne when golden hour peeks through that breezy glass ceiling and the space springs to life. Just note that, on most days, Beverly calls last drinks at 11pm, so this isn’t the late-night haunt that defines many other Melbourne cocktail bars.

Address: Level 24/627 Chapel St, South Yarra

2. Capers, Thornbury

Pair your drinks with colourful mezze plates.

Best For: Inventive cocktails inspired by classic Greek dishes

Capers is a homely Greek bar on High Street, just a quick skip from Thornbury Station.

Cousins Christian Evripidou and Anastasios Konnari have kept the space minimal with nods to their upbringing, spurring Greek bar snacks and stiff cocktails to match.

Fill the table with those colourful mezze plates and pair them with thoughtful signatures like the Greek Salad Martini, which takes Tanquerey Gin and builds it with martini bianco, vinegar shrub, cucumber, tomato and olive brine. It may sound gimmicky, but this deliciously fresh concoction is a crowd-pleaser.

Address: 843 High St, Thornbury

3. Black Pearl, Fitzroy

Black Pearl has reinvented itself with world-class cocktails.

Best For: A charming atmosphere and a stiff classic cocktail

Black Pearl has been a Fitzroy institution for over two decades and constantly reinvents itself with world-class cocktails and immaculate service. A highly efficient team of dapper bartenders stand at the ready, always up for a chat about pretty much anything while layering those spectacular in-house creations and matching them with upscale bar bites.

After a 2015 refurbishment, the two-level space (upstairs bar, The Attic, is just as good) looks like it was ripped from a vintage Hollywood movie set.

Locals are fiercely proud of what’s on offer at Black Pearl, so you’ll find the place packed on any given night. Be prepared to wait. Fortunately, the award-winning bar is open until 3am on Wednesday through Monday, so there’s plenty of time to climb on board and see what the fuss is about.

I typically like to keep this at the end of a wider bar crawl around Fitzroy, given the busiest times are usually between 8pm and 12am. I like to arrive when things are winding down.

Address: 843 High St, Thornbury

4. Bouvardia, CBD

The moody space is enlivened by gem-coloured furniture.

Best For: A dapper British vibe with highly technical cocktails

Despite Melbourne’s constant flow of new bar concepts, there’s no formula as reliable as some classic minimalism and a highly curated drinks list.

This is what owner Abjar Kasho does exceptionally well with Bouvardia, taking cues from classic London speakeasies with a moody space enlivened by gem-coloured furniture and a green marble bar.

The cocktail menu is short and exacting, listing technique-forward signatures on the one-pager. The selection changes regularly, but the bartenders are unquestionable when it comes to balance, flavour and creativity.

Don’t shy away from the team’s zero-alcohol cocktails either, as this is usually where you get a real sense of the skill required to refine the low-to-no alcohol movement.

Address: 2/169 Bourke St, Melbourne

5. Byrdi, CBD

Best For: Subversive cocktails inspired by gastronomy and local produce

The bartenders at Byrdi build cocktails with almost scientific precision, nodding to the fact that exacting standards always lead to the best flavours. The menu’s robust, reliable and reasonably priced list of signature cocktails changes frequently, but regulars would riot if a few classics were shunned.

A non-negotiable is the O.My Crusta, with Tasmanian apple, fermented yacón, tomato honey, and burnt mountain pepper wood crusta. It’s not only the best cocktail on the menu, but a shining example of how eccentric and open-minded this CBD cocktail bar is.

Given that Byrdi is located in a food precinct, Ella, it’s also within spitting distance of Melbourne Central, making it one of the most accessible cocktail bars in Melbourne CBD.

Address: 211 La Trobe Street GD075, Melbourne

6. Black Kite Commune, CBD

Black Kite Commune serves up premium signature cocktails and smart bar snacks.

Best For: Dramatic interiors, unexpected bar bites and classic cocktails

Inspired by the swanky supper clubs of the 20th Century, Black Kite Commune is a class act with a theatrical design focused around a stunning golden tiled bar.

Owner Ben Luzz has built a big, moody atmosphere that shuns modernity for something more timeless and dramatic, elevated by a solid list of premium signature cocktails and smart bar snacks. The kitchen is known for playing around with unexpected produce, so don’t be surprised if the bartender suggests some crocodile meat to cut through your Old Fashioned.

Open until 1am every day of the week, Black Kite Commune has quickly become a late-night favourite in the CBD and a regular haunt for office workers when the mood strikes for something much more compelling than beers at the pub.

Address: 211 La Trobe Street GD075, Melbourne

7. Whisky & Alement, CBD

Discover hard-to-find bottles, from Scottish single malts to rare Japanese whiskies.

Best For: A comprehensive selection of the world’s best whiskies

Whisky & Alement has been noted as one of the world’s best whisky bars since it opened in 2010. And that reputation has persisted for over a decade, despite healthy competition in the area.

You’ll find this well-dressed ode to the brown stuff on Russell Street, featuring around 1,000 rotating whiskies from across the world. Everything from Scottish single malts to rare Japanese whiskies typically covers the glowing back bar, while an adjoining bottle shop stocks some hard-to-find bottles.

The staff are thorough in their knowledge about the wide world of whisky, and you’ll often find them leading educational sessions and monthly tastings in partnerships with the world’s biggest distilleries.

Address: 270 Russell St. Melbourne

8. The Elysian Whisky Bar, Fitzroy

There are just under 300 whiskies on display at the bar.

Best For: Whisky drinkers with a taste for rarities and hard-won classics

Open until 1am Tuesday through Saturday, The Elysian Whisky Bar is an ode to brown liquor with a firm grip on rarities and education. There are just under 300 whiskies on display at the bar, which was opened by ex-Whisky & Alement alumni Kelvin Low and Yao Wong.

You’ll find whiskies from all over the shop, tracing tried-and-true regions like Japan and Ireland, to lesser-appreciated pockets like Holland, Germany and India.

Sink into the comfortable leather seats and let a dram or two take the edge off. I like how it’s almost always not as loud and buzzy as other Fitzroy bars, pitched as more of a light, pleasant hum so I don’t feel too drained whenever I leave.

Address: 113 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

9. Bar Thyme, Footscray

Bar Thyme is one of the best wine bars outside of the city.

Best For: Interesting wines and one of the best house spritzes in Melbourne

Move away from Melbourne’s love of perfectly balanced cocktails and explore some of the best wine bars outside the city, starting with Bar Thyme. The menu here changes weekly, sporting French bistro classics that pair with a strong focus on funky wines.

As one of the only wine bars in Footscray, Bar Thyme doesn’t want to offer anything substandard. The selection here is proudly unconventional, favouring fascinating drops championing Australian and European producers.

If you are in the mood for cocktails, you’ll find mostly classics and a local line-up of spirits. Don’t forget to try the house Spritz, made of lemon and thyme syrup with dry sherry and sparkling wine.

Address: 227 Barkly St, Footscray

10. Commis, Collingwood

The ambience at Commis is modern, playful and unpretentious. (Image: Tizia May)

Best For: A playful food menu and funky local wines

Three ex-staffers from Carlton North’s legendary Gerald’s Bar sprouted Commis in Collingwood towards the end of 2023. And it seems they learnt a thing or two about cobbling together a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a big step forward for Melbourne wine bars in general.

Commis is modern, playful and unpretentious, keeping it simple with exceptional service taken alongside a seemingly endless wine list and produce-forward bar bites. You can even get in on the daily staff meal for just $15, but don’t leave without trying the excellent crab and ricotta cakes served with smoked corn.

As it’s fairly low-key compared to Collingwood’s livelier spots, Commis is only open until 11pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Address: 56-58 Johnston St, Collingwood

11. Don’s, Prahran

Don’s is just a stone’s throw from Prahran Market.

Best For: Making new friends over wine and pasta

If there’s one constant truism in Melbourne, it’s that Don’s in Prahran knows how to party. This Chapel Street bar is always buzzing with the local community, hidden away with a hard-to-find entrance just a stone’s throw from Prahran Market.

Alex Gavioli’s handsome wine bar feels like a warm hug each time you take a spot at the 12-metre communal table and start firing off orders from the wine list. Talking to strangers is a must, and leaving with new friends is expected.

Simple snacks like garlic flatbread and sardines on toast are best followed by pasta or a show-stopping fried chicken sandwich. As such, make sure you’re just as hungry as you are thirsty.

Address: 202 Commercial Rd, Prahran

12. Manze, North Melbourne

Best For: Buttery Mauritian food paired with local wines

If there was any modern wine bar Melbourne locals can’t seem to get enough of, it’s Manze.

Hospitality hotshot Nagesh Seethiah opened this cosy Mauritian wine bar and restaurant alongside journalist Osman Faruqi and visual artist Jason Phu back in 2021 and instantly satisfied Melbourne’s undying need for something new and different.

Grab some crab with masala butter or traditional rougaille lalo and play around with the rotating wine list. Like most other Melbourne wine bars, Manze is dedicated to showcasing why local producers are some of the best growers in the world.

Address: Shop 2/1/5 Errol St, North Melbourne

13. Navi Lounge, Yarraville

Inventive gastronomy spills into each cocktail in this moody space.

Best For: Sophisticated dining and exceptional gastronomic cocktails

With just 33 seats, fine dining institution Navi is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Not only that, but the adjoining Navi Lounge also offers some of Melbourne’s best cocktails.

The kitchen’s firm grip on inventive gastronomy spills into each cocktail in this moody space next door to the dining room. Service is gold-standard and the ambience is one of pure decadence, filling that frame with creative concoctions like a caper leaf and cod fat martini and fan-favourite Royal Blood, which builds anise myrtle amaro with blood orange, spiced rum and mezcal.

Nothing is without careful consideration at this stylish cocktail lounge. The generous by-the-glass wine list is just as worthwhile, and the beers nod to some of Melbourne’s best breweries like Hop Nation and Two Birds.

Hungry? Go for the 8-course dinner menu available Wednesday through Saturday and make sure your table has one of those eye-opening cocktail flights for the perfect match.

Address: 83b Gamon St, Yarraville

14. Caretaker’s Cottage, CBD

The award-winning English pub on Little Lonsdale Street is one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. (Image: CC Media)

Best For: A swig of English charm and a simple drinks list

In 2023, Caretaker’s Cottage ranked as the 23rd best bar in the world as part of the World’s 50 Best series. The acclaim is not unfounded, turning this heritage bluestone cottage into a transportive space that feels unlike anything else in Australia.

Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling lead the charge at this award-winning Melbourne bar, which seats just 50 people at a time. The almost bucolic charm plays a big part, as does the simplicity. All you’ve got is expertly balanced cocktails, a tight list of Australian craft beer, and a transportive interior that could place you anywhere in the world, from a small English pub to a New England roadside shack.

Regulars will pop in just for the Guinness on tap, while awe-struck visitors are typically busy working their way through cocktails that put slight twists on classics but are mostly hinged on familiar flavours.

Address: 139-141 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne

15. Odd Culture, Fitzroy

Expect full-flavoured bar snacks at Odd Culture.

Best For: Experimental drinks, unexpected beers and full-flavoured bar snacks

Once upon a time, it was rare to see a Sydney-born concept make its way to Melbourne. But Odd Culture made the trek to the very appropriate suburb of Fitzroy.

The hybrid bottle shop and bar takes a broad, experimental approach to its drinks list, and you’ll almost always find something new to fuss over. The team favours yeasts, ferments and skin-contact wines, as well as subversive imports from obscure French vineyards and Japanese natural wineries.

You’ll want to either work across the bar’s 12 taps or take your palate on a run through Odd Culture’s signature cocktails, such as the sour Negroni with a vermouth fermented from cherry-flavoured beer.

The food is also wildly imaginative. While the bites menu isn’t as extensive as the Odd Culture up in Newtown, Sydney you’ve still got unexpected snacks like the signature chicken liver pate with house-made crisps and fish sauce caramel. It’s my favourite bar snack in Australia.

Address: 296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

16. One or Two, CBD

The interior is jazzed up with dark, moody lighting. (Image: Kristoffer Paulsen)

Best For: Cocktails after dinner in Chinatown or a late-night dram

After stints at some of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars, such as Above Board and The Everleigh, Andy Chu has opened his dream venue in Chinatown with One or Two.

The bar is perfect for pre- or post-dinner cocktails or a late-night dram of rare scotch. Equal attention is given to both signature concoctions and whiskies that are so rare you might not even spot them at The Elysian.

Although it’s far from a dichotomy. One or Two offers plenty to drinkers of all persuasions, although the Asian-inspired cocktails seem to be the most popular amongst the bar’s growing base of regulars.

Chu is committed to creating a dynamic bar with offerings that change regularly, even bringing in guests from some of the world’s best bars to showcase a broad spectrum of beers, wines and spirits.

Address: 18 Celestial Ave, Melbourne

17. Marion Wine Bar, Fitzroy

Pick from a seemingly endless list of food and wine options. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: A big blow-out with clients or a special occasion with friends

Hospitality giant Andrew McConnell runs his signature wine bar as a sister operation to next door’s Cutler & Co, on Fitzroy’s famous Gertrude Street. Framed by exposed brick walls with touches of black leather and dark wood, the well-dressed Marion Wine Bar is the perfect setting for its laborious wine list.

McConnell has pulled a seemingly endless list of options that even the hardiest of wine enthusiasts will find appealing. Exploration is key, and just about every major grape variety is ticked off several times over.

Most tables will be plastered with bottles of premium wines, but there’s also a generous by-the-glass list. The food menu is classic McConnell, with upscale bar bites using local produce and substantials like pasta and steak.

Address: 53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

18. HER Bar, CBD

HER pours classic cocktails with a twist. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: A big night out with Melbourne’s trendiest crowd

Slide across that pink terrazzo floor and right up to the bar at HER, the crown of this ambitious concept by the same team behind Melbourne’s iconic Arbory.

The four-storey house of hospitality hosts many different concepts, but those serious about their liquor should stick to the ground-floor HER Bar. The theatrical space springs to life at night, where leather banquettes are full of chatter, raclette cheeseburgers and clinking Champagne glasses.

Subtle twists on classic cocktails are bread-and-butter at HER Bar, but the wine list is just as solid with a robust selection of locals and imports, platforming mostly small producers that are rarely seen in bars like this.

Address: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

19. March, Collingwood

Best For: A classy evening with inventive cocktails in an expensive setting

Part of Peter Gunn’s acclaimed fine diner, Ides, this atmospheric wine bar is an attempt to wash Collingwood with a sea of calm and sophistication. While on paper, March may seem like a pretentious addition to one of Melbourne’s most influential culinary experiences, it’s all very casual and far from stuffy.

Pride of place is a spot at the black-and-gold marble bar, where bar snacks like sweet and sour fried quail are best paired with whatever the staff recommend. The menu changes far too frequently for us to name any solid favourites, but a consistently high standard guarantees a good time. Just make sure you’ve got your credit card on you.

Address: 90 Smith St, Collingwood

20. The Everleigh, Fitzroy

The Everleigh has elevated Melbourne’s cocktail scene. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Some of the best cocktails in Australia

There might not be any cocktail bar in Melbourne that hasn’t pulled at least some influence from The Everleigh. The world-class establishment has been constantly elevating Melbourne’s cocktail scene since it opened in 2011, bringing some golden era swagger to Fitzroy as a counterbalance to all the hipster tropes.

Inside, a stunning marble bar and a series of leather-bound booths give a masterclass in world-building. You could be anywhere in the world at The Everleigh, from Paris to New York City. But there’s still something distinctly Melbourne, possibly caked into the relaxed service and echoed by the local ingredients.

The smartest idea is to almost always opt for The Bartender’s Choice and let this small army of top-tier movers and shakers take care of you for the night. The attention to detail is unparalleled, and that quality spills over to the simple bar snacks like sardines, charcuterie and chicken liver pate.

Address: Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

21. Bar Margaux, CBD

Pop by Bar Margaux for a moody late-night tipple. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Late-night tipples in the CBD with classic French food

French-styled Bar Margaux is much more than its mouth-watering signature burger. While the kitchen is famous for its superlative offerings, the space works just as well for a moody late-night tipple in Melbourne CBD.

Time your visit between 10pm and midnight for a Golden Hour supper menu, where the food is affordable and you won’t have to fork out as much for some premium Champagne. Similar to the food, the bar prefers reliable classics done well, so cocktails like a traditional Martini or Manhattan are a must.

Address: Basement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

22. Hope St Radio, Collingwood

Hope St Radio is an incubator for Melbourne’s creative scene. (Image: Peter Frederick Cole)

Best For: A communal vibe and banging tunes

Is this the coolest wine bar in Melbourne? Many locals certainly think so, with Hope St Radio quickly becoming one of the trendiest spots in town thanks to its simple, relaxed approach and unique concept.

It almost feels like a rebellion against Melbourne’s more premium-looking options, appropriately bare and simple, with the radio station broadcasting from the space in Collingwood Yards.

The focus is on community and inclusivity, so the crowd here is always incredibly diverse and welcoming. The warmth extends to the menu, with well-sourced wines and bowls of pasta, best shared while in conversation with local DJs and chefs. It’s an incubator for Melbourne’s creative scene.

Address: 35 Johnston St, Collingwood

23. Bar Romantica, Brunswick East

Pick from the Italian wines on display. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Piping hot pizza and Italian wines.

One of the most authentic Melbourne venues comes alive when it’s packed to the rafters, so it helps that this happens so often.

Once an iconic 24-hour pizza/dive bar, clad with fluorescent lights and laminate tables, Bar Romantica is now a sophisticated wine bar and restaurant that nods to its Italian past.

Wood-fired pizzas are served hot and puffy, alongside wines from small, sulphur-free bespoke makers. Yes, it does its predecessor justice (they kept the pool table), but also reimagines nuanced appeal in a suburb blessed with countless late-night joints.

Address: 52/54 Lygon St, Brunswick East

24. Death or Glory, Prahran

Best For: A playful night out with American classics

Death or Glory is about as Chapel Street as you can get. Located across the road from Revolver Upstairs, and next to the Cash for Anything pawn shop, a drink here is a lesson in local institutions.

Walls are lined with decorated skateboards (a nod to the iconic Prahran skate park), the staff are all local, and the characters you’ll find inside are an ode to the suburbs’ best.

The menu features a selection of American classics, meaning you’re guaranteed a full stomach. And if you’d like to immortalise it, stay for a memento in the photo booth.

Address: 218 Chapel St, Prahran

25. Montys Bar, Fitzroy North

Sip to the sounds of LP’s from the turntables.

Best For: A focused drinks list and rustic interior

If you could bottle what Fitzroy North is ‘supposed’ to feel like, Montys would sell it in droves. They somehow manage to package a quintessential Fitzroy experience, sans the bells and whistles found at many of its peers.

There are only two beers on tap (one being their own), and 11 bottles on the wine list. Oh, and the food is prepared by 1000 Lire, and Just Falafel right next door. Simple enough for you?

Take a seat at the recycled church pew up the back, a bench stool, or a deep booth down the side and sip to the sounds of records from the turntables tucked alongside the bar.

Address: 209 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

26. Fargo & Co., Richmond

Best For: Killer cocktails in a heritage setting

Every city has a bar that tries its hardest to set the benchmark, like Fargo does. Housed in a 1900s heritage State Bank, the setting has been re-purposed as an all-day bar, still retaining nods to its original colonial charm.

For locals, it’s the place to go for a mix of killer cocktails and beautiful people. It’s also home to one of the area’s best bottomless brunches.

Address: 216 Swan St, Richmond

27. Kewpie, Fitzroy

Best For: Cheap pizzas and dancing

When a devastating fire ravaged Bimbo Deluxe in 2018, the owners had two options. They could close their doors for good, or they could go back to the drawing board and pivot to evolve the much-loved space into something bigger and better. Thank god they chose the latter, accompanied by a name-change with Kewpie.

Since dropping the ‘Deluxe,’ the self-styled dance bar has shone in a way that does justice to the original. Revisit old favourites like $5 pizzas and infused vodkas, while saying hello to some welcome contemporary additions, while partying the night away on one of Melbourne’s best rooftops.

Address: 376 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

28. Madame Brussels, CBD

Have a cold pint on the rooftop.

Best For: Drinks in an immersive themed garden

Back when rooftop bars were all the rage in Melbourne, Madame Brussels was the Alice in Wonderland-shaped hole that satisfied the keen sky-goers.

This adorable themed bar sits on the outdoor roof in an enclave of the CBD, nestling itself nicely between the neighbouring concrete masses. It feels strangely other-worldly for its location, resting on the laurels of great decor and an equally great drinks menu.

Indulge in the garden-party lifestyle, and get used to the service of Pimm’s, punch, rosé, and chicken sandwiches by staff in tennis whites.

Address: 3/59 Bourke St, Melbourne

29. Tetto Di Carolina, South Yarra

This intimate cocktail bar pays homage to the best of elegant Europe. (Image: Kristoffer Paulsen)

Best For: A transportive setting inspired by the Mediterranean

Tetto Di Carolina screams opulence from the get-go. Much like its much-loved downstairs neighbour, Bar Carolina, this intimate cocktail bar pays homage to the elegant backstreets of Western Europe. My favourite thing the bar is just how immersive it is, with the food and drink perfectly matching the echos of summer nights in Italy.

The cocktail list will transport you straight to the Mediterranean – Italian Americanos, Aperol’s, and Espresso Martini’s do it best. There’s also Champagne with hefty price tags and food that blurs the lines.

Their six-metre bar features walnut stools for punters, alongside terrazzo tiles on the floor. Just don’t get lost on the way to the bathroom; the dimly lit ambience may make it hard to find your way back.

Address: Level 1/48 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

30. Mr West, Footscray

Find local craft beers, cider, wine and cocktails at Mr West. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Affordable local beers in a casual setting

A former $2 shop was given a new lease on life when Mr West entered the building.

It’s space-on-space at this bar slash bottle shop. The upstairs heroes exposed concrete and timber, with upcycled furniture making way for an extensive array of seating. Oh, and there’s also a rooftop courtyard, satisfying anyone after some rooftop sessions.

Across the 24 taps, you’ll find local craft beers, cider, wine and cocktails, but if you’re hungry, Mr. West encourages you to jump on your favourite app and have food delivered from a local restaurant.

Address: 106 Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray

31. Beneath Driver Lane, CBD

Spend an intimate date night at this low-lit bar. (Image: Kim Jane Photography)

Best For: Underground speakeasy vibes, classic cocktails and vintage blues tunes

Many argue that for a city as concerned with retaining charm as Melbourne, so many of its concealed spaces are underused. Beneath Driver Lane makes a case for the opposite, proving that many venues are doing the subterranean-style justice.

Housed in an old bank vault, inside you’ll find classic cocktails, warm blues music, seasonal cocktails and French-inspired bar food served until 3am. Seven days a week.

The air of privacy is addictive for locals, so you’d typically find all types of people tucked away down this space, drinking well past midnight.

Address: Shop/3 Driver Ln, Melbourne

32. Leonard’s House of Love, South Yarra

Sit down for a cold beer at Leonard’s House of Love.

Best For: Melbourne’s best fried chicken washed down with a cold beer

It’s hard to sum up somewhere as iconic as Leonard’s, given that the venue means so many different things to so many different people. Regulars pack this place out throughout the week, partying well into the early hours of the morning on weekends.

The ‘70s American-style bar is prolific when it comes to burgers, fried chicken and cheap booze, both curing and causing the worst kind of hangovers since 2015.

Address: 3 Wilson St, South Yarra

33. Prudence, North Melbourne

Best For: A community vibe and loud music

Community shines at this cosy, local hangout. Stop at Prudence for a local experience packed with exceptional music, further attested by the fact that this space used to be a record store.

You’ll find other sonic joy speckled throughout the night. Staff members put their favourite records on every night, and the bar’s rare vintage collection is proudly displayed alongside a wide array of spirits.

The spirits list in question is extensive, in addition to a generous selection of wines, showcasing both local and international drops curated to Melbourne’s famously high standards.

Address: 368 Victoria St, North Melbourne

34. Gerald’s Bar, Carlton North

Gerald’s Bar has a homely yet lively wine bar atmosphere.

Best For: A homely atmosphere and affordable imported wines

With plenty of experience helming relaxed restaurants, owner Gerald Diffey and manager Mario Di Lenno, quickly made Gerald’s Bar a home away from home for many Carlton residents.

Inside, you’ll find a snug, lively wine bar where guests are encouraged to throw their walnut shells on the floor. They’re also encouraged to indulge in the 200-deep wine list, which features a hearty selection that rotates depending on both seasonality and the tastes of informed staff.

I always make sure I’m packing an appetite when I arrive at the Carlton North institution (which in late 2025 will move from Rathdowne to Lygon Street). The chef’s menu changes daily, and we aren’t talking just a couple of switch-outs. Naming any favourites would be useless since it changes so drastically, and so often.

Address: 386 Rathdowne St, Carlton North

35. Above Board, Collingwood

Sit back on one of only 12 bar seats.

Best For: World-class cocktails by some of Melbourne’s best bartenders

Exclusivity reigns supreme at Above Board – a small, intimate cocktail bar with only 12 seats and no standing permitted. What also reigns supreme is owner Hayden Lambert’s commitment to unpretentiousness.

He decides which labels will be served that night, and conceals them behind the bar post, decanting. This means that most patrons can’t even be sure what they’re drinking. It’s the perfect place for those who care less about labels and more about a bespoke experience.

There are around 25 cocktails on the menu – both signatures and updated classics. However, unexpected combinations are common, so sit back (on one of only 12 bar seats) and watch the magic unfold before you.

Address: 1/306 Smith St, Collingwood

36. Whitehart Lane, CBD

Whitehart Lane was built from steel beams and shipping containers.

Best For: A hipster haunt with al fresco seating

Whitehart is what happens when you build a bar from steel beams and shipping containers. The result is quintessentially Melbourne: a venue where cool people come to a cool place to drink cool things in cool novelty containers. Though as someone deeply uncool myself, I’ve never felt unwelcome.

Graphic designer Daisylegs created digital projections for the space, enjoyed on either the ground floor or the elevated loft space.

The drinks list focuses mostly on cocktails and local beers, with an added wine list for those in the mood.

Address: 22 Whitehart Ln, Melbourne

37. Bar Liberty, Fitzroy

This beloved wine bar makes fresh and innovative takes on the classics. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: After-work wines and exceptional food any day of the week

Ask any Fitzroy local their favourite watering hole and Bar Liberty will come up. It’s one of Melbourne’s best wine bars for a multitude of reasons, but people come here primarily for the kind of service that marks you as a family from your very first visit.

This place does things a little differently. Oxidised wine served as an aperitif, bread comes with scissors and vegetable juice is used to dress scallops. In this case, however, different is good.

Predominantly a wine bar, drinks are like the space itself: light and unpretentious. And while that’s a common theme for Melbourne, this beloved wine bar refines the classics in a way that always feels fresh and innovative.

The best time to head along is on a Sunday afternoon, when the sun is out and day drinking becomes an art form.

Address: 234 Johnston St, Fitzroy

38. Siglo, CBD

Pull up a Parisian-style wicker chair. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Classic Melbourne views and expensive Champagne

Climb to the top of a wraparound timber staircase and you’ll find a cube of industrial steel, glass and neon. This is Siglo, an absolute must for those looking for Melbourne’s best rooftop bars.

An old favourite of the Melbourne CBD, pull up a Parisian wicker chair to panoramic views of Parliament, the spire of St Patrick’s Cathedral and the domes of the Princess Theatre.

Tables are donned with white cloths fringing a terrace, and the focus is on classic cocktails, spirits and Champagne, as well as a selection of fine Cuban cigars and bar snacks.

Address: 2/161 Spring St, Melbourne

39. Oh Loretta, Northcote

Best For: Strong drinks and a strong sense of community

The folk at Oh Loretta love a stiff drink, or five. God knows they’ve earned it, being a bar run (and frequented) by veteran hospitality workers.

This space is a shout-out to proud veterans of the food and beverage trade, who have spent decades taking orders, turning tables and being run off their feet. It’s their turn to enjoy a good liquor cabinet, which is where Oh Loretta shines.

I’ve tried to keep up with the crowd here before, and that’s not something I’d advise. I will, however, bet my hat that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a smarter, more of-the-moment wine list than the dynamic selection on offer.

Address: 324 High St, Northcote

40. Howler, Brunswick

Howler is a multifaceted hub with rowdy live music. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best For: Rowdy live music and a solid beer list

Lots of venues try to tick every box, but not many do it as smoothly as Howler. Part al-fresco zone, part bespoke theatre, part live music space, it would be severely limiting to just call this a “bar".

Entry is via the car park directly opposite Brunswick City Baths, and inside you’ll find a vibrant crowd convening at the custom-built bar. Manned by cocktail guru Chris Lemulu, order one of his specialties, or perhaps something from the immaculate list of worldwide beers.

Address: 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056

41. Heartbreaker, CBD

Hop over to Heartbreaker for a guaranteed good time. (Image: Visit Victoria/Julian Kingma)

Best For: Getting carried away on a school night

A classic good-time venue, Heartbreaker is brought to you by Michael Madrusan, owner of The Everleigh.

Where that venue zigs, however, this one zags. Here, caution is nowhere to be seen, in an American-style rock ‘n’ roll bar that begs for a wild night out. This theme is elevated further by the jukebox in the corner, loaded with close to 100 rock albums from 1968 to 1980. Choose wisely.

Gone are restrained, bespoke orders, replaced instead with a wild selection of rapidly-poured classics. The best part? It’s open until 3am Wednesday through Sunday in case you’re feeling like some bad mid-week decisions. And aren’t we all?

Address: 234A Russell St, Melbourne

42. Lulie Tavern, Abbotsford

The retro-styled Lulie Tarvern offers a cosy spot to drink and play pool. (Image: Jake Roden)

Best For: An old-school atmosphere with rowdy games of pool

A soundtrack of loud, brash and in-your-face rock & roll, free rounds of pool and one of the best plant-based burgers in the entire city. Beers are still affordable here, there’s no trace of modernity and the kitschy decor is a whole lot of fun.

The beauty of Lulie Tavern is its simplicity. Where many of Melbourne’s oldest bars have been propped up for a modern crowd, Lulie Tavern stays stubbornly in its own lane. And that’s why we love it so. Although we are glad the food menu got a glow up in recent years, shifting away from overbearing American classics to clean, fresh produce whipped into burgers and tacos.

Head along on a Tuesday night, where each wing brings a pool competition starting from 7pm. Won? Head up top to Full Moon Fever and funnel your winnings back into the bar.

Address: 225 Johnston St, Abbotsford

43. Apollo Inn, CBD

Martini fans rejoice at Apollo Inn. (Image: Earl Carter)

Best For: A stylish nightcap after dinner at Gimlet

After dominating the restaurant scene with the likes of Supernormal and Gimlet, Andrew McConnell finally turned his attention towards opening a standalone cocktail bar. That’s Apollo Inn, opened in 2023 at McDonald House with only enough space for 30 rooms.

Each seat is highly prized and getting a reservation requires some speedy clinging fingers. It’s worth it, however. And that’s even without thinking of it as a post-Gimlet affair. This standalone cocktail bar stands on its own two feet, carving out another beautiful frame from the historic building and filling that with a list of mostly classic martinis of all styles.

The trim, handsome bar has perfect lighting for any happy snaps, so you’ll probably end up in someone’s Instagram Reel at some point. Hopefully you’ve got one of those banging Danish hotdogs in your hand while you’re being papped.

Address: 165 Flinders Ln, Melbourne

44. Albert’s Wine Bar, Armadale

Sip on classic cocktails paired with share plates at Albert’s Wine Bar. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

Best For: A Saturday afternoon session with some mates

If you find yourself out in Armadale, you’re either going to The Orrong Hotel and hanging out here, at Albert’s Wine Bar. The trendy, incredibly intimate neighbourhood wine bar has fully immersed itself into the psyche of quaint Melbourne suburb.

If you’re looking to be left alone, I recommend coming through mid-Week and working your way through some of the team’s well-sourced local and international wines. But Saturday afternoon is the place to be seen here, with a lot of live and laughter as mates work their way through the day.

Address: 17 Morey St, Armadale

45. Bar Olo

Sip on top-notch tipples at Bar Olo. (Image: Vanessa Bullard)

Best For: An exceptional dinner paired with fantastic wines

The food at Bar Olo is every bit as good as what you’ll find at Carlton’s most popular restaurants. The relaxed, 40-seat bar has a powerhouse kitchen that pumps out some beautiful snacks like lasagne croquettes and grilled octopus with Vodka sauce. Although it really is all about the pasta here, perfectly textured from pappardelle served with Jerusalem artichoke to agnolotti del plin.

The stylish venue doesn’t need much of a theme or any kitschy concept to push it as one of the best bars Melbourne has seen in quite some time. The well-groomed staff rely on the kind of service that makes you feel like a guest instead of a number, coupled with good food, great wine, and even better times. Bar Olo is here to stay, and I couldn’t be happier.

Address: 165 Nicholson St, Carlton

46. Young Hearts

Head to this dimly lit bar and art space for a nightcap. (Image: Young Hearts)

Young hearts has pushed Windsor’s High Street towards a newfound sense of energy, which has been designed by Neptune Food & Wine’s Nic Coulter as a celebration of art, music and food, with a lot of drink thrown in there as well.

It’s a dynamic space. Melbourne has been loving those lately. So each time you go back you’ll probably find that a new guest chef has taken over the kitchen. Coulter’s idea for Young Hearts is simple; they really do run free, visiting some of the best restaurants in Melbourne and bringing back some of their chefs to keep foodies on their toes.

Come through on a Thursday and you can grab an affordable burger, listen to some jazz, and enjoy a quieter evening out pretending you’ve just stumbled upon a legendary club in Lower Manhattan.

Address: 216 High St, Windsor

Read our guide to the best restaurants in Melbourne.