Melbourne

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Bars and Pubs

Melbourne offers a thriving bar scene with rooftop bars, craft beer pubs, and cocktail lounges.

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Comprehensive Guide to Bars and Pubs in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene, offering everything from cozy pubs to sophisticated cocktail lounges and trendy rooftop bars. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Melbourneโ€™s bar and pub culture, including top-rated options, practical tips, and cultural insights.

1. Types of Bars and Pubs in Melbourne

Melbourneโ€™s bar scene is incredibly diverse, catering to all tastes and preferences. Here are the main types of bars and pubs youโ€™ll find:

a. Rooftop Bars

  • Overview: Rooftop bars are a quintessential Melbourne experience, offering stunning views of the city skyline, especially at sunset.
  • Top Picks:
    • Naked for Satan (Fitzroy): Known for its panoramic views and Basque-inspired pintxos (small snacks).
    • Rooftop Bar (CBD): Located atop Curtin House, this bar offers a relaxed vibe with deck chairs and an open-air cinema in summer.
    • Siglo (CBD): A sophisticated rooftop bar with views of Parliament House, perfect for cocktails and cigars.
  • Average Cost: AUD $15โ€“$25 per drink.
  • Dress Code: Smart casual; avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops.

b. Cocktail Bars

  • Overview: Melbourneโ€™s cocktail bars are known for their creativity, with mixologists crafting unique and Instagram-worthy drinks.
  • Top Picks:
    • Eau de Vie (CBD): A speakeasy-style bar with a focus on theatrics and classic cocktails.
    • The Everleigh (Fitzroy): A 1920s-inspired bar offering bespoke cocktails tailored to your taste.
    • Black Pearl (Fitzroy): An award-winning bar with a laid-back vibe and expertly crafted drinks.
  • Average Cost: AUD $18โ€“$30 per cocktail.
  • Dress Code: Smart casual to semi-formal.

c. Craft Beer Pubs

  • Overview: Melbourne has a thriving craft beer scene, with many pubs offering locally brewed beers and rotating taps.
  • Top Picks:
    • The Local Taphouse (St Kilda East): A beer loverโ€™s paradise with over 20 rotating taps and a cozy beer garden.
    • Moon Dog World (Preston): A quirky brewery with a tropical vibe, indoor lagoon, and a wide range of craft beers.
    • Beer DeLuxe (Fed Square): Centrally located with an extensive beer menu and great food pairings.
  • Average Cost: AUD $10โ€“$15 per pint.
  • Dress Code: Casual.

d. Hidden/Secret Bars

  • Overview: Melbourne is famous for its hidden bars, often tucked away in laneways or behind unmarked doors.
  • Top Picks:
    • Bar Americano (CBD): A tiny, standing-room-only bar inspired by classic American and Italian cocktails.
    • Berlin Bar (CBD): A themed bar with East and West Berlin-inspired decor.
    • Goldilocks (CBD): A cozy rooftop bar hidden above a Chinese restaurant.
  • Average Cost: AUD $15โ€“$25 per drink.
  • Dress Code: Smart casual.

e. Traditional Pubs

  • Overview: For a more laid-back experience, Melbourneโ€™s traditional pubs offer hearty meals, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Top Picks:
    • The Napier Hotel (Fitzroy): A classic pub with a great selection of beers and a famous kangaroo steak.
    • The Drunken Poet (West Melbourne): An Irish pub with live music and a cozy vibe.
    • The Espy (St Kilda): A historic seaside pub with multiple bars, live music, and great views.
  • Average Cost: AUD $8โ€“$12 per pint, AUD $20โ€“$30 for a meal.
  • Dress Code: Casual.

2. Practical Information

a. Average Costs

  • Beer: AUD $8โ€“$15 per pint.
  • Cocktails: AUD $18โ€“$30.
  • Wine: AUD $10โ€“$20 per glass.
  • Snacks/Meals: AUD $10โ€“$30, depending on the venue.

b. Opening Hours

  • Most bars and pubs open around 4:00 PM and close between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM on weekdays. On weekends, many stay open until 3:00 AM or later.
  • Check individual venues for specific hours, as some rooftop and hidden bars may have limited opening times.

c. Booking Procedures

  • Walk-ins: Many bars, especially pubs and casual venues, accept walk-ins.
  • Reservations: For popular cocktail bars, rooftop bars, or large groups, itโ€™s recommended to book in advance via the venueโ€™s website or platforms like OpenTable.
  • Private Events: Some bars offer private spaces for events; inquire directly with the venue.

d. Public Transport Access

  • Melbourneโ€™s public transport system (trams, trains, and buses) makes it easy to access most bars and pubs.
    • CBD: Most venues are within walking distance of tram stops or train stations like Flinders Street Station.
    • Fitzroy/Collingwood: Accessible via tram routes 86 and 11.
    • St Kilda: Tram routes 3a, 16, and 96.
  • Tip: Use the myki card for seamless travel on public transport. Trams within the CBD are free.

e. Dress Codes

  • Smart Casual: The standard for most bars, especially rooftop and cocktail bars.
  • Casual: Accepted at traditional pubs and craft beer venues.
  • No Thongs (Flip-Flops): Many venues, especially upscale ones, do not allow thongs or overly casual attire.

3. Local Customs and Tips

a. Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but itโ€™s appreciated for excellent service. A 10% tip is generous.

b. Drinking Culture

  • Australians enjoy a relaxed drinking culture, but binge drinking is discouraged. Drink responsibly.
  • Many bars offer non-alcoholic options, including mocktails and craft sodas.

c. Unique Experiences

  • Laneway Bars: Melbourneโ€™s laneways are home to some of the cityโ€™s best hidden gems. Explore areas like Flinders Lane and Hardware Lane.
  • Live Music: Many pubs and bars feature live music, especially in Fitzroy and St Kilda.
  • Themed Bars: Try quirky venues like StoryVille (CBD), a fairytale-themed bar, or Jungle Boy (Windsor), a tiki bar hidden behind a sandwich shop.

d. Smoking

  • Smoking is prohibited indoors and in many outdoor areas. Look for designated smoking zones.

e. Weather Considerations

  • Melbourneโ€™s weather can be unpredictable. If visiting a rooftop bar, bring a jacket, even in summer.

4. Enhancing Your Experience

  • Bar Hopping: Melbourneโ€™s compact CBD and inner suburbs make it easy to visit multiple bars in one night. Start early to avoid long queues at popular venues.
  • Happy Hours: Many bars offer discounted drinks during happy hour (typically 4:00 PMโ€“6:00 PM).
  • Local Drinks: Try Australian wines, craft beers, and locally distilled spirits like Four Pillars Gin or Starward Whisky.
  • Events: Check for special events like trivia nights, themed parties, or live performances.

5. Safety Tips

  • Transport: Plan your journey home in advance. Use public transport, rideshare apps (Uber, DiDi, Ola), or taxis.
  • Alcohol Limits: Be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Drink spiking is rare but can happen; never leave your drink unattended.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance in case of an emergency.

Melbourneโ€™s bar and pub scene is a highlight of the cityโ€™s nightlife, offering something for everyone. Whether youโ€™re sipping cocktails on a rooftop, enjoying craft beer in a cozy pub, or discovering a hidden laneway bar, youโ€™re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Cheers!