24 Moons
COCKTAIL BAR
AC/DC LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9650 0035 • MAP P.279
OPEN WED–SAT 5PM–3AM BEERS $7.50–$11.50, WINES $9–$12, COCKTAILS $11–$17, FOOD $5.50–$12
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
The bright pin-up girl painting that leads you to 24 Moons is misleading; this bar is dark and has a moody, artistic temperament. The nocturnal feel is heightened by skeletal tree branches over the windows and light fittings and the moth-shaped lights dotted across the bar. The pixelated graphics on the walls alert you to 24 Moons’s stated intent: to provide a backdrop for arts events and furnish visitors with daring, confidently blended cocktails. The team behind 24 Moons (among them the fathers of New Guernica and Alumbra) are experts in their field and they have designed a luxurious hideaway that emphasises quality over quantity. The cocktail list comprises a mere ten drinks but the combinations are rich and heady and delivered without pretension. Glowing polished floorboards and sprawling leather seats make this a desirable drinking venue. Despite its artsy bent, 24 Moons attracts all types, including a suited crowd in search of a drink after work.
Bar Lourinhã
BAR
37 LITTLE COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 7890 • MAP P.277
OPEN MON–THURS NOON–11PM, FRI NOON–1AM, SAT 4PM–1AM
BEERS $3.50–$22.50, WINES $8.50–$19.50, COCKTAILS $12–$22, FOOD $4–$23
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
A visit to Bar Lourinhã is like going to a party: the atmosphere is homely and relaxed, and you don’t know the other guests, but it doesn’t matter when the staff welcome you like old friends. They spirit away your coat while you search for a port in the storm of activity in this busy Iberian bar. Patrons can grab a few inches of bar space or stake a claim in the narrow hallway, where there’s a picture-rail thin bench to rest your churros on. Bar Lourinhã is ever-busy, but the mood is cosy, not cluttered. This is thanks in no small part to the knowledgeable, hospitable service. Staff will walk you through the Spanish wine regions mapped out on the drinks list, recommend the perfect Portuguese drop to complement your nibbles, and extol the virtues of the Italian vino available. The quirky, hunter-gatherer decor brings warmth to the space: bronze plates, chillies, fans and horseshoes adorn the walls. Despite its many charms, it is probably the food that keeps the crowds coming back. The much-lauded yellowtail kingfish pancetta is outstanding.
Belgian Beer Café
BAR
557 ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE
(03) 9529 2899 • MAP P.295
WWW.BELGIANBEERCAFEMELBOURNE.COM
OPEN DAILY 11AM–LATE
BEERS $7–$26, WINES $8.50–$11, COCKTAILS $15–$20, FOOD $8–$21
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Past the perimeter of wrought-iron gates and neatly trimmed hedges is a garden shaded by elm trees, surely Australia’s largest bar grounds. You’d want it to be big – drawing crowds of up to 2000 people on summery weekend nights, the beer garden resembles a mini-Oktoberfest, with an outdoor bar and rows of light bulbs strung over communal tables. Inside, this 1920s Brussels-style bistro features dark wooden trimmings and fittings, plenty of rustic benches and booths, and faint saxophone music. Not only does the Belgian Beer Café offer Belgian draught beers, bottle beers, fruit beers and ciders but they also have beer specials – beers by special release, seasonal beers or beers that are tricky to find. There’s an extensive barbecue menu to go with your bevvy – European snacks like grilled bratwurst and Belgian fries served in white paper cones. If you’re after something more substantial then head inside the historic bluestone building for informal dining. Immersed in that special European aura, the Belgian Beer Café is a great place to unwind, particularly on Sundays, when they have live music.
Bertha Brown
BAR
562 FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9629 1207 • MAP P.282
OPEN MON–THURS NOON–MIDNIGHT, FRI & SAT 4PM–1AM, SUN 4PM–11PM
BEERS $4–$8, WINES $7–$10, COCKTAILS $15, FOOD $7–$26
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, $20 MINIMUM
Bertha Brown is like a comfortable brown couch in a sea of red vinyl stools. Despite the CBD address, she has no pretension. Bertha is a place you can go to relax. It feels a little like a scrappy old schoolhouse with rows of booths to accommodate small groups and furniture from your first share house. Exposed bricks, colourful feature walls and wood-backed bar stools that look like they’ve been cobbled together from nine different dining sets give the place a ‘just thrown together’ feel. Here, the crowd is eclectic and the drinks are affordable. Her proximity to backpacker hotels keeps the customers ticking over with interesting types, but she also draws the after-workers with cheap grub, lots of room and friendly staff, ensuring the surprisingly large space is never empty. This is a city pub with neighbourly, suburban sensibilities. On Wednesdays they host trivia and on Fridays resident DJ Max Vegas plays ‘old funk groove jazz’. Add to the mix $10 pizzas and you can’t really go wrong.
Blue Diamond Club
COCKTAIL BAR
LEVEL 15, 123 QUEEN STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 8601 2720 • MAP P.281
OPEN THURS & FRI 4PM–LATE, SAT 7PM–LATE, SUN 5PM–LATE
BEERS $8–$12, WINES $9–$12, COCKTAILS $18–$22
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Given its reputation around town, and the after-8pm cover charge (Fri & Sun $5, Sat $10), you’d be forgiven for thinking this is only for Melbourne’s most elite. Yet though there are cigars on sale, thankfully there’s minimal cocktail chin-stroking going down. Instead, a ride up the lift to the fifteenth floor gives way to plush red carpet, a long, low-lit room with spectacular views of the city lights, and an eclectic – if not a bit cheesy – soundtrack from a DJ, band or cabaret show. Snappy bartenders in crisp collared shirts, waistcoats and ties mix drinks on a bar that’s as shiny as a silver cufflink. The classic cocktails and signature martinis are at the higher end of the scale, but they’re perfectly executed and come without any showboating. Relax into one of the ’70s-style upholstered couches or chairs, hit the dancefloor or prop yourself up in the outdoor section and be waited on by friendly and attentive staff. After all, it’s what you paid for.
Bond Lounge Bar
BAR
24 BOND STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9629 9844 • MAP P.278
OPEN THURS 4PM–LATE, FRI 4PM–5AM, SAT 9PM–5AM
BEERS $7.50–$9, WINES $8–$11, COCKTAILS $17–$20, FOOD $8–$15
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
You’re spoilt for choice at Bond Lounge Bar. This massive space steps down into two zoned areas and is littered with plush suede and leather couches. Friday’s great for gathering your friends for some amazing cocktails while Saturday night is party central here. Either night, be sure to sample the sumptuous tasting platter of seven cocktails ($45), all shaken and stirred by the extremely friendly bar staff. The drinks are based on the historic cardinal sins from the fourteenth century and are easily found under the banner ‘7 Deadly Sins’. Super-loud house music (with the likes of Daft Punk) blasts through the speakers on a Friday night while popular comedy hits like Family Guy are projected onto a massive blank wall away from the dancefloor. This area is the best spot to catch up and is perfect for pairs or groups. If you’ve come straight from work and want to graze, then check out the bar menu available from 5pm – and definitely sample the famous Bond pizzas.
Cabinet
BAR
11 RAINBOW ALLEY, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 0915 • MAP P.278
OPEN MON–FRI NOON–LATE, SAT & SUN 2PM–LATE
BEERS $5–$9, WINES $7.50–$10, COCKTAILS $13–$16.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Cabinet is not easily stumbled upon, given it’s hidden in a laneway, with the doorway behind bins for an extra challenge. As you head upstairs, flanked by photos of happy patrons, you’ll see the space is narrow and intimate with a long leather banquette and a series of small tables. If you need another chair, don’t despair – there are at least three hanging off the wall. You’ll find plenty of suits and office types chilling out here after a long day meeting KPIs. The crowd spills out onto one of the best balconies in town, with views overlooking the trees on Swanston Street. Cocktails are luxurious blends, their popular Cue Josie Jo – a mixture of bison grass vodka, Spanish gin and gingerbread – tastes like liquid Christmas. There’s a good selection of well-priced wines by the glass, as well as beers and ciders for those who prefer their drinks brewed. (Happy hour is from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.) You’ll also find a good range of quality bar snacks to keep your drinks company.
The Carlton Hotel
BAR
LEVELS 1–4, 193–199 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 3216 • MAP P.276
OPEN MON–WED 3PM–LATE, THURS–SUN NOON–LATE
BEERS $4.50–$11, WINES $7.50–$12, COCKTAILS $18, FOOD $8–$28
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
The Carlton is wild: garish colours, ornate wooden booths, a palm-fronded smoking area, a stuffed ostrich and huge giraffe. The nostalgic but absurdly modern design feels like a boudoir – soft, debauched and spectacular. The eclectic decor reflects the clientele – you’re just as likely to be sitting next to a suited office worker as one of the artists from the on-site studios. Drinkers can be seen sipping cocktails, shots of whisky, frosty beers and bulbous-glassed wines at the bar, where bouncy house music pushes the pace of conversation, while diners chomp on excellent modern Australian fare at the tables. The fun continues upstairs at the Palmz rooftop bar, a straw beach hut surrounded by palm trees. It’s open to the sky and the perfect place for a piña colada among the towering office blocks. Open late and busy at the weekends, the Carlton is seriously good fun.
Cherry Bar
BAR
AC/DC LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9639 8122 • MAP P.279
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CHERRYBARMELBOURNE
OPEN WED & SUN 8PM–3AM, THURS 5.30PM–3AM, FRI 5.30PM–5AM, SAT 9PM–5AM
BEERS $4–$9, WINES $6.50, SPIRITS $8
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
How do you describe a rock legend? Hidden downstairs in the basement, Cherry Bar’s the kind of place where musicians come to hang out after a gig – the kind of place so famous it renamed the graffiti lane where it lives. It’s not the place for fancy shmancy cocktails but for knocking back a bottled beer, a shot of vodka or Jack and maybe for jumping around on the sticky dancefloor. Thursday night is soul night and on weekends the owner, (ex–Cosmic Psychos) drummer Bill Walsh, comes out to play with the other rock DJs. Bands regularly perform to a packed house and there’s often a small cover charge to get in. The back bar, with its jukebox, is a quieter place to chill. Get here early to avoid the queues and err on the side of informal dress – the bouncer has been known to knock back suits.
Collins Quarter
BAR
86A COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9650 8500 • MAP P.279
OPEN MON–THURS 7.30AM–11PM, FRI 7.30AM–1 AM, SAT NOON–1 AM, SUN PARTIES BY REQUEST
BEERS $4–$14, WINES $8.50–$12.50, COCKTAILS $15.50–$17
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
Tucked away next to a jewellery shop, Collins Quarter is a swanky and spacious bar hidden down a corridor on the posh Collins Street. You first enter a simple wooden tavern, with a Picasso on the wall over a fireplace. Tables and bar stools are available for nursing a beer, or you can pick a booth in one of the enclaves nearby for a more private setting. Furnishings are a bit sparse, but there’s plenty of room for when it gets busy. Past all this is an atrium with an outside bar, lit up with bottles, where you can sit with a drink and gaze up at the stars through the glass roof. And there are plenty of drinks to choose from. Several house-designed cocktails are on offer, plus a good range of champagne and wine. And if you’re worried about the prices, don’t be – they’re decent! Wine by the bottle is also a highlight, with some very expensive and vintage choices for a special night out. A great place to relax after a long day at the office.
Comme Wine Room
BAR
7 ALFRED PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9631 4000 • MAP P.279
OPEN MON–FRI 7AM–MIDNIGHT, SAT 5PM–1AM
BEERS $4.50–$9, WINES $9–$15, COCKTAILS $18, FOOD $7–$14
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Some city bars cram themselves full of artefacts and art to appear grand or elegant. Comme, by comparison, is effortless. Large windows, marble trimmings, soft, butter-coloured leather and green drapes and carpet lend the wine room an air of sophistication. Fresh floral arrangements adorn the central marble bar. White, sculpted cocoon lightshades float like alien orbs above the heads of the well-heeled crowd Comme attracts, and add a touch of panache. As you would expect, the food and beverage menus are above par. The cocktail list is old-world classic – drinks have names like Old Cuban, Gold Rush and Apple Collins. But classic doesn’t mean boring; the Honeysuckle blends rum with lavender honey and lime. Cheese boards offer blue stilton or a hard goat’s cheese from France, and the wine list goes on and on – more than 350 wines are on offer. They range from affordable to extravagant (think Cuvée Prestige at $1300 for a half-bottle), so tally your earnings before you go.
TOP 10 ESCAPIST BARS
It’s warm and buzzing with people, so grab a corner at Bar Lourinhã, lean in close to your date and share a plate of tapas and some wine.
Show off your knowledge of French wine and spoonfeed your loved one some of the best desserts in Melbourne.
Sink into one of the plush couches and enjoy a smorgasbord of great drinks that are hand-delivered so as to not interrupt your romantic night.
This bar is exotic, sexy and boasts an impressive list of cocktails that can be shared in private sections, partitioned by oriental wood lattice.
Delicious modern Italian food and a seemingly endless selection of wine served up in an elegant bar – perfect for a mid-week meal.
Slip into a side alley and impress your date with your knowledge of Melbourne’s back-street bars. This out-of-theway spot is the perfect place for an intimate catch-up.
With candles, wine and deep leather couches, the Money Order Office is seductively sleek and the perfect place for dinner, nibbles or just a glass of red.
Cosy nooks, concealed corners and tables hidden by curtains of beads make New Gold Mountain the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous.
With cocktails like the Lusty, Busty Maiden served in the red and gold surrounds of this boudoir-style bar, Polly is equal parts naughty and nice.
One of Melbourne’s more civilised rooftop bars, Siglo offers great views and an excellent choice of wine, all among the plane tree canopy that hangs over Spring Street.
Curve Bar
BAR
THE ARTS CENTRE, 100 ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE
(03) 9281 8317 • MAP P.283
OPEN MON–THURS 4PM–1AM, FRI & SAT 4PM–3AM
BEERS $4.50–$16.50, WINES $7.50–$11, SPIRITS $16–$33, FOOD $8–$37
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
The slinky, sensuous Curve Bar hugs the corner of the Victorian Arts Centre, positioning itself to exploit the preshow crowd. But it also offers drinks long after the last curtain call and food until midnight. The style is ’60s mod, with a palette dominated by white, orange and brown. The swirling chocolate-orange carpet sets a funky tone topped off by cylindrical leather stools for perching on and space-race orb lighting. The main room is a narrow strip that, funnily enough, curves from the entrance to the bar. The curve contains pockets that house booths where patrons can pick over the varied share plates that come out of the kitchen. At the back end, the curve opens into an outdoor area, which is heavenly on a sunny afternoon, particularly when complemented with tasty plates of harissa prawns and prosciutto sticks or a cheese platter. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 8pm daily, ensuring a steady stream of thirsty patrons.
The Deck Mercantile Place
BAR
LEVEL 2, WATERSIDE HOTEL, 508 FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9629 1350 • MAP P.281
WWW.DECKMERCANTILEPLACE.COM.AU
OPEN THURS–FRI NOON–LATE, SAT 6PM–LATE (WINTER:
FRI & SAT NOON–LATE)
BEERS $4.20–$9, WINES $7–$9, FOOD $9.50–$12.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
If you’re planning on grabbing a drink after office hours on a Thursday or Friday night here, dress up and be prepared to queue in the laneway. This is one popular spot for large-living city types and women who dress like they’re heading to the races. It’s easy to see the appeal of this contemporary rooftop bar, particularly during the summer months, when the great outdoors, a frosty beverage and amazing views – Rialto Tower, the Yarra and the machinations of the Melbourne rail network – are the order of the day. During winter, a silk-lined marquee and gas heaters keep the elements at bay. If something a little quieter is what you had in mind, the Deck is a great spot for a languorous afternoon spent quaffing New Zealand sav blanc and bottles of Corona and eating ‘global’ pizza (the London Town is topped with caramelised onion gravy, roast beef, peas and blue cheese). Keep your eyes peeled for sports stars: the Waterside is part-owned by St Kilda’s blond superstar Nick Riewoldt and a cadre of other football players.
Gin Palace
COCKTAIL
BAR 10 RUSSELL PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 0533 • MAP P.278
OPEN DAILY 4PM–3AM
BEERS $9–$32, WINES $8.50–$40, COCKTAILS $16–$18, FOOD $8–$26
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, $30 MINIMUM
The phrase Gin Palace has two meanings: the colloquial, a description of an undesirable watering hole, and the literal, a palatial house of gin. The second applies in this case. When you walk through the double doors off Russell Place you enter a luxurious maharaja’s den of cushions, chintz, plush furnishings and smartly attired waitstaff, who gaily offer table service. Unsurprisingly, gin dominates the drinks list, old-world style or in an avant-garde guise. The cocktail list promises the humble martini in ten different ways or for something completely different there’s wine aplenty, including a whole page of Australian shiraz. Nibbles come in the form of nuts, olives and cheese. The Gin Palace’s split-level arrangement and profusion of lavish couches and cushions make it a very inviting prospect for a night of boozy indulgence. Fresh flowers and gilt-frame paintings complete the picture. You can’t really call yourself a Melburnian if you haven’t spent a night spread out on a Gin Palace couch.
Hairy Little Sista
BAR
230 LITTLE COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9639 7778 • MAP P.278
OPEN MON–WED 7.30AM–10PM, THURS–SUN 8.30AM–LATE
BEERS $7–$8.50, WINES $8.50–$10, SPIRITS $9, FOOD $10.80–$22
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED, $20 MINIMUM
Younger sibling to Hairy Canary up the road, Hairy Little Sista takes on the style of a Brunswick bar, decked out with vintage couches (which lack their original bounce but are relatively comfy nonetheless), recycled coffee tables and shagpile rugs. It’s hidden behind Council House on Little Collins, and the after-work crowd pop in to enjoy the extensive beer list, tapas-style sharing plates and relaxed nature of this space in the middle of the bustling CBD. The Town Hall reigns supreme out the window, but inside, low ceilings and dim lighting meet quirky, arty lampshades. Breakfast is served until 3pm but after 5pm the eggplant chips do a roaring trade. The business end of the bar is decked out with a formal table set-up for a few sit-down folk but it is the grungy area of the bar that enjoys a steady stream of patrons. A good venue to start your night or a pit stop on your way around town.
Hare & Grace
BAR
525 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9629 6755 • MAP P.281
OPEN MON–FRI 11.30AM–LATE
BEERS $5–$9.50, WINES $10–$14, COCKTAILS $14–$18, FOOD $8–$45
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Housed in a converted butter factory at the business end of Collins Street, Hare & Grace is the Switzerland of the CBD: neutral territory in which to mingle business and pleasure. Designer-du-jour Joost Bakker has brought a brisk Scandinavian ambience to the interior. Pale tree branches hang from the ceiling and spare, pallet-box furnishings (which my guest swore he’d seen on sale at Ikea) might put you in mind of a Swedish sauna. On weeknights, the mini-bar and eatery fills with suits from the neighbouring Rialto Towers, loosening their ties and closing deals. The acoustics are great, with the playlist of adultoriented rock turned low enough for discreet conversation. The wine selection is a familiar range of mostly Victorian labels with an occasional South Australian and New Zealand interloper; beers are also predominantly local favourites. Going out on a limb at the big end of town doesn’t put bums on seats, and Hare & Grace appears to have struck the right balance between interesting design and reassuring familiarity.
Heirloom
BAR
GROUND FLOOR, 131 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9639 1296 • MAP P.277
OPEN MON–FRI 6.30AM–11.30PM, SAT 7AM–11.30PM, SUN 7AM–11AM
BEERS $7.50–$15, WINES $9–$26, COCKTAILS $15, FOOD $4–$16
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
If you had the time, and money, you could lose yourself in Heirloom, a big stylish sake bar and French–Japanese fusion restaurant smack-bang in the middle of Melbourne. Its size and scope are reminiscent of fine-dining Shoya, and with good reason – Shigeo Nanaka is involved in both, at Heirloom with partner Kyle Doody. Nipponophiles will love the huge sake menu, with many organic and high-end varieties on offer, presented in beautiful carafes. Heirloom is also a place to find hard-to-get beers from Japan, not to mention shochu and umeshu (plum wine). The wine list is huge and travels the world, with many reds and whites by the glass and half-bottle. In comparison, the cocktail list is small and Japan-centric; try the Tokyo Triptych with umeshu, shochu and sake if you dare! Heirloom also offers several dining choices, including a French- and Japanese-inspired restaurant menu, Japanese sake bar featuring sushi, sashimi and yakitori, and an upmarket bar menu that features drunken tofu and smoked eel croquettes. Whatever your reason for visiting, hushed Heirloom is certainly a place to indulge.
Hell’s Kitchen
BAR
20 CENTRE PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) • MAP P.278
OPEN SUN & MON NOON-10PM, TUES NOON-11PM, WED-SAT NOON-1AM
BEERS $4.30-$12, WINES $7-$11, COCKTAILS $16-$20, FOOD $10–$16
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
Centre Place is the distillation of Melbourne’s own particular brand of cool: Euro-style laneway dining, milk crate– scattered juice bars, graffiti-covered walls and the overall feeling of dumpster chic. Perfectly fitting then that above this renowned epicentre of hipsterdom is Hell’s Kitchen, a favourite of the student set with its artful mish-mash fit-out of super-mod light fittings, smoky glass chandeliers circa ’74, po-mo murals and a hidey-hole feel, as well as some of the best aerial people-watching this city has to offer. They’ve got international beers like Erdinger and Sapporo and some welcome locals, including Mountain Goat Steam Ale and Coopers on tap. Be sure to try one of their infused vodkas, which feature in cocktails like their killer espresso martini, or their signature cocktail, the bloody mary with home-infused chilli vodka. A solid menu of sourdough pides, curries and a Middle Eastern–style pizza will keep you here for the long haul. After all, what else is student life about?
Highlander Bar
BAR
11 HIGHLANDER LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9620 2228 • MAP P.281
OPEN WED 5.30PM–1AM, THURS 7PM–1AM, FRI 5PM–3AM
BEERS $6–$10, WINES $6.50–$10, SPIRITS $8–$25
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Happy hours make for high times at the Highlander Bar, where specials run from 9pm to 11pm and deliver surprisingly good house wines for only $4. Spirits cost only a dollar more – unheard of in the CBD. If you get in quick on a Wednesday there are drinks from $3, which accompany retro rock from all the way back to the ’50s and ’60s. It is this likelihood of a good deal that keeps the crowds coming back to the Highlands. Stashed down the Flinders Street end of the city, this is a cool joint that has much to offer lovers of music, be it live or DJ mash-up (there’s a large dancefloor and obliging disco ball if you’re so inclined). The brick and hardwood of the two-level venue is invigorated by violet lights, but if you’re in a quiet mood, there are big booths for large groups to chill out and relax.
Lily Blacks
COCKTAIL BAR
12 MEYERS PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 4887 • MAP P.277
OPEN MON–THURS 5PM–3AM, FRI 4PM–3AM, SAT & SUN 6PM–3AM
BEERS $6–$12, WINES $8–$12, COCKTAILS $17, FOOD $6–$15
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
You’ve no doubt stumbled across this cocktail salon before so it’s about time you actually stepped inside. Make the trek up Bourke Street hill to sample the sizeable and unique list of classic and creative cocktails at Lily Blacks. Chatter, muffled music and rendezvous in the laneway are all characteristic of the outside of this 1920s-inspired hub. Inside, it’s all heavy wooden furniture, lamps, potted palms and a semicircleshaped bar, which gives the smartly attired bartenders a 360-degree view of the party people. There’s also a tiny outdoor area, which overlooks a city car park (picturesque, no?) if you prefer some air for your get-togethers. Book a table in the waiter-serviced area or on the orange banquette seating, start a tab and admire the multi-tasking bartenders as they mix cocktails while pouring cider off tap. They take a lot of pride in the size (generous) and appearance of their concoctions and are not afraid to offer their own crazy ideas. If this sounds too risky, then stick with the extensive spirit collection or constantly changing wine list.
Longroom
BAR
162–168 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 7226 • MAP P.278
OPEN TUES & WED 4PM–MIDNIGHT, THURS 4PM–1AM, FRI 4PM–3AM, SAT 5PM–3AM
BEERS $5–$16, WINES $8.50–$19, COCKTAILS $16–$24, FOOD $6.50–$18.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Descend into the dungeon-like, candle-dappled darkness of Longroom for a night of decadence and indulgence. As its name suggests, this venue’s most striking feature is the long stone bar that stretches its entire length (although the elk’s head is rather eye-grabbing too). Buried beneath the old George’s building, this is Melbourne bar life on a grand scale, with just a touch of machismo. You can sit facing the bar at ground level, or perch on one of the seats that line the back of it, where the raised floor gives you a view of all of Longroom’s grand offerings. Heavy red curtains hide private booths, while velvet couches and gauzy wall dressings lend a luxurious feel to the main area. The menu says tapas, but Longroom’s idea of tapas includes steak and lamb cutlets. As for drinks, there’s cognac from France, whisky from Kentucky and tequila from Mexico just to drive home the message that when you come to Longroom you can expect the best.
Loop
BAR
23 MEYERS PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 0500 • MAP P.277
OPEN MON–THURS 4PM–2AM, FRI 3PM–5AM, SAT 5PM–5AM
BEERS $4.50–$24, WINES $7.50–$10.50, COCKTAILS $17, FOOD $5–$19
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, $20 MINIMUM
Enter a world where the walls flash with visual art installations to the beat of throbbing house music – Loop is an edgy, ever-changing city bar that looks like it was thought up by sci-fi writer William Gibson. The DJ decks dominate the main room, setting the place alight with techno, deep house and electronica. The wall behind acts as a screen for visual art projects, so the mood in Loop is never the same twice. One night the wall might be ablaze with inner-city amateur photography; the next it will screen short films. Loop pitches itself as a project art space and bar, and it’s certainly the place to come for cutting-edge visual and musical art. But the eclectic cocktail list is not to be overlooked. The chilli-infused tequila blended with Thai herbs and mango in the Lake of Fire will get your heart started. There is also a modest food menu revolving around cheese in plated or toasted-sandwich form.
Lustre Lounge
COCKTAIL
BAR LEVEL 1, 252 FLINDERS LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9671 3371 • MAP P.278
OPEN MON–WED 4PM–MIDNIGHT, THURS 4PM–1AM, FRI 4PM–3AM, SAT 7.30PM–3AM
BEERS $6–$8, WINES $7.50–$8.50, COCKTAILS $16
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Long, luxurious Lustre Lounge has a Parisian flavour brought out by its dusky burgundy walls and art deco lights. The small, thin space has a sultry intimacy thanks to the palette of red and pink (it’s easy to see why it often plays host to speed-dating events) and the glowing purple beacon of a bar houses knowledgeable bar staff. Despite the Paris salon decor, the cocktail list includes a hefty dose of fruity flavours – a range of martinis has been wrenched from James Bond and given a summer spin, with passionfruit, bitter orange and lychee. Sweet tooths will love the Butternut Cocktail, made from butterscotch schnapps and Frangelico. Gold-trimmed mirrors make this intimate space seem bigger than it is and smokers can rejoice – there’s a balcony with views of Flinders Lane. A DJ presides over the throng from a second, indoor balcony.
Madame Brussels
BAR
LEVEL 3, 59–63 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9662 2775 • MAP P.277
OPEN DAILY NOON–1AM
BEERS $9–$12, WINES $8.50–$14, COCKTAILS $18, FOOD $3.50–$24
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
With its infamous astroturf, pastel-coloured wooden lattices, paisley sun umbrellas and profusion of pinks and greens, this is the bar that needs no introduction. The ‘rather fancy terrace and public house’ honours Melbourne’s first madame with lady-like gazebos, creeping garlands of flowers and waitstaff that mince around in tennis whites. The old dame is known for her jugs: Planters Punch, Moscow Mule and delicious Pimm’s swimming with strawberries, cucumber and mint. When it comes to food it is strictly party fare, with Dixie cups, fairy cakes and sausage rolls. Inside is decorated to look like it’s outside, but it’s on the terrace that the Madame comes into her own. You can sit there day or night nursing drinks while overlooking Bourke Street. The rooftop terrace has recently expanded to include a second, upper deck, but for something different duck out the back to Madame Brussels’s secret parlour. A departure from the frou-frou up the front, this room has heavy wood furnishings and an iron chandelier.
Meyers Place
BAR
20 MEYERS PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9650 8609 • MAP P.277
OPEN MON & TUES 5PM–2AM, WED & THURS 5PM–3AM, FRI & SAT 4PM–4AM
BEERS $4–$9, WINES $6–$11, SPIRITS $7–$12, FOOD $5–$7
CASH ONLY
In the Melbourne bar scene, it’s de rigueur to be located down the back of an alley. And in this age of climate-change fears, fashioning furniture from reclaimed wood is both environmentally sound and in vogue. But this wasn’t always so. Back when Melbourne was famous for its gardens, one bar was ahead of the curve. A team of architects who were making a buck designing pubs wandered down a laneway off Bourke Street and said, ‘This is the spot.’ And so, Melbourne’s laneway bar culture was born. More than a decade later the unpretentious Meyers Place is still thriving. Patrons spill out of this pokey gem into the laneway, where they smoke, drink and talk into the wee hours. Inside, bartenders hand beer and snacks to patrons who retreat to corners panelled by wood from old tables. Just $3 will get you a glass of tawny port or a scoop from the clear jars of nuts and salty baked things lined up behind the bar. Like its reasonably priced wine, Meyers Place keeps getting better with age.
Misty
BAR
3–5 HOSIER LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 9202 • MAP P.279
OPEN TUES 5PM–11PM, WED 5PM–MIDNIGHT, THURS
5PM–1AM, FRI 5PM–3AM, SAT 6PM–3AM
BEERS $7–$9, WINES $8–$10, COCKTAILS $15–$20, FOOD $5–$11
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, $20 MINIMUM
Misty has one of the most iconic views in Melbourne. The colourful, frenetic art of Hosier Lane, the city’s street-art centrepiece, provides a stark contrast to the bar’s simple space. Misty is a bubble of peace amid a loud racket: its calming, cool, creamy walls are offset by a large orange light, and the furnishings favour the ’60s. Space-race touches give the place a retro feel that’s heightened by scattered pieces of Luna artwork. The drinks list has all the good stuff without being unwieldy and the bartenders are renowned for being friendly and very good at shaking up a martini. Always bustling, Misty’s busy atmosphere is intensified now that it has been cut in half (its second room is to be turned into a cafe). It’s social and chic without trying too hard.
New Guernica
BAR
LEVEL 2, 322 LITTLE COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9650 4494 • MAP P.278
OPEN MON–WED 5PM–3AM, THURS & FRI 5PM–5AM, SAT 9PM–5AM, SUN 8PM–3AM
BEERS $5–$13, WINES $8–$9.50, SPIRITS $8.50, FOOD $10–$29
VISA, MC, $20 MINIMUM
Don’t be fooled by the flower-wrapped arch you pass under to enter this bar – New Guernica is no garden party. All the ingredients are here: the miniature gazebo, the plastic ivy and the sweet prairie house, but this is high tea as Tim Burton would have imagined it, dark and twisted. Named after a Picasso painting, it’s no surprise New Guernica is bold, quirky and bordering on surrealist. The walls sit at weird angles and the floor is uneven in parts, adding to the off-kilter feel. Catering to the uni crowd, New Guernica offers jugs of beer, spirits and cocktails, or cheap after-work drinks from 5pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday. These can be accompanied by tasty snacks – dumplings with citrus-infused mayo or cheese plates – which are geared towards groups, with share deals available. Balance your beer on an upturned barrel behind picket fences, or lean against the bar and admire the astroturfwrapped shelves, crammed as much with knick-knacks as with bottles of grog.
Riverland
BAR
VAULTS 1–9, FEDERATION WHARF, MELBOURNE
(03) 9662 1771 • MAP P.278
OPEN DAILY 7AM–MIDNIGHT
BEERS $4.50–$15, WINES $7–$12, SPIRITS $8.50–$13, FOOD $5.50–$19.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Riverland contains all the ingredients for the perfect bar. Positioned in a spectacular riverside setting beneath Princes Bridge, it has a special ambience day or night. Its slick yet rustic fit-out makes the most of the river’s bluestone vaults – once used for storing bales of wool – which now house the bar, kitchen and indoor seated area. But even with Melbourne’s petulant weather, most patrons prefer to sit outside to soak up the river views or savour the romantic city lights at night. There’s a large outdoor heater to make alfresco drinking in winter doable, even pleasurable. Cocktails are not in Riverland’s repertoire but the wine list covers the new and old worlds, including wines from Spain, Italy, France and, locally, Australia and New Zealand. Beer drinkers will find Australian options on tap as well as Asahi and Bulmer cider. Their food is hearty – whether you’re after gourmet sausages from the open kitchen or more complex flavours such as braised lamb shanks and parsnip purée. Riverland offers a truly Melbourne experience which you can enjoy rain, hail or shine.
Robot
BAR
12 BLIGH PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9620 3646 • MAP P.278
OPEN MON–THURS 5PM–LATE, FRI 4PM–LATE, SAT 8PM–LATE
BEERS $7–$12, WINES $7–$10, COCKTAILS $17–$18, SAKE $12–$26, FOOD $5–$20
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Sake, sushi and more than just the usual Asahi prevail in this double-storey Japanese-themed urban retreat. Tucked down a narrow Melbourne laneway, it’s not the regular kind of place you’d wander past at any old time of day. You’ll need to listen for the incessant chatter and look for the clientele who spill outside onto chairs and stools during the summer months. Manga art, retro drawings and, of course, robots feature throughout, giving it an artsy, almost student, kind of vibe (although the age range really varies). To top off that Tokyo feel, there are low wooden chairs and bench seating, and anime screenings on Tuesdays. It’s not a place that takes itself too seriously. Yet sipping warm or chilled sake seems slightly more sophisticated than drinking a beer or wine at your local pub. Think fun and social, quirky and cool, with more than just a touch of pizzazz.
Silk Road
BAR
425 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9614 4888 • MAP P.281
OPEN WED 5PM–MIDNIGHT, THURS 5PM–1AM, FRI 5PM–LATE, SAT 7PM–LATE
BEERS $6.50–$8, WINES $7–$18, COCKTAILS $17–$19, FOOD $8–$28
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Silk Road is the physical manifestation of what you’d find in the history books about the international trade route between Asia and the Mediterranean. The almost symmetrical establishment is perfect for the stylish socialite ready to indulge in classic recipes with fabulous friends while grooving to house music. The main bar, the Venetian Bar, is named in honour of Marco Polo, and a life-size statue means his presence is never forgotten. Sky-high floating crystal glistens in the light and reflects off the floor-to-ceiling mirrors around the venue. Private rooms, like the Dynasty Bar and the St George Wine Room, offer secluded spots for selected beverages, while another elaborate section of Silk Road serves signature cocktails overlooking the mezzanine level. A large communal table behind the Venetian Bar seats eighteen guests and is perfect for tapas or Asian-inspired snacks served by the extremely accommodating staff.
Spice Market
BAR
BEANEY LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9660 3777 • MAP P.279
OPEN WED–SAT 5PM–2AM
BEERS $6–$150, WINES $9–$40, COCKTAILS $18–$22, FOOD $4.50–$16
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Many a soul has been lured down Beaney Lane by the sexy beats and the thrum of conversation emanating from Spice Market, a Far Eastern drinking den born of the minds behind Momo Restaurant. Ease your posterior into the plush furnishings and sip on a Turkish delight martini for your first authentic experience. You won’t even notice the topless statues lining the walls after a while, or the waitstaff who constantly waft about. The large range of beer on tap is a welcome change for an upmarket bar – so too the selection of champagne, although you may need a second mortgage to spend the whole night drinking the stars. Appropriately, cocktails top the drink card for many punters, ensuring that your evening is scored with the bartenders’ shaking and stirring till the wee hours. Like many Middle Eastern– influenced venues of this ilk, Spice Market’s architecturally designed decor is enhanced by selective lighting, giving the entire venue a welcoming and conspiratorial vibe, just the thing for a romantic rendezvous/misunderstanding.
Spleen Central
BAR
41 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9650 2400 • MAP P.277 OPEN MON–SAT 4PM–LATE
BEERS $4–$8, WINES $6–$8.50, COCKTAILS $10–$14
CASH ONLY
Spleen was one of the first hipster bars to open in Melbourne. With its retro paintings, velour couches and ’70s lampshades, this was the place to see and be seen in the ’90s. Those paintings are looking a little faded now and the couches have lost their springs, but the friendly and unpretentious atmosphere remains. It’s a bit hand-me-down, sure, but, like your favourite share house, Spleen is comfortable, approachable and offers the promise of a great night ahead. For evidence, just check the ceiling over the bar, which is plastered with photos of inebriated and happy punters. You can see why. The bartenders are friendly, there’s free local comedy on a Monday night, and the plonk’s downright affordable. The best place to sit is the vast circular couch upstairs, looking down over the bar. Warm up your vocal cords first, though, because you’ll have to shout over the nearby speakers. Spleen’s glory days may be behind it but this is still a convivial and cool bar to bookend a night in town.
Syracuse
BAR
23 BANK PLACE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9670 1777 • MAP P.281
OPEN MON–FRI 7.30AM–LATE, SAT 6PM–LATE
BEERS $7.50–$9.50, WINES $9–$15, FOOD $3.50–$38.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Syracuse has been serving fine wine since the days of mobile-phone bricks. This elegant wine bar, a previous winner of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, prides itself on a prestigious selection of wines from all over the world. The boundless bottles will excite even the cockiest of connoisseurs with some très rare vintages from the renowned wine regions of France. Nestled inside a historic building on Bank Place, Syracuse is popular with the savvy suits who come to celebrate or commiserate in style. Join the lunchtime or after-work crowd in a sniff,swirl and sip session, and drink in the captivating surrounds. Unwind to the sound of popping corks and chinking glasses echoing off the high ceilings, archways and timber floors, and order from the exquisite menu of modern Mediterranean dishes. Make use of the white linen napkins to dab away any wine-sampling evidence before bidding farewell to the dedicated staff.
Three Below
BAR
3 CITY SQUARE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9662 9555 • MAP P.278
OPEN DAILY NOON–LATE
BEERS $4.50–$15, WINES $8–$13, COCKTAILS $12–$18, FOOD $6–$22
NO BOOKINGS
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Conveniently located in City Square, Three Below is the ideal pit stop for drinks after a hectic day. The crowd is mixed – it’s on for young and old in this renovated establishment – and the vibe is trendy and relaxed, with jazz, blues, rock or pop sounding through each crevice. The dark wooden floors, dove grey walls and timber-framed casement windows (with lead lighting in the upper portions and across the bar) provide the backdrop – take a seat in the comfy private booths fitted with leather couches and enjoy something from the extensive list of European beers. For the full German experience, get stuck into their pot-belly pies or their ‘Signature Sausages’ served in a roll with onion relish. If you’re not a fan of the bratwurst then you can snack on the tavern classics, which are available until 10pm. Park yourself at the massive bench that offers a scenic view of the outdoor area overlooking City Square and the Swanston Street revellers.
Transport
BAR
GROUND FLOOR, TRANSPORT, FEDERATION SQUARE, CORNER FLINDERS AND SWANSTON STREETS, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 8808 • MAP P.278
OPEN DAILY 11AM–LATE
BEERS $6.50–$16, WINES $7.50–$10, COCKTAILS $15–$17, FOOD $7.50–$24.50
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Love it or hate it, Federation Square is here to stay. Once accused of being an eyesore, Fed Square has finally been embraced by locals and tourists alike. At the heart of the square, positioned above the train lines of Flinders Street Station (as its name points out), sits Transport Hotel, home to three unique offerings: Taxi Dining Room, Transit Cocktail Lounge and the ever-popular Transport Public Bar. The Public Bar is a favourite venue for suits, travellers, shoppers and passers-by. Aside from the crowd, the sheer size of the venue makes this modern-day pub stand out. Not necessarily known for its ambience, the Public Bar is a chameleon from day to night – relying on its consistently steady flow of traffic to keep the mood upbeat. The beers are crisp and cold (with a surprisingly large variety to choose from) and the cocktail list is enticing. The best way to enjoy Transport is to grab your drink and a pew overlooking the Yarra, kick the feet up and watch the passing parade.
The Trust
BAR
405–411 FLINDERS LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9629 9300 • MAP P.281
OPEN MON–WED 9AM–11PM, THURS & FRI 9AM–1AM, SAT 5PM–1AM
BEERS $4–$9, WINES $7.50–$12, COCKTAILS $16–$25, FOOD $8–$32
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Does size matter? The Trust boasts the longest bar Down Under, measuring a massive 42 metres in length. And you know what they say about a long bar … it means a long drinks list! Champagne, anyone? The Trust bar offers a premium list of alcoholic refreshments, perfect for toasting the exquisite craftsmanship of yesteryear. Think marble, mirrors, rich wooden fixtures and large-scale windows. The bar is situated inside Melbourne’s old Port Authority Building on Flinders Lane and is a rare example of beaux arts–style architecture in Melbourne. Built in the early 1930s, the interior and exterior have been restored to a tee and positively gush with grandeur. Sit poised on a plush couch and ponder the days when pretty pennies bought style and sophistication. The Trust also has a restaurant that serves modern European-style dishes, and is well suited for a variety of functions, from corporate to cool.
The Wharf Hotel
PUB
18–38 SIDDELEY STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 8680 6000 • MAP P.282
OPEN MON–FRI 7.30AM–LATE, SAT & SUN NOON–LATE
BEERS $5–$14, WINES $7–$20, COCKTAIL JUGS $20, FOOD $6.50–$42
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
A little oasis hides on the Yarra River’s edge, in the shadow of Melbourne’s World Trade Centre. Red canvas umbrellas give the first clue that there’s a watering hole tucked away off Spencer Street. A bright flash of green astroturf confirms it. The grass has been rolled out to form part of the setting for a casual outdoor area, fitted with dark wood furniture and palms that make you feel like you’re at a friend’s barbecue. Live musicians play on Friday nights to subdue the bustling after-work crowd, while waiters ferry mimosa jugs and bar snacks, including what are arguably the best chips in Melbourne. Inside, the Wharf spreads out to a fully fledged pub, complete with à la carte dining and a roaring live band with room to dance. The Wharf shows its white-collar credentials with a concise wine list, which has a liberal dose of upper-end labels to cater to the corporate crowd. The beer, brought in from all over, comes at a good price, but the list tends towards established brands, rather than craft beers.
Yak Bar
BAR
150 FLINDERS LANE, MELBOURNE
(03) 9654 6699 • MAP P.279
OPEN MON 7AM–11.30PM, TUES–THURS 7AM–11PM, FRI 7AM–1AM, SAT 5PM–1AM
BEERS $4–$10, WINES $6.50–$10.50, COCKTAILS $15–$21, FOOD $6–$33
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
Yak Bar is definitely what you’d call versatile. Hugging the corner of Russell Street and Flinders Lane, this place has funky retro furnishings in striking colours, with a hint of Middle Eastern and Indian influence. Pillars, feature detailing on the walls and lamps add to the feel. At the latticed bar that dominates the room, there’s a huge range of spirits to choose from, plus a good variety of cocktails. Wines are pricey but well selected, and include dessert wines. Tapas is a speciality and goes with whatever you choose to drink. With the room cleverly divided into various enclaves, you can enjoy a drink or two with friends without necessarily being on display. Although the service can be slow, the staff are friendly. Yak is definitely focused on its bar scene, but, that said, you can come here at practically any time. Cappuccinos and cafe-style munchies are available for daytime catch-ups, while dinner dates and family meals can also be accommodated with the large dining area and Mediterranean-meets-Australia menu.