Best Melbourne Bars & Pubs

A charming, multi-level pub nestled in the pretty, tree lined back streets of Fitzroy this has got to my favourite Melbourne pub. It's laid back and serves a mean Aperol Spritz as well as plenty of craft beer on tap. The Marquis kitchen cooks up a fantastic seasonal menu of fish, steak and vegetarian food and to top it all off there's a very cool roof top terrace awaiting you at the top of the stairs.

This party spot attracts cool club kids, international and Australian DJ's and, being open from Friday evening to Monday morning is a serious party institution in the Melbourne club scene. Revolver is the perfect destination after party hopping through the neighbouring night spots of Chapel street.

Boney is one of those eclectic clubs that never fails to produce seriously fun nights of live music and dj's. I rate this place highly, it's cosy but packs a lot of personality into it's two levels with a lounge for cocktails and convo, or you can dance 'til dawn on the dance floor.

Chilling on Lounges expansive balcony that hangs out over Melbourne's main drag of Swanston street, drinking a whiskey sour and listening to a great DJ set is one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend evening. The crowd here are young, cool and fun and you'll be whirled away dancing, chatting or chilling at this great inner city club.

I first spotted Workshop from the street below, and the sight of people enjoying beers on the fern lined terrace behind an industrial facade had me curious about just what was going on up there. Turns out there are regular DJ nights as well as live music, cocktails and pizzas. You'll be very glad you made your way to this urban industrial club venue.

From live jazz concerts to electronic club nights, you can salsa or rave the night away in the signature red glow of the Night Cat's dance floor. I love the openness of the dance floor space and the feeling of being in a Fitzroy party institution. For suave entertainment or to see alternative touring electronic acts look no further than The Night Cat.

Hit The Laundry up if you are down to dance to R&B, Hip Hop and Rap DJ's. Inside you'll find a banging dance floor, a great bar with a special selection of Tequila and Rum and a lively party atmosphere.

Live music lives at Ding Dong in Melbourne's central Chinatown district. Down a neon-sign lit alley way and up a few flights of stairs you'll find a seat at a table with the stage in full view. After the bands, who range from Melbourne greats, interstate talents and overseas must see's you can get down on the dance floor and boogie the night away to some rocking DJ's.

You can't expect glamorous treatment at Melbourne's favourite rock and roll pub, but I can promise you'll get to experience the nitty gritty, raw and rocking side of the city at this boisterous, no frills establishment. The Tote doesn't do cocktails, so stick to tap beer and join the crowd as local bands play in the band room every night of the week.

A ritzy, sleek bar located in the famous Rialto building in Melbournes CBD, The Lui Bar offers dazzling cocktails as well as deliciously fancy snacks. You can take in a spectacular view of Melbourne while relaxing in luxurious and elegant decor. We drank pour over coffee vodkas at sunset and it was wonderful.

A delightfully European bar tucked away in one of Melbournes' infamous laneways, at Neapoli you can have a glass of specially selected Italian wine, a classic Aperol Spritz or a classy Martini in a light and sophisticated atmosphere. There is an outdoor terrace for the smokers, and the interior is spacious and lofty. This bar is my pick for romantic dates, casual evening drinks or even a solo tipple.

If you're looking let your hair down and dance to pop and electronic hits, I suggest you make your way to Melbourne CBD club, Billboards. It's straight up party atmosphere is bound to entertain and you even have the option of booking VIP booths if you're feeling a tad classy.

Drink like a local at this beloved pub. They offer contemporary cuisine in their dining lounge, while the front bar has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The bar is newly renovated and now boasts a rooftop bar but maintains the essence of a classic Aussie pub.

My absolute favourite bar in Melbourne, Rooftop bar is the perfect place to hang out; afternoon, evening or night. You can depend on great DJ's and a pumping crowd of cool Melbournians relaxing and soaking up the 360 degree city views on bean bags and astro-turf! They have a range of reasonably priced cocktails and you can while away a summer evening with friends at this great location, high above the hustle and bustle of Swanston St.

This outdoor, shipping container and graffiti infused bar in the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown district is a great spot to meet friends and get the night started. It's a great space that's usually got plenty of room to sit and you can even have a boogie when the DJ's are on the decks. It's my go to bar for meeting up with friends and winding down after a day in the city. It's a down to earth, chilled out spot with an arty, funky feel.

Cherry bar is a Melbourne rock institution, with live acts some nights of the week and a notoriously late closing time in the late AM's. When there are DJ's you can expect to hear classic soul or old school rock and punk music and definitely have a dance. It may be more on the side of grime than glamour, but Cherry bar has plenty of character and attitude and is well worth a visit for a taste of Melbourne rock and roll culture.

I always have an especially fun time at Carlton Club; whether relaxing on the lush balcony that overlooks Bourke street, or canoodling in the red velvet booths of the main bar beneath none other than a taxidermied Giraffe, this is a one of a kind club. The interior is wild and fun, sometimes there is a queue to get in but it's well worth it if you want a great cocktail and a dance in a glamorous inner city bar.

You don't have to love gin to fall in love with the Gin palace, although it does have every Gin cocktail imaginable! The charming old world feel of dark mahogany furniture and upholstered sofas adds a wow factor that is sure to impress on dates and intimate drinks with friends. I love the way this bar mixes Melbourne sophistication with the cool glamour of old London. You can't miss their Gin Fizz which is just perfection!

The decor in this place is like no other, decked out in sweet retro furniture that has a gorgeous garden party style it's a special place to catch up with friends. There is a gorgeous deck where you can enjoy fancy cocktails and snacks with the feeling of being at a high class soiree. I would highly recommend the jugs of classic iced Pimms punch.

When you visit Sister Bella, a cosy bar tucked away in an alley way, you'll discover a much loved Melbourne gem. I love coming here to play boardgames and catch up with mates over a beer. Jugs of beer are reasonably priced and the interior is industrial chic with a cosy and relaxed edge.

Rock reigns supreme at arguably Melbourne's best live music venue. But, if like me, you have other tastes then drop in on a Thursday for the soul and funk nights. There's some superb music-inspired street art to admire outside while you stand in line on the aptly named ACDC Lane.

Over 300 whiskies and a cozy Japanese-style bar setting. What more can a whisky lover ask for? This for me is the epitome of cool, especially if you like discovering rare and unknown drams from every imaginable corner of the globe. The regular tasting events are worth checking out.