10 Bars Every Melburnian Must Visit

Drink. Drank. Drunk. The Melbourne bar scene is one of the best things about this city. Make sure you check these 10 out!

The best bars in Melbourne lists are always going to cause social media conflict and antagonise the purveyors of fine tipples. With so many fantastic suburbs and thousands of bars in each, it really is hard to pick, but these ten are definitely on our must see list.

1806 – CBD

Most of you probably already know about 1806 and their incredible cocktails, but we love it so much that we just had to include it in our list. An award winning cocktail list, this 1806 is one outstanding bar! For those who are daring enough, peruse their Flights menu, and discover a world of whisky far beyond your imagination.

Alumbra – Docklands

Bars on the waterfront are always going to make an appearance in any best bars list, but our friends at Alumbra really do know what they are doing. Not only is this venue kitted out in New York chic, but it also features an NYC Street Eats menu, designed by Huxtaburger’s creator, Daniel Wilson. Check their American Beauty cocktail – yuummm, giiinnn *drools*

Bomba – CBD

Bomba! Not only fun to say, but also fun to visit, this CBD bar sports its own rooftop for ultimate Melbourne skylines. Breathtaking views aside, this bar has one outstanding drinks list. We could go on and on, but it’s best if you just trust us and try it (it’s 18 pages long). Shout outs to the White Negroni, the Adelina Fizz, and multiple versions of G&Ts!

The Carlton – CBD

This velvet, plush, multi-level bar is a frequent haunt of ours due to its fantastic options available (by options, we mean 3 bars, because you can’t have just one!). Their interior is warm and inviting, and their wild outdoor balconies mean you don’t have to be a StairMaster during cigarette breaks. With all of the classics: beer, wine, cider, cocktails, everyone will feel at home here.

Fall from Grace – CBD

Here at HCS, we love our hidden bars, and you can’t get much better than an underground cocktail lounge, hidden behind a bookcase! Fall from Grace is one of the few Melbourne bars that has done the ‘speakeasy’ theme really REALLY well. Their impressive mixologists line the bar, and a never ending cocktail list has your mouth salivating, and your mind reeling. #IFoundFallFromGrace

Harley House – CBD

Harley House’s 3am license brings all the girls and boys to their yard! Their cocktails and every growing Whiskey and Tequila list is what makes them stay. Another hidden CBD gem, Harley House is a killer New York themed basement bar full of art, intimate booths, and soulful DJs on weekends. Try their dishes, influenced by every delicious culture you can imagine..

House of Maximon – CBD

Dive bars are all the rage these days and House of Maximon is one of the absolute best! Entering this bar, you feel as if ou are transported to another world. Its dark and – sometimes – disturbing imagery adds to the ambience, while its bone chandeliers send chills down your spine. Try their remarkable tequila and mezcal lists, and forget about work tomorrow.

Howler – Brunswick

Not only a bar, but also a concept space, Howler is one helluva bar. Tucked in Melbourne’s hip little ‘burb, Brunswick, Howler invites those with a penchant for art, culture, and music to enter its doors and chill in its main bar, or garden bar (Melbourne weather permitting). Nestle in amongst steels sculptures and become part of the art in this one of a kind bar.

The Noble Experiment – Collingwood

Melbourne has a diverse array of cocktail bars, but one of the best is definitely The Noble Experiment. With bottle and barrel aged cocktails, and a killer spot smack bang on happening Smith Street, you really don’t have an excuse for not going there. P.S. try the Smith Street Fizz (one hint: Pop Rocks!)

White Oaks Saloon – Prahran

We love our South Side just as much as we love our North Side, however, Prahran will always be a staple in our Melbourne drinking diets. White Oaks Saloon, perched on busy little Greville Street, is an American themed bar, perfect for those who want some delicious cheesy snacks alongside their cocktails. Another barrel aged cocktail purveyor, their drinks are on point!

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