Best Bars to Soak Up the Sun in... St Kilda

Melbourne! Spring has sprung, the sun has decided to shine upon us and what else would we want to do as Melburnians but raise a toast? More to the point, where better to do so than St. Kilda? To celebrate, we’ve scouted all the best beach spots for you to soak up the rays (and the brews), from refreshing craft beers and ciders in the hippest of rooftop venues, to chilled wines, cocktails and vibes in the best hidden bars. It’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it. Never let it be said we don’t look after you guys!

29th Apartment

29 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Want to feel at home, while at the very same time getting amongst the unique St. Kilda vibe? If the rent on an apartment down Chapel Street is out of your price range, don’t give up your dream just yet. You can have it all at 29th Apartment – St. Kilda’s very own melting pot of pop culture.

The domestic dream of stepping through that white picket fence straight into a New York style themed apartment (complete with a lounge room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and games room, by the way) can be yours… and to top it off? A premium drinks list, ranging from specialty rums, cocktails and a great choice of beers, awaits you.

If you’re feeling peckish after a day of frolicking on the beach or tearing around Luna Park, 29th Apartment has you covered. The food resembles typical New York style fare – from chilli fries, to pizzas, to New York style burgers. Welcome home, guys.

Barney Allens

14 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182

It’s been said that to really get the true feel for a place, eat and drink where the locals do. For beachfront Melbourne, that place is Barney Allens – a St Kilda institution situated right in the heart of the edgy Fitzroy Street. Since we’re all about savouring every moment of the newly discovered sunshine, we should point out one of the premium features of this venue – the swish outdoor drinking area, which looks directly out over all the fun and action of this famous street.

Of course, that’s not the only reason Barney’s has stood the test of time – the place has a cult following for its burgers, which have been featured on many of Melbourne’s ‘best burger’ lists over the years. Can’t argue with that.

Captain Baxter

10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182

A list of the best and sunniest spots to enjoy a tipple in St. Kilda would not be complete without a mention of Captain Baxter. Seriously – just look at it. Captain Baxter is St Kilda’s first beachside cocktail and lounge bar with Melbourne’s best outdoor deck – a hotly contested title.

Complete with a setting of salty air, a flurry of cocktail shakers, sharable gourmet treats, free live music, a pulsating atmosphere and unmatched ocean views, this is the spot to take a “St Kilda Style” cocktail journey. Just make sure you find yourself a spot nice and early, because this little beauty fills up quick.

Grosvenor Hotel

10 Brighton Rd, St Kilda East VIC 3183

If you’re serious about your drinking, St Kilda’s Grosvenor Hotel is an iconic Melbourne venue which has been welcoming guests since the 1800’s, so they really know their stuff. Located on Brighton Road, the pub boasts an impressive beverage selection, and the extensive wine list offers a myriad of great value wines to suit all budgets.

Requiring a special mention for all you St. Kilda hipster types (or those of you who just enjoy a damn good beer), is the selection of delicious and refreshing craft beer on tap. Nine (plus one cider), to be exact, most of which are sourced from local brewers.

If you can swing a cheeky Thursday session, Grosvenor Hotel makes a range of unique cocktails which can be ordered individually or for sharing by the pitcher – all ‘2 for 1’ on Thursday.

Laika Bar

9 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182

If you like a twist of decadence served up with your drinks, you might want to check out Laika Bar – a 1930’s European style bar offering a selection of classic cocktails from throughout history. Savour all the famous classics and modern innovations in a seriously decadent, ambient venue. If all that decadence isn’t enough for you, matching the surrounds is a wine list that includes a range of well selected drops to satisfy your palate.

Ooh, la la.

Secret Garden

6/60 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182

You might have guessed that here at Hidden City Secrets, we enjoy finding a good hidden, secret spot. True to its name, Secret Garden is… well, secreted away from the hustle and bustle of Fitzroy Street. Offering the tranquility of garden daybeds, delectable cocktails on the decking, private areas for a more intimate experience or just dancing the night away in Robin’s nest – whatever your vibe, Secret Garden is here to cater.

WANT TO DRINK ELSEWHERE? VIEW THE LIST OF MELBOURNE’S BEST BARS AND PUBS HERE

By Courtney White

FIND A VENUE