Summer is a cherished time in Melbourne, as it often feels like our winter lasts about 9 months of the year. When it’s so long awaited, it’d be rude to not make the most of it.
Why not take the party to the roof?
Whether you’re keen to look out over the urban jungle, scope water views or take in dazzling city lights, we’ve got you sorted for rooftop bars.
Soak up some vitamin D or enjoy a night out jacket free, and take your next outing to new heights (not the adrenaline junky kind, sorry).
Siglo
2/161 Spring St, Melbourne
If you want a little European flare to your cocktail hour, Siglo offers the whole fantasy, without air travel and having to shuffle through customs. A beautiful rooftop terrace bar with the backdrop of Parliament House and St Patrick’s Cathedral, Siglo’s the Parisian décor and complimentary views create an atmospheric experience unlike any other in Melbourne. Cordial table service sees Siglo serving up classic cocktails, spirits and champagnes, as well as a moreish bar snacks and a selection of fine Cuban cigars to enjoy for those looking to go all in for the Siglo experience.
Ninteenforty
200 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East
Above the beloved art deco Rivoli Cinema is Nineteenforty, a time honored yet contemporary rooftop bar that looks out over Camberwell and Hawthorn. Open Friday – Sunday, Ninteenforty is a handy spot for a pre or post film drink and debrief. It’s also a favorable choice if you’re keen to catch a sunset with a cocktail in hand from their charming 1940s inspired bar. Come nightfall, enjoy the glow of The Rivoli Cinema’s iconic neon sign, flooding you with cinematic mood lighting. Take in the view, the smell of popcorn and the bliss above the bustle.
70 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Hidden inconspicuously above Mt View Hotel on Bridge road, is A Bar Above, a rooftop bar that promises breathtaking views of the city skyline and downtown Richmond. Open from 12pm, this spot aims to please both sun seekers and night owls alike. Boasting a signature cocktail menu, with choices like their Summer Sweet N Sour, Hot Mango Madness & Caribbean Sunshine, you’re sure to find a delicious concoction to cool you down. Perfect for walk in’s looking for fun, but also an ideal spot for group bookings and functions, with two separate booking areas, Pelaco End and Bridge Rd End, as well as the sociable public bar.
A Bar Above will have you feeling on top of the world.
Two Hands
311A Victoria St, Abbotsford
Two Hands in Abbotsford is a Japanese-Western fusion style bar on Victoria Street which boasts a lively ground floor bar and beer garden as well as a breezy rooftop fit for all silly season catch ups and shenanigans. This watering hole is colourful and friendly, offering open mic evenings, karaoke sessions, pool table, as well as shisha, something for everyone!
Decked out with lush greenery of palm fronds, wall vines and tropical décor makes Two Hands an atmospheric spot, perfect or catching those summer vibes without leaving the north side.
Two Hands welcomes casual walk in’s looking for fun, which they see plenty of with their awesome drink and meal specials, as well as accommodating to all kinds of booking events, from birthdays to Hen’s nights.
The Emerson
145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra
The Emerson is an icon of South Yarra, known for its popular club downstairs, as well as its stylish rooftop with stunning city views. You can catch blue skies during their American inspired lunch menu (courtesy of Easy’s, for any fans out there) and starlight and skylines on a warm summer evening, where dinner and drinks upstairs could turn into a dance downstairs. Suitable for all year round, but really something else in the summertime.
1 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Ellora St Kilda boasts one of the best views of the bay from Fitzroy Street meets Esplanade location that will have you audibly gasping come sunset.
A gorgeous balcony/rooftop bar in an unbeatable spot, you can enjoy Ellora for its tasty tapas, cocktails or bottomless brunch, with generous happy hour specials that’ll have you saying, “Day for it.” Ellora is an expansive and high energy venue fit for summer hedonism, be it a hot date, a group outing or celebrating a special occasion. With these (St) killer views you might never want to come down.
