Bars & Pubs

Just because it's the small hours and you're up for a drink, it doesn't mean you want to be yelling over the music in a nightclub. Thankfully, there's plenty of places in Melbourne to enjoy a quiet(ish) beverage until sunrise – and with the 24-hour public transport network operating on weekends, it's easier than ever to get home.  For more nocturnal fun, check out our guide to late-night bottle shops and late-night dining. 

Look, we're not here to judge. Maybe you just want to treat yourself to a little alone time and a good bottle of wine, or maybe you've clocked off early and need to kill some time before meeting up with friends. Maybe you're freelancing and coffee just isn't going to cut it any longer (oh yeah, we've been there). Whatever the reason, here's where to get a cheeky bevvy on your own in Melbourne. For more ideas, check out our guides to Melbourne's best wine bars, cocktail bars and hidden bars.

We salute the best shakers, stirrers, mixers and muddlers of fine cocktails in Melbourne

Our fair city wears the mantle of ‘Late Night Champion’ with pride. Nowhere else in the country can you party at all hours, and then go out for a civilised meal into the bargain. These are the best late-night eats to keep the pep in your party step for nights when you need to soak up some of those high spirits, or maybe you’re just not ready for the night to be over. For more late-night antics, peruse our guides to Melbourne's best late night bars, nightclubs and bars for dancing.

The best places to drink Scotch, Japanese whisky, American whiskey and much more

Get a taste of the tropics at these bustling rum bars around Melbourne

Gin's having a moment in Australia: here's where to get your hands on the best gin cocktails in Melbourne

The best beer halls and beer bars to sample the latest and tastiest microbrews from Melbourne and beyond

Red Stripe is a smooth, full bodied amber lager from the sandy beaches of Jamaica where it was first brewed, over 90 years ago. Named after the red stripe that used to run down Jamaican police uniforms, Red Stripe is an unpretentious drop that goes down nice’n’easy. Fans of the beer have the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Jamaica in July 2019. The prize includes return economy flights, hotel accommodation in Montego Bay, and daily activities. To win one of two trips for two people, simply purchase a Red Stripe from a participating venue, take a creative photo with the Red Stripe promotional coaster that you’ll receive with your purchase, and post it to Instagram, tagging #RedStripeAus and the venue where you bought your Red Stripe. Remember to have your Instagram set to public. The two most creative posts will win. The competition is open from February 1 to May 19, 2019. The prize trip must be taken on July 17-21, 2019, and cannot be changed, transferred or redeemed for cash. Go here for more information and terms and conditions. So, where can you enjoy Red Stripe and get that promotional coaster? Here's the list:  Jack and Bones Island BarJack and Bones Island Bar prides itself on being Melbourne’s “only Hawaiian bar”, but that's not its exclusive focus. Among the tiki drinks you can get yourself a taste of Jamaica’s famous brew. The Barkly HotelTucked in the corner of Barkly and Grey Street, this is a locals’ bar down on street level that does a hango

More than 500 people packed into Transport Public Bar in Federation Square on a Sunday afternoon to toast the best in the hospitality business.  Hosted by the very funny Rhys Nicholson (who doesn’t love a free comedy show thrown in with an awards ceremony?), the event saw ten awards given out across a range of categories. Guests were treated to delicious drinks, great food, sweet tunes from DJ Coco Brown, with a copy of the new Time Out Bar Awards issue to take home at the end of the night. Attendees were also in the running to take home their very own crystal glassware from Waterford simply by taking a snap with the Mobsta crew in the Waterford area. The snack game was strong, with Southern fried chicken, pizzas, charcuterie and cheese platters courtesy of Transport Public Bar doing the rounds. People were sipping on free-flowing Espresso Martinis on tap, Malibu Piña Coladas, Altos Tequila cocktails, Urban Alley beers, and a bespoke cocktail from Perrier. As if that wasn't enough they also got to sample Riot Wines’ wine in a can from McLaren Vale, and ciders from Hills Cider Co. So who emerged victorious in the 2019 Time Out Bar Awards? Fitzroy cocktail bar the Everleigh was named Bar of the Year. The Everleigh is where you get the exacting standards, beautiful surrounds and whip-smart service of a high-end bar in London, but right here in the heart of Melbourne. The Everleigh is the very definition of putting our best drink forward.As well as the top gong, the Best C