The best bars for first dates in Melbourne

With a name that was made for lovers, this intimate laneway bar is ripe for romancing.

If you're out to impress, scoot on up to the 55th floor of the Rialto for well-crafted cocktails and knockout city views.

Andrew McConnell's chic city bar above Cumulus Inc promises cheffy snacks and cherry-picked wines by the glass.

A European-style bar with heart and soul has Aperol spritzes, an Italian-only wine list and crisp fritto misto.

Sit at the bar counter and you'll have plenty to talk about while you imagine you're in Spain in this romantic bar. Share tapas dishes (get the oysters) over delicious cocktails or a bottle of Portugese wine.  

Cocktails, whisky, blues, good service and Reuben sandwiches until 2am: Beneath Driver Lane has all of the ingredients for a perfect first date. The venue is cosy, with dim lighting that makes everyone look great and plenty of private booths for earnest conversation (or canoodling).

This shipping container bar in a CBD laneway is made for fun and low-stakes first date. The DJ keeps the party mood alive all night and the upper deck is a great spot for people watching. Food comes by way of visiting food trucks serving cheap eats.  

Southern American hospitality lives south of the river, with aromatic cocktails, tasty fried chicken and key lime pie.

A low-lit, vintage-style lounge with cosy booths for canoodling and literary-inspired cocktails.

With all-Australian spirits, inventive cocktails and toasted jaffles, Bad Frankie brings good times to Fitzroy.

For when you want to get down and dirty, this New Orleans-inspired bar dishes out dirt-cheap happy hours and saucy chicken wings.