Spring 2026 update: The best way to celebrate the arrival of spring? With a drink, of course! Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of gorgeous courtyards, sun-drenched bars and outdoor spots for an al fresco bevvie. And if the city's fickle weather plays up, there are plenty of cosy bars to retreat back to as well. We'll see you out there for a Spritz in the sun!
Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?
We've rounded up the top bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.
Editor's favourite bars in Melbourne:
- 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Bar Olo
- 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Boire
- 🍸 Best for cocktails: Moondrop
- 🫒 Best for bar snacks: Suze
- 🍻 Best for a friends' catch-up: Albert's Wine Bar
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