Tash Conte’s family-run bar has been a beacon of excellence for almost 21 years now. Not content to sit pretty on tried-and-tested masterpieces, the list is always on the move, keeping step with moods and seasons. This Fitzroy stayer delivers killer cocktails downstairs and upstairs in the Attic you get more of the same but with a quieter, date-night vibe.
April 2024: Brrrr, the sun's hiding behind a cloud and the desire for frosty Spritzes and pints has been replaced by the promise instead of belly-warming whisky tipples and wines in all the loveliest cosy nooks around town. Speaking of which, if you're after a watering hole that gets it right (the drinks, service and vibes), these bars are the ones that have mastered a winning formula.
Melbourne has some of the best 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’ of Heartbreaker. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin; you can sip naked wines or suited-and-booted cocktails, grab a craft beer and a parma or a late-night Gimlet and a Euro-leaning cheese platter. Or how about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from intimate newcomer Apollo Inn?
If you're looking for a bar to head to, we've rounded up the top 50 bars that we're really excited about right now, many of which happen to be winners of the Time Out Food and Drink Awards for 2023. Cheers to them!