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[title]True Melburnians know that our nightlife never slows down, not even in the throes of winter. In fact, you'll catch us warming ourselves with a beverage every weekend no matter what BOM says. For those in the know, two of Melbourne’s top riverside bars are the perfect destinations for spontaneous weekend group hangs. In Sydney you go to Circular Quay for your waterfront drinks – in Melbourne, you head to Riverland Bar and Pilgrim Bar.
These two riverfront gems have a long history serving drinks to the city’s summer crowds, be they locals, out-of-towners or tourists looking to rest their feet alongside a frosty drink. However, we know these watering holes are excellent all year round, especially when you can enjoy day drinks under the guise of a bougie high tea with friends.
Pilgrim Bar Gin High Tea runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday – making it the perfect excuse to put on a cute outfit and drag your partner, best mates or mother dearest for a fun day out in the city. At $85 dollarydoos per person, you can enjoy three tea inspired gin cocktails, plus sweet and savoury delights worth salivating over. Oh, and if that doesn't sell it enough already, you're also entitled to bottomless sparkling wine and tea for the duration of your two-hour sitting.
The beloved Melb bar specialises in all things Australian, but don’t expect to see cork hats and Blooming Onions. Pilgrim Bar showcases Australian produce with an all-Aussie drinks list as well as a food menu that puts the spotlight on 63 ethical, local and independent Australian producers. We love to see it.
Just down from Pilgrim Bar, you'll find Riverland Bar – one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s waterfront bar scene and still resides in the old Federation Wharf vaults that they transformed into a beer garden over ten years ago. With that sort of experience you can bet they have a dedicated crowd of regulars that return for the great drinks, consistently good meals and always-happy-to-see-you staff.
Over many years Riverland Bar has curated an extensive beer list, although these days you’re just as likely to catch someone kicking back with a refreshing glass of frosé. When it comes to dining the bar is only too happy to sort punters out with a mix of pub favourites and very “on-trend” meals. There are plenty of people Instagramming their poke bowl but just as many heartily digging into the bar’s Wagyu burger.
Although both bars boast central locations (you’ll find them hidden away at Federation Wharf, just below Federation Square), sinking a couple of drinks at these watering holes feels far removed from the bustling city just metres away.
Need a drink this weekend? Head down to the river and into Riverland Bar and Pilgrim Bar.