Melbourne treats visitors and locals to a unique "laneway" bar culture - where bars and pubs are quietly tucked away into re-vamped traffic-free lanes that wind their way throughout the city.
Bars and pubs in Melbourne often pay homage to the city's commitment to music of all genres. Many popular musical acts from around the globe often choose Melbourne venues for their intimate or acoustic shows - the city's cosy climate and affable culture is just too good to resist.
- 1806 - www.1806.com.au
- An absolute classic. 1806 is a Melbourne watering hole based on the era from which it derives its name. With incredibly impressive decor, and an extensive yet elegant cocktail menu, you can't go past 1806 if you're keen to treat a new client, impress a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. A true vintage masterpiece in the heart of Melbourne.
- Crown Entertainment Complex - www.crowncasino.com.au
- Located on the Yarra River waterfront at Southbank, the Crown Entertainment Complex boasts more than 30 bars, two nightclubs, a 24-hour casino, restaurants, shopping boutiques and lots of entertainment options. It's a venue with non-stop action and certainly has something for everyone.
- Madame Brussels - www.madamebrussels.com
- Actually named after a socialite and brothel owner from the 1830s, this kitsch establishment is all about Pimms and lemonade, pearls, country club garb and atmosphere. Even if this would not normally be your "thing", a visit to Melbourne is not complete without a Madame Brussels stop in. The perfect place for a Sunday drinking session or summer afternoon, located on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD.
- The Prince - www.princebars.com.au & www.princebandroom.com.au
- The Prince is located just outside of Melbourne's city centre in the popular bayside area of St Kilda. Not only is it a great place to have a beer, The Prince is also a music lovers delight. Expect the Prince to throw up any number of sought-after international musical acts each week in its acclaimed "band room". You will be bragging to your friends about all of the famous faces you waxed lyrical with over a drink at The Prince.
- The Red Hummingbird - www.theredhummingbird.com
- Think first dates, Valentine's Day and cocktails. If you want to make an impression on a new acquaintance you can't go past the Red Hummingbird in Melbourne's CBD. A bar that resembles more of a snug "nest", this venue is both homely and impressive, with a rooftop garden to blow your mind. Expect to meet some popular DJs, sample some jazz and Latin grooves and taste cocktail concoctions that you never would have thought existed.
Bars and pubs in regional Victoria
Don't simply trust Melbourne to treat you to the best bars and pubs in Victoria. Visitors to country areas of the state can choose from bars and pubs that cater to a range of different tastes, from upper class and swanky to relaxed and cheap, for those looking for a three-course meal with their beverage, to those who would prefer to snack on Mediterranean-inspired Tapas. Victoria's bars and pubs are the best in the country hands down.
- Regent Bar - www.regentbar.com
- Trust the Goldfields area of Victoria to offer up a great bar like the Regent for visitors keen to sample the delights of Victorian goldmining history. Regent Bar is located in Ballarat on historic Lydiard Street in a gorgeous, renovated building. There's a large raised bar, dance floor, pool tables and comfortable seating. A "quick" visit to this bar if staying in this locality could literally last all night, with regular bands and popular DJs enticing locals and visitors to carve up the dance floor.
- Bobby's Bar - www.foundryhotelcomplex.com
- Bobby's Bar is located in the central Victorian city of Bendigo - famous for its architectural heritage and sight-seeing, Bobby's Bar is part of the modern Foundry Hotel Complex and is designed to appeal to both the old and young. Known as "Bendigo's home of cocktails" and guaranteed to quench your thirst and satiate your hunger, it features fabulous lighting and in-house music. Bobby's is one of those bars that you start and end the night in.
If you're more after the bistro side of pubs, see cafes, restaurants & pubs.
