Summer is officially here, the sun is staying up longer and the festive season is just around the corner, meaning it’s a better time than any to take advantage of Melbourne’s abundant bars.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to whet your whistle after work or a themed venue that will delight all your senses, you can guarantee there is somewhere in this glorious city that’s right up your alley. Here are a handful of our favourite spots to grab a drink this summer.
Mr Wow’s Emporium
Awaken your inner child at Mr Wow’s Emporium with games of ping-pong, pool and bocce which, let’s face it, become much more fun after a few tequilas. Mr Wow’s offers everything from premium spirits and single malts to house-made bitters and fine-aged rum – as well as your run of the mill beer. Located in the heart of Fitzroy, this can be your starting spot or a prime destination for a night out.
Find Mr Wow’s Emporium at 97b Smith Street, Fitzroy
Madame Brussels
Madame Brussels is the sky-high garden party dreams are made of, complete with AstroTurf, pastel parasols and white picket fences. Cocktails include ‘The Pollinator’, a concoction of apricot nectar, Bombay Sapphire gin, white chocolate and Aperol. When paired with high tea-style finger food, a French-inspired menu and delectable cupcakes, Madame Brussels will make you feel like you’re in your own backyard – albeit with staff clad in tennis whites catering your every need.
Find Madame Brussels at Level 3 59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Dr Morse
If you’re chasing a casual haunt where you can grab a beer on a scorching afternoon, Dr Morse is your new go-to. Pull up a stool in the beer garden, munch on pan-Asian-inspired bites, throw back a couple’a cold ones and catch some local DJs. It’s a guaranteed way to beat the heat. Plus, with cocktail names like ‘Rhonda From HR’ and ‘Pablo Escubac’, you know you’re in good company.
Find Dr Morse at 274 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
Barton Fink
While outdoor bars in summer are all well and good in theory, there comes a point where you just want to go somewhere cool and dark. Taking its name from the 1991 Coen Brothers film, Barton Fink pays homage to cinema through a range film-inspired décor that will have you feeling nostalgic. Forget bells and whistles, Barton Fink has classic pub fare and all the signature cocktails a bar should have.
Find Barton Fink at 816 High Street, Thornbury
Goldilocks Bar
What Goldilocks Bar lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. Perched atop a rooftop in the CBD, this is an intimate space that exudes comfort. Offering seasonal cocktails featuring flavours from around the world, this is the ideal spot for a casual first date or catch up with mates. It can fill up quick, but if you manage to snag a spot overlooking the city, it’s well worth your while.
Find Goldilocks Bar at Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
