BARS
Melbourne's drinking culture embraces hidden bars and hole-in-the-wall offerings – down city laneways and alleys – where location, furnishings and atmosphere are as much the focus as the drinks. Worried your money won't stretch? Never fear. There's plenty of big fun, low budget options in Melbourne town. From grungy alley bars to sleek, up-market lounges – every taste is catered for.
The Order of Melbourne
Opposite the RMIT campus, this sleek bar draws in a student crowd, as well as the after-work set. Enjoy alfresco drinks on the roof terrace.
Horse Bazaar
Film nights, trivia night, retro game nights. This bar has them all. Venture inside, order a pot of ale and loose yourself in the indoor beer garden.
Cherry
The crowd is bohemian, the tunes are on vinyl, and the attitude is cool. Pack your treasure map to find this warehouse-style basement bar.
Hairy Canary
With a small cosy bar atmosphere, this place is a tempting spot to indulge in cocktails squeezed from and shaken with the freshest ingredients.
The Melbourne Supper Club
Leather chesterfield couches and dark wood make this a cosy winter hideaway – a place to enjoy lovely wine, fine snacks and conversation.
Section 8
Hang with the cool kids at this Chinatown hideaway, which has wooden pallets for chairs and serves drinks from an old shipping container.
1806
Choose from a cocktail menu that chronicles the last two hundred years and marvel at the amazing vintage cocktail shaker collection.
Seamstress
This Asian-inspired locale boasts a basement bar, ground level courtyard, a stunning first floor dining room and a cocktail bar on the roof.
Madame Brussels
Cucumber sandwiches and croquet anyone? With staff in cricket whites, English garden party décor and astro-turf, this bar is something special.
