10 favourite Melbourne bars

August 9, 2006

Thanks to Jessie for calling me out on this one. I’m pretty much a city drinker, so almost all of these are in the Melbourne city grid. Easy to get to, easy to taxi home from. Nothing too over the top either, if there’s a chance I’m not getting in, I’m not going to bother. Just some laid back bars to enjoy, so hit those alleyways:

10. The dodgier places. This shouldn’t make it to a top ten list, but I feel I must give a mention to some places that aren’t particularly recommended, but are amusing in their own right. A Bar Called Barry, Mai Tai, Alia (Aaliyah?) and Chaise Lounge are a few places that definitely fall into this category, but there are plenty of others. Best enjoyed after many long hours of indulging somewhere else.

Drink of choice: Probably should be water by this stage

9. St Jerome’s. Used to be one of my favourites, but now seems to be missing something. Still a cool place to hangout, and the layout (cf. loading-dock) is enough of a drawcard to warrant a visit or two.

Drink of choice: Melbourne Bitter

8. Apartment. Nice and often very dark, big and comfortable. Nothing particularly unique, but not a bad place to wind down or wind up.

Drink of choice: Scotch and dry

7. Hairy Canary. The place to start the night. Right in the middle of town, easy to find and a good spot to meet or watch people. Fantastic food too. Not somewhere you’d spend a lot of time, but the perfect launching pad.

Drink of choice: Vodka with something very sour

6. Yeltza. Decadent interior and a surprisingly great beer garden out the back. Queues can be frustrating, but if you are in early, get settled.

Drink of choice: Scotch and dry

5. Mango Lounge Bar. In the most perplexing spot for a bar, this place packs the best quality cocktails I’ve come across. Best suited to lazy summer afternoons, although the beats aren’t bad if you hang around. If you’re in Moonee Ponds, you should drop by. Good music and did I mention the cocktails?

Drink of choice: Anything from the cocktail list. Add a point if it contains Chambord and two for fruit

4. The Order of Melbourne. I’m yet to be here when it gets busy, but a very casual-seeming bar with a beautifully stocked selection and comfy couches. Cannot go past the Japanese Scotch straight up, personally. Lives up three hefty flights of stairs, but is worth the hike. When the warmer weather comes around again, I will be spending a bit of time in the rooftop beer garden.

Drink of choice: Japanese scotch (I’ve forgotten the actual brand, shame)

3. Gin Palace. Definitely a personal favourite. Very elegant and a martini list to die for. Not for big nights, as more than a few drinks will usually put you under a table somewhere, but a great place to indulge.

Drink of choice: Vodka Fin de Siecle martini, as cold as possible

2. Murmur. Melbourne bar culture typified, in my opinion. Down an alley, through a doorway and up some stairs. Small interior, but has plenty of personality. Best list of cocktails around, with some rather unique offerings. Also has different events on various nights, such a philosophy discussions. Cannot recommend enough.

Drink of choice: Again, anything off the cocktail list, the rosewater concoction was a nice surprise

and

1. Birra Bella. I’d be in trouble if this wasn’t number one. This is my local and if you are looking for me on a Friday, I’ll be here from 5:01, guaranteed. Great range of beers, great food and a friendly batch of staff.. Good fun and right on Lygon near the restaurants etc. See you there.

Drink of choice: Citron vodka and cranberry, or Hoegaarden

Anything I’ve missed? Anything I should check out?

Let me know… I’m always keen for a drink!

Links via MelbournePubs.com, check there for addresses and official sites.

Posted in Top Ten