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22 Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne

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    Melbourne is known for its laneways, street art, and fantastic bar scene. Make the journey upstairs and find out why a rooftop bar in Melbourne can make the drinking experience that much better. After all, sitting back with a delicious drink and snack always tastes better when coupled with a city view.

    Once you've explored all Melbourne has to offer during the day, wind down at a rooftop bar and take in the scenery. Melbourne nightlife is some of the best in Australia. You won't find nightlife like this anywhere else in the country. Kicking off the night at a bar after work is the norm, and with such a selection to choose from, you'll likely find yourself at a bar on a roof. Melbourne is home to so many rooftop bar's you'll struggle to not end up in the clouds sipping on a pink gin and tonic.

    With so many bars to choose from in Melbourne, you are truly spoilt for choice. Lucky enough, we’ve found 34 of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne to make life that little bit easier.

    1. Rooftop at QT

    The recently opened QT Hotel Melbourne is home to one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. Following the form of its namesake brethren, the bar is smack bang in the middle of Melbourne. Fun and youthful, the spaces are vibrant. It is evoking the energy of the fast-paced, diverse city in which it inhabits. It's then no surprise that the QT bar in Melbourne is the place to be seen, offering views right across the city. The bar accommodates both hotel patrons and walk-in guests alike. Late-90's themed cocktails are reminiscent of a contentedly frivolous era of drinking, and the overall offering feels like a fully immersive Melbourne experience.

    Address: 11/133 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 8636 8800

    Hours: Sun-Thurs 2-9 pm, Fri-Sat 2-10 pm

    2. Heroes Karaoke & Rooftop Bar

    In the heart of the city is Heroes, a three-level funhouse of splendorous colours and tasty treats. Head to the top level to enjoy one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars, or stick to the lower floor for some quality karaoke. No matter what, you're having a great time.

    Address: 188 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 8639 0630

    Hours: Fri-Sat 4 pm-1 am

    3. Bomba Tapas Bar and Rooftop

    bomba tapas bar and rooftop

    Grab some friends, and let's rumba at Bomba! Enjoy some genuinely finger-licking flavours from the Spanish tapas. After satisfying your taste buds and cleaning those fingers, quench that thirst with a tremendous picking of drinks – ranging from beer, cider, gin, rum, whiskey and vermouth. If you and your friends would like to indulge a little further, a fancy cocktail may fulfil that indulgence. Everyone needs to enjoy this view with their friends, so why not pair up your drinks with some delicious bar snacks. The cheesy croquettes, chorizo sliders and eggplant chips are the picks from the bunch. A retractable roof is waiting in the wings if the spontaneous Melbournian weather decides to change its colours.

    Address: 103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9650 5778

    Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-12am, Sat-Sun 3pm-12am

    4. Campari House

    Campari House is perfect for those casual and spontaneous get-togethers, making it one of the best rooftop bars in the Melbourne CBD. Its easy-to-eat (and share) signature pizzas leave customers wanting more; in particular, the Italian sausage smoked mozzarella being a personal favourite. So grab a slice and a seat, and soak up the serene setting and stunning sights.

    Address: 23-25 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9600 1591

    Hours: Tues-Thurs 4pm-1am, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 3pm-12am

    5. Union Electric Bar & Rooftop Gin Garden

    Another one of the Melbourne CBD's best rooftop bars, Union Electric Bar, is a haven of seemingly endless quality and creativity alike. Between the decor, the food, the drinks, and the crowd, you'll enter its domain and never want to leave. Fair warning: you also might fall in love with your bartender, even after he or she ignores you. In other words: classic Melbourne.

    Address: 13 Heffernan Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 8609 3161

    Hours: Mon-Fri 5-11pm, Sat-Sun 12-11pm

    6. Captain Baxter St Kilda Beach Restaurant & Bar

    Aye, Aye, Captain Baxter! All aboard this delightful spot that is nestled next to the St Kilda sea baths. Baxter epitomises the phrase 'the bigger, the better with its large setting and extensive menus.

    Drink a jug of the South Beach Cooler with your mates as you gaze into Port Phillip Bay. If you fancy yourself something special or maybe want an additional contributor to tomorrow's hangover headache, try the Mango Melba and Pornstar Martini. A different type of headache awaits as you open their comprehensive food menu. Indecisiveness is inevitable (even for the strong-minded). The crumbed pork tonkatsu, Japanese pancake and pork buns are must-haves on your order list, leaving your stomach in a satisfying food coma.

    Address: 10/10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182

    Phone: (03) 8534 8999

    Hours: Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-10pm

    7. Imperial Hotel – Rooftop & Sports Bar

    Do you like the idea of sipping a cold beer while being surrounded by a 360-degree view of the local skyline? If so, then the beer garden at the Imperial Hotel is calling your name. In addition to being one of the best rooftop bars Melbourne has to offer, it’s also one of the city’s best sports bars. So pick a team and head on over.

    imperial hotel melbourne

    Address: 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9810 0062

    Hours: Sat-Thurs 12-10pm, Fri 12pm-12am

    8. Easey’s

    Jimmy Hurlston spent three years eating 3000 burgers; he then created a burger kingdom. On top of a roof. There is no place hipper than this burger joint. Sitting five stories high, fixed to the ceiling, is a train carriage. However, this is not your regular carriage. This is where graffiti on a train is thrown into the spotlight. Think Hosier Lane in a train carriage. Foodwise, you'll only find burgers here – so if you're thinking about a cheat day, it's easy with Easey's. The one thing that isn't easy is getting a seat in the Hitachi train carriage, so make sure you book your heart! The burger menu, created by the burger enthusiast himself, is simple yet delicious as the burger melts in your mouth. The Too Ease or Easey Cheesy burgers are a must-try.

    Address: 3/48 Easey St, Collingwood VIC 3066

    Phone: (03) 9417 2250

    Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

    9. The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club

    Whether it's with your friends and having 99-pomegranate problems, or you have a romantic rendezvous on the rooftop, immerse yourself in the elegant ambience of The Emerson with a grand view of the South Yarra. Don't forget to snack on the four P's – poached prawn roll, pork and cape sausage roll, prawns, avocado and fennel salsa and the pulled pork bao. Your belly will be filled with pleasure.

    Address: 141-145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

    Phone: (03) 9825 0900

    Hours: Fri-Sun 12pm-12am, Thurs 5-11pm

    10. The Provincial Hotel

    Perched in the heart of Fitzroy is The Provincial Hotel, which flaunts one of the best rooftop bars Melbourne offers. Here, you'll find everything you could ask for, namely booze, views, crowds, ambience, and food. It's also a fantastic locale for more significant events, should you be looking to host something of that nature.

    Address: 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

    Phone: (03) 9810 0042

    Hours: Mon- Thurs 4-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-10pm

    11. Cabinet Bar & Balcony

    One of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne CBD, Cabinet delivers top-shelf tapas in a cosy, elegant setting. Find it tucked away off Swanston Street, and leave the work world behind.

    Address: 11 Rainbow Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9654 0915

    Hours: Tues-Thurs 4-11pm, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 2pm-1am, Sun 2-11pm

    12. Ferdydurke

    Let's be frank; it is hotdog heaven here at Ferdydurke. The Polish Royale is a personal preference. The comprehensive cocktail list will give you some complicated choices, but it is advised you come thirsty and have a cocktail tasting experiment. A hot dog and cocktail combo may seem a bit unconventional, but be open to it because this place has a knack for pulling off the uncanny. Consequently, it's one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars.

    Address: 31 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9639 3750

    13. Goldilocks Bar

    Hiding upstairs from the Noodle Kingdom lays Goldilocks. But not in one of the bears' beds. Goldilocks replaces her porridge with the best cheese platter Melbournofferser, accompanied by a stellar cocktail menu. Eat and drink the night away whilst enjoying the garden-esque ambience on the rooftop concealed away from the crowds. I've got a feeling that this place will be 'just right for everyone.

    goldilocks

    Address: 4/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Hours: Mon-Wed 4pm-12am, Thurs-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 2-10pm

    14. The Cornish Arms Hotel

    Let's be honest: it's hard out there for a vegan. Or at least it used to be. Satiate your meat-free cravings at The Cornish Arms, which hosts one of the best rooftop bars Melbourne has to offer. Here, you'll find great views, friendly people, quality drinks, and delicious, guilt-free food.

    Address: 163A Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056

    Phone: (03) 9380 8383

    Hours: Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-12am

    15. The Local Taphouse

    If Sydney has a place for beer enthusiasts, Melbourne most definitely must have one. Similar to Sydney's Local Taphouse, the brother in Melbourne CBD has the same ideals. Like Sydney, all the dishes at this rooftop bar are designed to match specific brews. They are the beer belly brothers. Hands down the best beer in town.

    Address: 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East VIC 3183

    Phone: (03) 9537 2633

    Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12-11pm

    16. Loop Roof & Loop Top

    First in, best dressed for Loop Roof & Loop Top. This bar is built like a bomb shelter, with a four-section awning retractable system in preparation for any of Melbourne's four changing seasons in one day. Gas heaters are ready for winter and a misting system for summer. Once you can hold down a spot, share a Sloe Lorris jug with your friends and be sure to stuff your stomachs with the pulled pork sliders and chilli squid.

    Address: 3/23 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: Fri-Sat 1-10:30pm, Thurs 3:30-10:30pm

    Hours: 0488 087 301

    17. Madame Brussels

    In a city that's home to the Australian Open tennis tournament, a round of 'doubles' is the perfect game to play at this rooftop bar in Melbourne. 'Doubles' in Madame Brussels' vocabulary means a large cocktail jug. So, are you game? If you are, serve yourself a jar of Love Juice and snack on their famous poached chook, chive and mayo toasted sandwiches. Now that's an ace choice.

    Address: 3/59 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9662 2775

    Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-1am

    18. The Red Hummingbird

    In the heart of the Melbourne CBD, you’ll find The Red Hummingbird. This bar is where the drinks flow liberally and taste delicious. Sip down a signature cocktail inside a dimly lit, appropriately red decor, or outside under the gorgeous sky. Our advice, of course, is that you do the latter.

    Address: 1/246 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: 0416 094 294

    Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 2pm-3am

    19. Naked In The Sky

    Naked in the Sky is Fitzroy's favourite bar and one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne CBD. Sit out in the open with a naked infused vodka in hand whilst taking a picture of the perfect panorama. Resist the urge of using Mayfair or Valencia and post this 'naked' photo onto your Instagram. Let your audience appreciate the natural and #nofilter feeling.

    Address: 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

    Phone: (03) 9416 2238

    Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am

    20. Feast of Merit

    At the top of this acclaimed restaurant – which makes expert use of its heritage foundations – is one of Melbourne’s most intimate rooftop bars. In other words: the perfect place to bring a date.

    Address: 117 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121

    Phone: (03) 9428 8480

    Hours: Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm

    21. The Palms, The Carlton Club

    the palms

    The name pretty much sums up what you'll be greeted with as you enter The Palms deck. This secluded spot is surrounded by tropical flora, with the bar positioned under a thatched roof. With its funky yet uber-relaxing atmosphere, it almost feels like you're on a deserted island but with a beautiful sight of Melbourne. This fantasy 'island' also comes with its retractable roof to combat the well-known temperamental Melbournian weather, so rest assured, it will always be evergreen here.

    Address: 193 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9663 3246

    Hours: Mon 3pm–12am, Tue 3pm–1am, Wed 3pm–3am, Thurs 12pm–6am, Fri 12pm–6am Sat 12pm–7am, Sun 12pm–3am

    22. Rooftop Bar

    This bar sits on top of Melbourne's most popular rooftop bar. This is despite the seven sets of stairs that welcome you as you enter. As agreed by most Melbournians, the bounty for enduring this stair workout is endless. If you're here for the Rooftop Cinema, don't forget to book, or you'll be left disappointed after conquering the stair challenge. Being the best means you're going to be packed to the brim, so if you don't mind the crowds, enjoy the sunset with a spectacular view of Melbourne CBD with a cold serving of beer and burger.

    Address: Curtin House, 7, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: (03) 9654 5394

    Hours: Tues-Sat 12 pm-1 am

    11 Best Bars in Melbourne For a Good Night Out

    Melbourne bars have a lot to offer, from world-class cocktails to the industry-leading ambience, so it's little wonder why people are clambering to hit the town. The mix of inexpensive drinks and food has made the city a global mecca for tourists and locals alike.

    So, whether you're looking for a new hangout spot or some fantastic places to drink, the best bars in Melbourne more than have you covered. Here is a list of the best bars Melbourne has to offer.

    1. Bar Liberty

    Bar liberty is known as a triple threat; it's got wine, cocktails and food, which you don't see in many cocktail bars in Melbourne. The menu is divided into snacks and bigger sharing plates and changes all the time. The cocktails are bottled for consistency and are not classic ones you'd expect. The "Happy F*cking Valentines", for example, uses Lillet Rose, strawberry, chocolate mint and sparkling wine, while the "Millions of Peaches" is made with bourbon, burnt peach and thyme.

    Address: 234 Johnston Street Fitzroy 3065

    Phone: (03) 9415 9025

    Hours: Mon-Sat 5 pm- 11 pm, Sun 12 pm -9 pm

    2. The Everleigh

    Inspired by the Golden Era of fine drinking, The Everleigh brings an intimate cocktail bar experience to Melbourne. The ever-changing menu at The Everleigh allows us to tailor your drink to your tastes and desires, from classic drinks to new combinations. The Everleigh also boasts one of the largest traditional cocktail book selections in the world, displayed within our in-house library, allowing us to offer a broad selection of drinks in various styles. Easily one of the best bars Melbourne has to offer.

    Address: 150-156 Gertrude Street Fitzroy, VIC, Australia, 3065

    Phone: 03 9416 2229

    Hours: Mon-Sun 5 pm- 1 am Closed. However, people can order cocktails for delivery or takeaway via the website (within a 6km radius of The Everleigh)

    3. The Shady Lady

    This self-proclaimed vegan-friendly, dog-friendly, LGBTI-welcome Melbourne dive bar with a glam décor is a must-visit. Drinks are fun with frozen cocktails all year round, and Margaritas come frozen too. There is also a stable of interesting, local craft brews from Colonial, Bodriggy, Stomping Ground and Young Henrys and a well-stocked back bar that means bartenders can mix up any classic you desire. And with a good selection of snacks and foods what not to love.

    Address: 36 Johnston Street Fitzroy 3065

    Phone: 0431 013 526

    Hours: Mon-Sat 4 pm- 1 am, Tue- Wen Closed, Sun 4 pm-11 pm

    4. Old Palm Liquor

    old palm liquor

    This Melbourne bar has a bit of a '70s vibe from the heavy use of timber and brown-beige hues, making it feel warm and cozy. Old Palm Liquor serves over 300 low-intervention and biodynamic wines alongside 12 tap beers, with a South African inspired menu cooked over coals. Each wine offered here is coded with its farming practices and processes; it even shows which reds are served chilled.

    Address: 133b Lygon Street Brunswick East 3057

    Phone: (03) 9380 2132

    Hours: Tue-Sun 12 pm -12 am

    5. Romeo Lane

    With a colourful historical past, this old-world style cocktail bar serves a handful of local and European wines. As well as traditional European-style cocktails, with tones of sherry, gin and top-shelf cognac. With a snack list to match the worldly charm, featuring a charcuterie collection, perhaps saucisson teamed with mustard and parsley. Well-respected cheese is also on offer, often French, that might be accompanied by mandarin or pear. Romeo lane is one Melbourne cocktail bar you should try.

    Address: 1A Crossley St, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: 0457 673 647

    Hours: Mon-Wed 5 pm- 12 am, Thu 5 pm-1 am, Fri-Sat 3 pm-1 am, Sun 5 pm-11 pm

    6. Naked for Satan

    This Melbourne bar is renowned for its vodka and pintxos offering and having over a dozen beers on tap, an extensive range of imported and in-house vodka, and a variety of Australian and Spanish wines. The Spanish influence also continues in its food, with empanadas and tinned seafood on offer. Oysters for $2.20 a pop, seasoned with lemon, cava jelly, finger lime or a kimchi vinaigrette, what's not to love? There are sliders with slow-cooked beef cheek for the meat lovers, plus a fried chicken edition and one with mushroom and halloumi.

    Address: 285 Brunswick Street Fitzroy

    Phone: (03) 9416 2238

    Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 12am, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 1am, Sun: 12pm – 12am

    7. Bar Margaux

    The menu at this Melbourne bar is a roll call of classics, offering the kind of French bistro dishes such as French onion soup or credible steak fries or such a ridiculously rich lobster Croque monsieur. French desserts are also available for those with a sweet tooth. Cocktails are made with precision, featuring all the classics like Martinis and Manhattans and "snack-sized" three-gulp cocktails. There's something for everyone with an excellent beer and wine list featuring a good mix of French drops and locally made French varietals.

    Address: Basement 111 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000

    Phone: 03 9650 0088

    Hours: Thu-Sat 5 pm – 11 pm (book on their website)

    8. Black Pearl

    The menu at this Melbourne bar reveals a severe selection of drinks, divided into categories to help you find the exact tipple to get you on your way. The drinks are in-house creations, using a carefully mapped-out selection of spirits to ensure the back bar isn't overloaded. There are also bar snacks until 10 pm, including sausage rolls.

    Address: 304 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065

    Phone: (03) 9417 0455

    9. Bad Frankie

    bad frankie

    As one of the best cocktail bars Melbourne has to offer, Bad Frankie should be your go-to for a late-night special. This true-blue Aussie bar creates bright spirits utilising native ingredients. This can be seen at play in the Bitters of Oz; a super-Negroni built off Four Pillars Negroni spiced gin, Regal Rogue's Bold Red vermouth and a blend of six different local Amari, which produces a rich and complex flavour profile. It also comes garnished with a gum tree leaf to avoid any confusion about the provenance of these ingredients.

    The Choc Rye Manhattan; a blend of Archie Rose malted rye whisky stirred down with AHD Rosso vermouth and punctuated with cacao and macadamia butter. Every bottle has a specific purpose, has been chosen for a reason and can be showcased in reinvented classics and on their own. Classic Toasties are also available. This is one cocktail bar you should visit.

    Address: 141 Greeves St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

    Phone: (03) 9078 3866

    Hours: Monday Closed, Sun-Wed 5 pm–11 pm, Thu-Sat 5 pm–1 am

    10. Gerald’s Bar

    The wine list at this Melbourne bar is a massive 200 bottles long, with a few bins ends, but the staff are helpful enough to decipher it for you. There are classic bottles from around the world sitting among the new, crazy, skin-contact wines. Spirits are aplenty, and they can mix you up a tonic for what ails you, but don't expect any tricky bartending.

    Beers are quenchers, so there are no obscure craft brews that require chewing. The kitchen cooks what it feels like with daily changes, meaning one day you could be gnawing on barbecue pork ribs, and the next, cutting into a duck and pistachio terrine. The staples are small sliced to order, with various ever-changing cheeses or piles of white pickled anchovies.

    Address: 386 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054

    Phone: (03) 9349 4748

    Hours: Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun 5 pm-11 pm

    11. Union Electric Bar

    The Union Electric Bar uses fresh produce each day, pressing, juicing and infusing all manner of fruits, herbs and botanicals into drinks. They give an extra kick to cheeky tiki cocktails and quenching highballs, like the light-and-bright Kum Den Botanica, in which gin, apple, lime, cucumber, elderflower and micro herbs taste plausibly healthy. However, on humid days it's difficult to beat the quench of rum or whisky served tall over fresh apple juice. The Melbourne bar is also known for dishing up some pan-Asian food.

    Address: 13 Heffernan Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

    Phone: 0450 186 466

    Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 11pm, Sat – Sun: 12pm – 11pm

    Rooftops have a way of cultivating a cool and cozy vibe that makes people want to gather and linger into late hours—but this means that guests can wait for two hours or more just to get in, the staff can end up serving hundreds of people for a long time.
     
    the 1880s. From the 1880s until the end of century, extravagant theater rooftop gardens became a staple of summertime entertainment in major cities across the country, attracting thousands of pleasure-seekers for raucous evenings under the starless urban sky
     
    To qualify as a rooftop bar we have a couple of criterias: There must be an outdoor terrace, which must be above the first floor, and hold a bar. 
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