Melbourne, not Sydney, is Australia's deepest cocktail city. The laneway-bar scene that emerged in the 2000s has matured into one of the world's most consistent. Black Pearl has been pouring serious drinks since 2002. The 10 below show why Melbourne is the technical reference.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in Melbourne
01 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
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No-bookings · Multi-level
The bar that taught Australia how to drink seriously. The Attic upstairs is bookable.
Order: Bartender's choice; the Attic if you want intent
02 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Michael Madrusan's Fitzroy speakeasy. Classics-driven menu, exceptional ice work.
Order: A Last Word
03 · Melbourne
CBD
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Speakeasy · Down a laneway
Down a laneway off Russell Street. Twelve-seat counter cocktail bar.
Order: Bartender's choice with their seasonal feature
04 · Melbourne
CBD
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Whisky bar · 800+ bottles
CBD whisky-and-beer bar. Eight hundred whiskies, twenty-plus craft beers on tap.
Order: A Boilermaker pairing — they choose
05 · Melbourne
CBD
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Standing-only · Tiny
Standing-only espresso-and-cocktail bar. The room holds maybe twelve standing.
Order: A negroni or an espresso
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06 · Melbourne
CBD
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Thai restaurant + bar
Thai-American restaurant with a serious cocktail program upstairs.
Order: A signature spec built around lemongrass or galangal
07 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
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Bottle shop + counter
Sister to The Everleigh — bottle shop with a small drinking counter.
Order: A bottled Manhattan from their reserve series
08 · Melbourne
CBD
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Two rooms · East/West Berlin
Two-room CBD speakeasy themed as East and West Berlin.
Order: A drink in either East or West
09 · Melbourne
CBD
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Speakeasy · Through a candy shop
Through a working candy shop. CBD speakeasy with serious cocktail technique.
Order: A signature spec from the seasonal menu
10 · Melbourne
CBD
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Spanish-deco rooftop
Above the Supper Club. Heated outdoor terrace open year-round. One of Melbourne's longest-running serious rooftop bars.
Order: A martini and one of their cigars
More Melbourne cocktail barsThe full Melbourne cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
Why Melbourne is Australia's bar capital
Melbourne's laneway-bar architecture forces a particular kind of drinking — small rooms, no signage. Black Pearl and The Everleigh are the two essentials.
