Bar entertainment in Melbourne
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A
Pause Bar
Pause draws a mixed local crowd for cocktails and mezes who like to settle into the dim North African–inspired interior for the night. Staff are laid-back.
reviewed
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B
1000£Bend
Breakfasts and lunches and cruisy folk using the free wi-fi – that's not all at this mega warehouse of entertainment. It's also the venue for art shows, plays and an annual bike fest. As we write it's being crowned with a liquor license; so expect this to be the place to see.
reviewed
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C
Carlton Hotel
OTT Melbourne rococo gets another workout here (think giraffe heads leering over a glittery black room) and never fails to raise a smile. Check the rooftop Palmz if you're looking for some Miami-flavoured vice or just a great view.
reviewed
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D
Croft Institute
Located in a laneway off a laneway, the lab-themed Croft is a test of drinkers' determination. Prescribe yourself a beaker of house-distilled vodka in the downstairs laboratory (some come complete with fat plastic syringes). There's a $10 cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights.
reviewed
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E
Madame Brussels
Head here if you've had it with Melbourne moody and all that dark wood. Although named for a famous 19th-century madam, it feels as though you've fallen into a camp '60s rabbit hole, with much Astroturfery and staff dressed à la the country club. Don't be deterred by the very non-descript downstairs entrance.
reviewed
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F
Melbourne Supper Club
Melbourne's own Betty Ford's (the place you go when there's nowhere left to go), the Supper Club is open very late and is a favoured after-work spot for performers and hospitality types. Leave your coat at the door and cosy into a Chesterfield. Browse the encyclopaedic wine menu and relax; the sommeliers will cater to any liquid desire. The upstairs bar Siglo is a great spot and is open to the elements for the cigar smokers.
reviewed
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Naked for Satan
Vibrant, loud and reviving an apparent Brunswick St legend (a man nicknamed Satan who would get down and dirty, naked because of the heat, in an illegal vodka distillery under the shop), this place packs a punch both with its popular pintxos (bite-sized sandwiches; $2) and cleverly named beverages. Winner of The Age's 2011 Cheap Eats guide 'bar of the year'.
reviewed
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G
New Gold Mountain
Unsignposted, New Gold Mountain's intense Chinoiserie interior comes as a shock. Two upstairs floors are filled with tiny screen-shielded corners, with decoration so delightfully relentless you feel as if you're trapped in an art-house dream sequence. You may need to phone the number on the door to get in.
reviewed
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H
Riverland
This bluestone beauty sits by the water below Princes Bridge and keeps things simple with good wine, beer on tap and bar snacks.
reviewed
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I
Veludo
It's big, it's brassy and it's got a balcony. Over two levels, Veludo's relatively late closing means that most St Kilda-ites have ducked in here after everything else has closed. Upstairs has live music most nights.
reviewed
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J
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales is a St Kilda drinking institution.
reviewed
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Back Bar
A refreshing retreat from the Chapel St glam, Back Bar is a cosy evening parlour with lavish decor. The music, lighting and attitude are mellifluous and warm.
reviewed
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Mink
In this dimly lit Trans-Siberian–styled bar there's no shortage of vodka and glam good times. Get there early to nab the much sought-after private 'sleeper' and start working your way through the extensive list.
reviewed
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M
George Public Bar
Behind the crumbling paint and Edwardian arched windows of the George Hotel, there's the Melbourne Wine Room and a large front bar that keeps the after-work crowd happy. In the bowels of the building is the George Public Bar, often referred to as the Snakepit.
reviewed
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N
Cherry
This rock’n’roll refuge is still going strong. There’s often a queue, but once inside a relaxed, slightly anarchic spirit prevails. Music is rarely live but never electronic.
reviewed
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O
Bond Bar
With curves in all the right places, this slick basement bar (capacity 500) has every detail covered, from wood furnishings to lush brown and cream tones. Eclectic sounds add a little groove to the swank.
reviewed
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P
Kent St
If you like a beer for brunch and your bars dishevelled, Kent St keeps it coming morning, noon and night. Join the gearless bike set on the footpath or explore the nooks and crannies within. Coffee and all-day snacks too.
reviewed
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Q
Vineyard
The perfect corner position and a courtyard barbie attract crowds of backpackers and scantily clad young locals who enjoy themselves so much as to drown out the neighbouring scenic railway.
reviewed
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R
Yellow Bird
Keeps Windsor’s cool kids happy with all-day drinks (including an evil coffee, sugar and beer shot) and wi-fi access. Owned by the drummer from local band Something for Kate, the rock’n’roll ambience is genuine.
reviewed
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S
Misty Place
Dimly lit and brightly staffed, Misty is something between a local and a sultry city bar. Equally perfect for catching up with a friend and drinking with a group, the two-roomed interior has a seating arrangement and cocktail for everyone.
reviewed
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T
Trades Hall Bar
The ballroom in this fascinating old building runs a weekly bar with ‘socialist chardonnays, proletariat reds, beer by the belly full’. Prices are cheap, the chat is not purely political and the high-ceilinged dishabille space is truly unique.
reviewed
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U
Public House
Not in any way resembling a public house from any period of history, this great Six Degrees fit-out features their signature blend of found glass and earthy raw and recycled materials. There’s imported beer on tap and a short but sweet wine list.
reviewed
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V
George Lane Bar
Hidden behind the hulk of the George Hotel, this little bar is a good rabbit hole to dive into and its pleasantly ad-hoc décor a relief from the inch-of-its-life design aesthetic elsewhere. There’s beer on tap and djs (and queues) on the weekends.
reviewed
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W
La La Land
When the sun goes down and you're left needing a little liquid rejuvenation, you always have La La, the relaxing land of open fires, snug hand-me-down couches and a limited drinks menu. Nuzzle yourself into a corner with a bottle of wine, a fondue and a friend or two.
reviewed
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X
Recorded Music Salon
All that’s left of the original analogue retailer is the name and signage, but the wooden interior has the warmth of an old LP. This unpretentious drinking hole has a long cocktail list, good wine, a day/night menu and window seats with views of the Paris end of Collins St.
reviewed