Must-see nightlife in Melbourne

Perched below Princes Bridge along the Yarra River, this bluestone beauty keeps things simple with good wine, beer on tap and bar meals that hit the mark:…

Creating a park out of a narrow laneway and an expanse of astroturf, this kooky crew serves huge cocktail jars, fancy sandwiches during the day and pizzas…

This northside outpost of Prahran's Market Lane occupies the tiny front room of a terrace house where you can sidle up to the takeaway window or grab a…

If neo-Tokyo is your thing, or you just have a sudden urge for a sushi handroll washed down with an Asahi, check out Robot. Attracting a laid-back young…

Just up from the Vic Market, Stovetop lives up to its name by preparing and serving its house blend and single origins in stovetop espresso makers. Order…

This former nightclub has been transformed into a haven for beer lovers, with 32 taps on offer from Australia and beyond. Pair this with pizzas served …

A die-hard local with a retro feel and happy chatter from a relaxed indie crowd. The large curved bar is a top spot to park yourself; the food is honest…

A relaxed corner coffeehouse inspired by American diners, where the filter coffee is bottomless and lingering is welcomed – it's perfect for students at…

A classic Brunswick East local, the art-deco-inspired Alderman has an inviting wooden bar, an open fireplace, a good beer and cocktail selection and…

This pocket-sized place is a proper stand-and-lean espresso bar, serving top-notch coffee courtesy of local roastery Seven Seeds. There are a couple of…

In a side street off Lygon St is this unassuming brewery where you can try a craft brew in full view of the shining vats. In summer, the front courtyard…

Flaunting a great all-weather beer garden, the Standard is anything but its moniker. This Fitzroy backstreet local has down-to-earth bar staff and a truly…

Popular with students and young, arty types, this grungy bar has a lively party atmosphere, with DJs playing mainly hip-hop, bass, electro and grime. It's…

This heritage pub hides a fully fledged nightclub with a 24-hour licence. It’s enormous, with distinct rooms over three levels that can fit up to 1000…

Multitasking is much in evidence in this cafe–jewellery store–gallery. There are some small tables on the street, a scattering inside, and a large,…

Head up to Hell's via the narrow stairway from beautiful Centre Pl. It attracts a hip, young crowd who sip classic cocktails, wine, beer or cider and…

If you’re going to do one club in Melbourne, this is your best bet, located in one of the old sheds jutting out into Docklands’ Victoria Harbour. Saturday…

This long-established bar is often open when everything else is closed, as the name suggests. The bar attracts a relaxed, young local crowd and bands play…

In the bowels of the wonderfully pompous, turreted George Hotel building is the George Public Bar – formerly the infamous Snakepit – rowdy at weekends and…

This little cafe does a roaring trade with Docklands office workers, filling the gap for great coffee in the area. It's a short walk from Southern Cross…