Victoria
A few years can make the world of difference, as evidenced by this unlikely conversion that's seen Australia's premier horse-racing stables transformed…
Must-see nightlife in Victoria
Melbourne
Situated as close as a venue can get to the Yarra without toppling in, Arbory occupies the decommissioned platform for the Sandringham train line at the…
Victoria
An attractive country pub, the lovely red-brick double-story terrace hotel (built around 1924 by the Ballarat Brewing Co.) has grapevines dangling from…
Warrnambool
The city's coolest drinking den, this old-fashioned-style bar has plenty of character – from church-pew booth seating, art deco features and distressed…
Victoria
A one-man operation run by Japanese expat Takeshi, this quirky outdoor cafe is set up in a tiny cabin on a vacant lot. Takeshi does some of the best…
Melbourne
The menu here takes inspiration from the diverse cultures that make Footscray so wonderful, whether a burger prompted by the local football team, banh mi…
Melbourne
Black walls, ripped leather banquettes, skeleton beer-tap handles and a rockin' jukebox offer a nice change from too-slick CBD bars. The tough-looking…
Melbourne
Here's how you do a dodgy-back-alley warehouse conversion: plonk a great bar in the middle, expose the brick walls, fill it with steampunky wrought iron…
Victoria
A must for lovers of craft beer, this laid-back country-style pub has an impressive choice of Aussie microbrews on tap. There's a casual backyard beer…
Victoria
A pub since 1856, the Kangaroo is a Maldon institution. Come for a meal in the beer garden, a jug of beer on a street-side table, or the lively pool table…
Melbourne
Tucked away at a laneway's end is this two-storey container bar festooned with giant staghead ferns and graceful palms. Grab a local beer on tap and head…
Melbourne
Not content with hiding bars down laneways or on rooftops, Melburnians are finding ever more creative spots to do their drinking. Where better than mid…
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
Melbourne's poster-boy chef, Andrew McConnell, knew what he was doing when he opened Marion. The wine list is one of the area's most impressive and the…
Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
This inviting brewery–beer hall set in a former textile factory is a relaxed, leafy retreat with exposed-brick walls, hanging plants, a kids' play area …
Melbourne
Some might be happy to shell out $30 for the view from the 120m-high Melbourne Star, but we'd rather spend $26 on a cocktail at this sophisticated bar…
Bellarine Peninsula
A popular stopover for those en route to the beach, Flying Brick is known for its quality apple and pear ciders. Grab a tasting paddle ($14) and head to…
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
You'll never guess how many days of the year Everyday is open… It's set in a brick warehouse with bench seating and stools out the front; come here for…
Victoria
It's been a long time between drinks, but finally Castlemaine has a brewery again. It's a good one too, set up within the Mill complex, with 10 of its…
Victorian High Country
A short stroll from Bright's main strip is this cool cafe that will excite coffee enthusiasts who love their Ethiopian, Colombian and Sumatran beans. It's…
Bellarine Peninsula
Branching out from its Otways base, Prickly Moses has set up a second brewhouse here in Queenscliff. The full range is showcased on tap, plus there are a…
Melbourne
This inconspicuous warehouse cafe a little north of Queen Victoria Market has plenty of room to store your bike and sip a splendid coffee with something…
Melbourne
There's no better place for a pre- or post-Nova tipple than this neighbourhood gem. It has a distinctly Melbourne-European vibe: a marble bar and raised…
Melbourne
The neighbourhood bar that everyone wishes they had, where you'll rub shoulders with hospitality staff on a night off, bumble dates and likely share a…
Victoria
A refined, old-fashioned boozer, the revamped Main Bar adds another layer of charm to a villagey strip in Bakery Hill. Its intimate wood-panelled decor…
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
From a team of hospitality heavyweights, Bar Liberty brings carefully selected wines (more than 300 on the list) and expertly crafted cocktails to Fitzroy…
Great Ocean Road
Torquay's best coffee is in its outskirts, where this third-wave micro-roaster in an industrial space serves up single-origin batch brews and espresso…
Melbourne
Nestled among the CBD's high-rise buildings is this fantastic spot for a drink, with a retractable awning and efficient heating system. With a green-tiled…
Melbourne
Look for the festoon lights illuminating the laneway to Arlechin, a bar from the Grossi family of Melbourne hospitality fame. Sit among a glass-walled…
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
Sophistication is off the charts at this hidden, upstairs nook. Settle into a leather booth in the intimate setting with a few friends for conversation…
Melbourne
The first Market Lane speciality coffee shop and roastery hides at the back of Prahran Market. The beans here are strictly seasonal, producing cups of…
Great Ocean Road
Set up by a couple of local mates in a backstreet industrial estate, this roaster-cafe makes the best coffee in the region. They roast single-origin beans…
Melbourne
Wide Open in name translates to wide open in space at this converted-warehouse cafe-roastery, just off hectic Sydney Rd. There's plenty of elbow room at…
Victoria
Well hidden out the back of Get Naked Espresso, this awesome red-brick courtyard with decking and plants has a shack bar doing craft beers on tap and $17…
Melbourne
This sophisticated hideaway next to the Princess Theatre, entered via a blank wooden door beneath a very discreet sign, is a favoured after-work…
Melbourne
Part bar, part Thai restaurant, this kooky-cool venue with grand bones is one of the more enduring rites of passage of the Melbourne night. The bar is…
Melbourne
This dimly lit haven of urbanity has a phenomenal 900 whiskies on its list, along with 12 craft beers on tap and more by the can and bottle. Snack on…
Bellarine Peninsula
Bringing a touch of class to Point Lonsdale's main strip, this wine and tapas bar offers a quality selection of Australian and international wines. Its…
Victoria
This divey inner-suburban pub is one of Bendigo's best, with rock 'n' roll, $10 counter meals, quality beers on tap and a cool beer garden. Opening its…
Victoria
Bringing a bit of Castlemaine hipster cool to Piper St is this rock 'n' roll diner with beers, burgers and live bands.
Geelong
Named after the law that banned alcohol in the USA in the 1920s, this Prohibition-style bar is a much-loved fixture along Little Malop. Its dark, low-lit…
