We drank our way around Melbourne’s best bars to come up with this brief hit list. But it’s hard to go wrong in this drinking and dining mecca.
THE TUCKED-AWAY PUB
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Courtesy of Caretaker’s Cottage
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Courtesy of Caretaker’s Cottage
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Courtesy of Caretaker’s Cottage
It would be easy to walk past the tiny 1914 stone building that houses the Caretaker’s Cottage. But inside this demure structure is one of Melbourne’s best watering holes. The monthly cocktail menu is lean: three traditional drinks, three modern concoctions, and a punch. There’s also a house martini served right from the freezer with a choice of garnish, and thousands of vinyl records, expertly spun by the bartender.
THE OUTDOOR HANGOUT
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Arbory Afloat. Photo by Ashley Ludkin/Courtesy of Arbory Bar & Eatery
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Photo by Simon Shiff/Courtesy of Arbory Bar & Eatery
Built on an old railway platform at Flinders Station, Arbory Bar & Eatery is a great place to get oriented. In the warmer months (i.e. now), sister venue Arbory Afloat extends the party to the adjacent Yarra River.
THE BIRD’S EYE VIEW
The three-story Dom’s Social Club, in the Central Business District, or CBD, has a pizza shop with creative wood-fired pies like the “sweet pea,” topped with green peas, snow-pea tendrils, mozzarella and garlic. But the main draw is the all-season rooftop bar on the third floor, which specialises in sherry, amaro and vermouth, not to mention cool views across Melbourne.
THE HYPERLOCAL SPOT
Regional ingredients like fermented Yarra Valley peaches and passion-fruit marigold shine in cocktails at Byrdi, a swanky bar hidden inside a food court in downtown Melbourne. Pair your drink with standout snacks like fried Queensland prawns with sesame and pepperberry mayo.
THE VICTORIAN-ERA HAUNT
The Everleigh, in trendy Fitzroy, is one of the more elegant bars in Melbourne, with a clubby atmosphere (velvet bucket seats, leather banquettes) and classic drinks (like the Gershwin, made with gin, ginger, rosewater and lemon). Can’t decide what to order? The bartender will gladly tailor a drink based on your preferences.
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Lede and hero image courtesy of Caretaker’s Cottage.
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