Melbourne's most popular

1

 

Original, breathtaking and downright dramatic, this lavish bar is a feast for the senses. Melding Melbourne with the Middle East, Spice Market is decorated with antiques and luxe colours to reflect the ancient spice route between Asia and the Far East. With a hidden entrance down Beaney Lane, even the most seasoned bar hoppers will be taken aback by the subterranean treasures which lay beyond the front door.

2

 

Despite its lack of four walls, this innovative bar draws swarms of stylish city folk. Pull up a packing crate and get into DJ sounds or BYO entertainment.

3

 

Adding to Perth's excitingly burgeoning after-dark scene, this bar (named after everyone's favourite sans-serif font) is sure to awaken the typeface-nerd within, as well as offer a nifty selection of beverages.

4

 

Melbourne's answer to the bustling, debauched and depraved beer halls of Belgium is Cookie. Located above several flights of old bluestone steps (the same steps you'll be cursing on your drunken way out), Cookie welcomes the weary traveller with the promise of cold beer served in the traditional beer-hall way.

5

 

Some say that a cocktail revolution is sweeping through the streets and laneways of Melbourne, and The Red Hummingbird is a fresh joint joining the flock. Spot the red birdcage hanging above Russell Street and head for the stairs. You'll uncover a glamorous nest within; it's richly decorated with cushioned panels, gold frames and chocolate-toned wallpaper featuring dozens and dozens of the bar's namesake birdies.

6

 

Standard by name but not by nature, this place doesn't subscribe to mediocrity when it comes to the duties behind precious, hallowed pub life. Far from being an average, run-of-the-mill Fitzroy local, The Standard raises the bar in terms of service, food and vibe.

7

 

Funky, laidback and grungy, this pub attracts drinkers who share similar qualities. DJs and bands play at the back. The huge beer garden is a crowd magnet in summer.

8

 

If you're around the corner from Chinatown and feeling superstitious, then this laneway bar could be a place to fill up on some extra luck. Yes, Double Happiness is a fortuitous little drinking spot - from the tip of its feng shui setting right down to its deliberately auspicious phone number.

9

 

Despite its location in the heart of the city, this little bar is one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets - mainly because it's so hard to find. Visitors wanting to stop in for a drink will need to duck down an alleyway, then take a short climb up a staircase. But the hunt is worth the effort, yielding a renovated loft with plenty of old-world charm.