Melbourne Bars - Best Friday Night Bars

It’s been a tough week hasn’t it – working for the man, grinding away… but the end is nigh, Friday night is approaching, drinks are on the horizon. Go on you deserve it, life’s too short to go straight home and hibernate, grab some friends and get out and about. If you have no friends, why not go out and meet some – either way you need it. Friday night drinks is a long established tradition, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians where pyramid builders used to arrange a weekly get together to celebrate the God of good times – “Fridacisis”. In the ritual, workers would get together, drink copious amounts of alcohol, talk themselves up, brag about their conquests, make lewd comments to female drink servers, usually get thrown out of the party and then stumble home via the camel-aki van. As you can see, not much has changed over the centuries. Always busy, it is at times very hard to find the right Friday night establishment, the following list is definitely worth checking out.

1. Riverland – 1 Princess Walk, Melbourne
2. Collins Quarter – 86a Collins Street, Melbourne
3. The Apartment – 401 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
4. Saint & Rogue – 582 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
5. Trunk – 275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
6. Long Room – 162 Swanston Street. Melbourne
7. Spice Market – Beaney Lane, Melbourne
8. Cookie – 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
9. Loop Bar – 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne
10. Mitre Tavern – 5 Bank Place, Melbourne

So there is a good start for you. Any of these venues will get your weekend off to a flying start. You are pretty much guaranteed a crowd when imbibing at any of these establishments – so get organising now. Please feel free to make suggestions by emailing benwild@barengine.com or simply leave comments below. As always you can find out more information by following the links off the bar name to Barengine.com. Happy Drinking!!!

Melbourne Bars - Best Chapel Street Bars

Chapel Street has long been the go-to spot for the fashionista's and wannabe socialites. It is famous for its fashion, food, style and entertainment. The bar scene has developed too over the last few years with the cheesey, commercial venues being replaced with cool, stylish and chic bars. Bars are now found up and down the street and hidden within the laneways off it. So jump out of the car (that is no doubt gridlocked on the street) and wander up and down drinking to one's contentment.

1. Revolver – 229 Chapel Street, Prahran

2. Lucky Coq – 179 Chapel Street, Windsor

3. Mother’s Milk – 17 Chapel Street, Windsor

4. Katuk – 517 Chapel Street, South Yarra

5. Blue Bar – 330 Chapel Street, Prahran

6. Railway Hotel – 29 Chapel Street, Prahran

7. Red Bennies - 373 Chapel Street, Prahran

8. Kazbar – 481 Chapel Street, Prahran

9. Electric Ladyland – 265 Chapel Street, Prahran

10. Borsch Vodka & Tears – 173 Chapel Street, Windsor

Remember, this just touches on the surface on what this area has to offer. To find out more about the bars listed click on the link from the bar name. Feel free to make suggestions for lists by emailing benwild@barengine.com or by leaving comments below. Happy Drinking!!!

Melbourne Bars - Swanston Street Bar Crawl

It’s the lifeline of Melbounrne, Swanston Street splits the city in half from East to West. There are a number of bars along this strip and I thought I would provide for a bar crawl that doesn’t require one to leave the main road. These Melbourne bars have taken advantage of this main strip and recent developments may have the street earmarked for closure.

1. Transport – Corner Flinders & Swanston Streets, Melbourne

2. Transit – Corner Flinders & Swanston Streets, Melbourne

3. Three Below – 60 Swanston Street Walk, Melbourne

4. Martini Bar at The Westin – 205 Collins Street, Melbourne

5. Cabinet Bar - Rainbow Alley, Melbourne

6. The Hi-Fi Bar – 125 Swanston Street, Melbourne

7. Toff in Town – 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

8. The Lounge – 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne

9. Cho Gao - 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

10. The Order of Melbourne – 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Even though some of the address fields don’t seem to be on Swanston Street, the bar itself will look over it. Trust me, there is not a huge distance to cover, the little walk will do you some good. Feel free to make suggestions to benwild@barengine.com or leave comments below. You can check out the bar’s profile on Barengine.com by following the link from the bar name. Happy Drinking!!!

Melbourne Bars - Joel's Bars in Melbourne

A reader by the name of Joel has submitted his favourite bar list. This list is another testament to the variation of bars in Melbourne and what this fabulous city has to offer. You too can submit lists by emailing benwild@barengine.com or feel free to leave comments or suggestions below.

1. Rue Bebelons – 267 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

2. Tyranny of Distance – 147 Union Street, Windsor

3. Mothers Milk (Windsor) – 17 Chapel Street, Windsor

4. Der Raum – 438 Church Street, Richmond

5. Borsch, Vodka & Tears - 173 Chapel Street, Windsor

6. Section 8 – 27 Tattersalls Lane. Melbourne

7. Hell’s Kitchen – 20 Centre Place, Melbourne

8. Cookie – 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

9. Back Bar - 67 Green Street, Windsor

10. Cricketer’s Bar @ Hotel Windsor – 111 Spring Street, Melbourne

As always, you can find more information on Barengine.com by following the links off the bar names. Happy Drinking!!!

Melbourne Bars - Best St Kilda Bars

St Kilda was once a seaside resort for genteel Melbournians. In the 1960's and 70's it took on a seedier edge, but today it exudes a heady dose of cosmopolitan cool and is treasured for its independent vibe. On the popular English Backpacker trail this area is crammed with bars, pubs and clubs that cater for all. This list covers all aspects of the drinking spectrum - seedy local bars to large, touristy venues.

1. Esplanade Hotel (Espy) - 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

2. George Lane Bar - 129 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

3. Dogs Bar - 54 Acland Street, St Kilda

4. Laika - 9 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

5. The Local Taphouse - 184 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

6. Prince of Wales - 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

7. Stokehouse - 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

8. The Saint - 54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

9. The Vineyard - 71 Acland Street, St Kilda

10. Violet Tears - 192 Barkly Street, St Kilda

As you can see St Kilda is home to a vast array of bars. There are obviously a lot more than listed here, so it is in your best interest to get there and get amongst it. As always, you can find the bar profile on Barengine.com by following the link from he bar name. Feel free to make suggestions by emailing benwild@barengine.com or leave comments below. Happy Drinking!!!

Melbourne Bars - Melbourne's Best Cocktail Bars

Which city is the king of the cocktail scene? I guess it depends on who you ask and from which city they currently reside... Nevertheless, each city has a right to claim the title but it is very hard to go pass a city that has some of the greatest cocktail bars in the world and a city that is home to the best cocktail list in the world. So, for now (in my opinion) Melbourne holds the title and this list showcases the very best.

1. 1806 - 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

2. Der Raum - 438 Church Street, Richmond

3. Black Pearl - 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

4. Golden Monkey - 389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

5. Sweatshop - 113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

6. Match Bar - 249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

7. Blue Diamond - 123 Queen Street, Melbourne

8. Spice Market - Beaney Lane, Melbourne

9. Manchuria - 7 Waratah Place. Melbourne

10. 24 Moons - ACDC Lane, Melbourne

These venues are guaranteed to please when it comes to cocktails. But remember, there are scores of other venues that also make brilliant cocktails as well - this list just showcases Melbourne's best. Feel free to make suggestions by emailing benwild@barengine.com or leave comments below. As always you can link to the bar's profile pages on Barengine.com by clicking on the link from the bar name. Happy Drinking!!

Melbourne Bars - Best Wine & Nibbles

Melbourne has a fabulous wine and dining culture. With a call for more responsible serving of alcohol, what better way to offer it with a great selection of food. A few small plates of food, matched with a glass of wine is a brilliant way to waste away a weekend... sorry, not waste, enjoy a weekend.

1. City Wine Shop - 159 Spring Street, Melbourne

2. Gertrude Street Enoteca - 229 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

3. Von Haus - 1 Crossley Street, Melbourne

4. Gingerboy Upstairs - 27 Crossley Street, Melbourne

5. Movida Next Door - 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne

6. Bar Lourinha - 37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

7. St Judes Cellars - 389 Brunswick Street, Melbourne

8. Deco Wine Bar - 209 St Georges Road, Fitzroy

9. Acqua e Vino - 18 Anderson Street, Yarraville

10. Mr Wilkinson - 295 Lygon Street, East Brunswick

The food selection in these places has stepped up considerably. Its just amazing some of the matched selections that are available. So grab some friends or a loved one and get into one of these venues today. You can find out more details about these places by clicking on the bar name and going to the bar's profile page on Barengine.com. Feel free to leave suggestions or make a comment below.

Melbourne Bars - Unpretentious, Friendly & Fun Bars

A user by the name of Kristin has sent in the following list. She was looking for bars that were not so pretentious, had friendly staff and just plain fun. The explosion of Melbourne bars in recent years and the apparent 'wank' factor that goes with it can sometimes be off putting. I think she has done a fantastic job in finding a list that signifies what a 'good night out' is all about.

1. Southpaw - 189 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

2. Von Haus - 1 Crossley Street, Melbourne

3. The Gem - 289 Wellington Street, Collingwood

4. Loop Bar - 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne

5. Atticus Finch - 129 Lygon Street, East Brunswick

6. Sister Bella - 22 Drewery Place, Melbourne

7. Pony - 69 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

8. Section 8 - 27 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne

9. Workers Club - 51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

10. Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets - 80 Smith Street, Collingwood

So, a big thanks to Kristin for putting together a great list. Remember, you too can create or suggest a topic for a list by emailing it to benwild@barengine.com. As always you can follow to the bar's profile page on Barengine.com by clicking the bar name. Feel free to leave your comments below.

Melbourne Bars - Top 10 Themed Bars

Melbourne has some pretty amazing bars, encompassing a whole range of themes. I am not trying to list the best Irish or English themed pubs here but am looking for those bars that are unique and mainly dominated by a particular design theme.

1. Madame Brussels (Alice in Wonderland) - 59 Bourke Street, Melbourne

2. Sweatshop (Asian Manufacturing) - 113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

3. The Apartment (Someone's apartment) - 401 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

4. Berlin Bar (East meets West Berlin) - 16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne

5. The Carlton Hotel (Taxidermy and Flocked Walls) - 193 Bourke Street, Melbourne

6. Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets (Speakeasy) - 80 Smith Street, Collingwood

7. Golden Monkey (Asian Delight) - 389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

8. Double Happiness (Chairman Mao) - 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne

9. Drunken Poet (Irish) - 65 Peel Street, North Melbourne

10. Tiki Bar (name says it all) - 327 Swan Street, Richmond

These bars are guaranteed to make your next night out fun and exciting. All have a great theme that isn't tacky or in your face, rather stylish, timeless and in some cases damn outrageous. You can see all the bars profiles by clicking on the bar name and going to Barengine.com. Feel free to make suggestions or leave comments below.

Melbourne Bars - Swan Street Bar Crawl

Our first submission from a reader has decided to tell us his favourite bars in Swan Street, Richmond. Swan Street has undergone a major revival in the last few years with a number of quality establishments opening up. Each place is a unique experience and ranges from quality cocktail lounges, live music venues and gastro pubs. So make a night or day of it and experience what Swan Street has to offer. Remember you too can submit lists, email your suggestions to benwild@barengine.com

1. HolliAva - 36 Swan Street, Richmond

2. The Precinct - 60 Swan Street, Richmond

3. The Corner - 57 Swan Street, Richmond

4. Post Office - 90 Swan Street, Richmond

5. Bar 9T4 - 94 Swan Street, Richmond

6. The Richmond Club - 100 Swan Street, Richmond

7. SNEAK - 69 Swan Street, Richmond

8. Vaucluse Hotel - 157 Swan Street, Richmond

9. The Swan Hotel - Corner Swan and Church Streets, Richmond

10. Barbara - 203 Swan Street, Richmond

So there it is, check out Swan Street next time you are in Richmond - it sure won't let you down. As I said above, please feel free to make suggestions for lists or leave comments below. As always, you can link to the bar profile pages on Barengine.com by clicking on the bar name. Happy drinking!

Melbourne Bars - Non Corner Pubs Melbourne

Have you ever asked yourself why Pubs always seem to be on corners? Maybe its exposure, traffic flow or its just pure coincidence, but nevertheless, the majority are corner based. This is a list of pubs that fall into the category of non corner pubs! What use does that give one you may be asking? Nothing, but any excuse for a pub crawl is worth it in my book... So enjoy!

1. The Carlton Hotel - 193 Bourke Street, Melbourne

2. Public House - 433 Church Street, Richmond

3. The Standard - 293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy

4. Retreat Hotel - 430 Sydney Road, Brunswick

5. Railway Hotel - 800 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North

6. Richmond Club Hotel - 100 Swan Street, Richmond

7. Old Colonial Hotel - 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

8. Cornish Arms - 163a Sydney Road, Brunswick

9. Rose Hotel - 309 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

10. Skinny Dog Hotel - 155 High Street, Kew

So there you have it, next time you visit a pub at least I bet you look at whether it is on a corner or not. As always, you can visit the pubs profile page on Barengine.com or by just clicking on the link on the bar name. If you know of any others please let me know and feel free to leave comments below.

Melbourne Bars - Best Gastro Pubs

The evolution of the 'pub' has changed dramatically over the last few years. Once the domain of seedy, drunk men in a smoke filled, crusty environment, the modern pub is a far cry from its predecessors of yesteryear. Architecturally designed, stylish fittings and fixtures, boutique beers and wines, gourmet food, young and importantly mixed sex clientele - the pub has stepped into the modern age. This is a list of Melbourne's best.

1. The Court House Hotel - 90 Errol Street, North Melbourne

2. The Botanical - 169 Domain Road, South Yarra

3. Grace Darling Hotel - 114 Smith Street, Collingwood

4. Collins Quarter - 86a Collins Street, Melbourne

5. Hotel Max - 32 Commercial Road, Prahran

6. Saint & Rogue - 582 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

7. Baden Powell Hotel - 61 Victoria Parade, Collingwood

8. Railway Hotel - 29 Chapel Street, Windsor

9. Albert Park Hotel - 83 Dundas Place, Albert park

10. Rathdowne Tavern - 184 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

The food and drink selection in the above venues are outstanding and well worth a visit to. Feel free to make suggestions or leave comments in the box below.

Melbourne Bars - Best Bars in Fitzroy

The north of the river has exploded in the last few years with an array of amazing and diverse bars. Fitzroy is the capital of this area and has been a thriving hub of bars, cafes and restaurants for a number of years. Brunswick Street, Gertrude Street and Smith Street are the main strips of this area and have developed in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Fitzroy has a unique culture and this is reflected in the venues that have opened. Enjoy what the north has to offer.

1. Black Pearl - 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

2. Southpaw - 189 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

3. Yah Yah's - 99 Smith Street, Fitzroy

4. Builders Arms - 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

5. Workers Club - 51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

6. Little Creatures Dining Hall - 222 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

7. Napier Hotel - 210 Napier Street, Fitzroy

8. Bimbo Deluxe - 376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

9. St Judes Cellars - 389 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

10. Kent Street - 201 Smith Street, Fitzroy

This is just the tip of the iceberg for this suburb, so head north and check it out. You can link to the bar's profile page on barengine.com by clicking on the bar name. Feel free to make suggestions or leave comments below.

Melbourne Bars - My Top 10 Bars

As its my birthday, I am going to be a little self-indulgent for this blog and tell you my favourite bars in Melbourne. All these places mean something to me in some way and hold a lot of memories, well those memories I can remember anyway. As I don't have a particular favourite amongst these bars, I am going to list them alphabetically.

1. Black Pearl - 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

2. Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets - 80 Smith Street, Collingwood

3. Cookie - 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

4. Double Happiness - 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne

5. Gertrude Street Enoteca - 229 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

6. Gin Palace - 10 Russell Place, Melbourne

7. Lily Blacks - 12 Meyers Place, Melbourne

8. Loop Bar - 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne

9. Section 8 - 27 Tattersalls lane, Melbourne

10. The Standard - 293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy

I didn't realise how tough that would be... I could of added another 20 bars to that list easily, but nevertheless, I am happy with what I decided. You can check out the bars by following the link to their respective pages on Barengine.com by clicking on the bar names. Fell free to make suggestions or leave comments below.

Melbourne Bars - Top 10 Nightclubs

With the long weekend approaching in Melbourne - this is the perfect weekend to get out and about. Hitting one of Melbourne's pumping nightclubs is a great way to get the weekend started (and also that extra day helps with the recovery). Remember, the labour holiday is to celebrate how hard you work all year - so get amongst it, go out and go crazy.

1. Prince of Wales - 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

2. New Guernica - 322 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

3. Sorry Grandma! - 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

4. Eve Nightclub - 334 City Road, Melbourne

5. Loop Bar - 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne

6. Miss Libertine - 34 Franklin Street, Melbourne

7. The Lounge - 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne

8. Revolver - 229 Chapel Street, Prahran

9. Q Bar - 257 Toorak Road, South Yarra

10. Seven Nightclub - 52 Albert Street, South Melbourne

So get your dancing shoes on and get out on the town. You can follow the link to the bar pages on Barengine by clicking on the bar name. Feel free to leave suggestions or comments below.

Melbourne Bars - Top 10 Bar Dining Experiences

Melbourne is famous for its food and wine culture. In recent years an explosion of amazing restaurants with complete bars has opened up, creating a unique bar dining experience. This dining method usually revolves around the tapas or 'sharing' style menu, and has taken Melbourne by storm.

1. Cutler & Co - 55 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
2. Gingerboy Upstairs - 27 Crossley Street, Melbourne
3. Seamstress - 113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
4. Movida - 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne
5. Bar Lourinha - 37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
6. Cumulus Inc - 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
7. Panama Dining Room - 231 Smith Street, Collingwood
8. Movida Next Door - 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne
9. Mamasita - 11 Collins Street, Melbourne
10. Little Markov - 350 Drummond Street, Carlton

My mouth is watering just typing in this list. These venues are a must-do on any trip to Melbourne. You can follow the links to straight to their profile pages on Barengine.com by clicking on the venue name, Feel free to comment or make suggestions. Bon Apetit !

Melbourne Bar - Top 10 Laneway Bars

Melbourne is renowned for its hidden, laneway bars. Some of the most interesting and quirky venues have sprung up over the years in the most absurd of places. This list is a testament to those that have made an impact within the Melbourne scene.

1. Gin Palace - 10 Russell Place, Melbourne

2. Croft Institute - 21 Croft Alley, Melbourne

3. Meyers Place - 20 Meyers Place, Melbourne

4. Misty - 3 Hosier Lane, Melbourne

5. Section 8 - 27 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne

6. Loop - 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne

7. Double Happiness - 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne

8. Spice Market - Beaney Lane, Melbourne

9. 24 Moons - ACDC Lane, Melbourne

10. Murmur - 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne

You can follow the link to the profile page on Barengine.ccm to find out more information. Please feel free to comment and leave suggestions.

Melbourne Bars - Great Live Music Venues

In the wake of the disgraceful closure of one of Melbourne's iconic live music venues, I have decided to do a top 10 of what remains. Government policy makers need to take a long hard look at themselves. They are killing this city!!!!

1. Northcote Social Club - 301 High Street, Northcote
2. Ding Dong - 18 Market lane. Melbourne
3. Billboards The Venue - 170 Russell Street, Melbourne
4. Workers Club - 51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
5. Corner Hotel - 57 Swan Street, Richmond
6. Prince Bandroom - 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
7. Palace Theatre - 20 Bourke Street, Melbourne
8. Toff in Town - 252 Swanaston Street, Melbourne
9. The Espy - 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
10. Evelyn Hotel - 351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

The Tote Hotel would of fit in nicely with this list. Let's hope that they sort it out and can re-open real soon. Long live "Live Music Venues". Feel free to comment or make suggestions.

Melbourne Bars - Best Beer Gardens

You know the feeling, cooped up in an office dreaming about being outside with a nice cold drink in hand. Well that's what I think about... So what better way to tempt you into my world with a top 10 list of Melbourne's great beer gardens. Now, I use the term 'beer garden' pretty loosely as it doesn't have to be attached to a pub (in my opinion). I basically think, any bar that has a nice outdoor area that isn't a balcony or a rooftop is considered a beer garden.

1. Royal Saxon - 545 Church Street, Richmond
2. Section 8 - 27 Tattersalls lane, Melbourne
3. Retreat Hotel - 430 Sydney Road, Brunswick
4. Riverland - 1 Federation Wharf, Melbourne
5. Napier Hotel- 210 Napier Street, Fitzroy
6. Trunk - 275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
7. Collins Quarter - 86a Collins Street, Melbourne
8. Standard Hotel - 293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy
9. Mt. Erica Hotel - 420 High Street, Prahran
10. London Tavern - 238 Lennox Street, Richmond

You can follow the links straight to these pages by clicking on the bar name. Feel free to leave comments or suggestions.

Melbourne Bars - Top 10 Rooftop Bars

With the temperature reaching record highs, what better way to start this blog than a top 10 list of Melbourne Rooftop Bars...

1. Rooftop Bar - 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
2. Madame Brussels - 59 Bourke Street, Melbourne
3. Match Bar & Grill - 249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
4. Emerald Peacock - 233 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
5. Bimbo Deluxe - 376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
6. Siglo - 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
7. Waterside Hotel - 508 Flinders Street, Melbourne
8. The Order of Melbourne - 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
9. Corner Hotel - 57 Swan Street, Richmond
10. Blue Diamond - 123 Queen Street, Melbourne

You can follow the links to the bars profile pages on barengine.com by clicking on the bar name. Feel free to make suggestions or leave a comment below.

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