A local's guide to the best laneway bars (check out more information about Melbournes Laneways) and rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Section 8
27 - 29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne
Made from an old Shipping Container, Section 8 is a firm favourite amongst Melbourne locals. With graffiti'd walls and craft beer for sale - Section 8 Container Bar is 'so Melbourne'.
Their Description - "A bar in and around a box in a back alley of Melbourne."
Cherry Bar
ACDC Lane, Melbourne
If leather jackets, The Doors and a bit of 1950s Funk is your type of night out - head into Cherry Bar - nestled down ACDC Lane. (Yes that really is the name of the street! How appropriate!)
Lots of quality local acts play here, so if you enjoy live music make sure you pop in.
Their Description - "Cherry is pretty much the best rock n’ roll bar in the world."
Rooftop Cinema (Bar)
Top Level, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
One of our absolute favourites! Rooftop Cinema sits on the top level of a historic building with great views of the Melbourne's skyline. You will find a number of Bars and live music gigs on each level, along with Cookie, one of Melbourne's most talked about Thai restaurants, and in summer - a rooftop moonlight Cinema (the name of the place probably gave that away I imagine)!
Their Description - "Rooftop Cinema is committed to showcasing arthouse, classic and recent release films in a completely unique urban environment."
Sister Bella
22 Drewery Place, Melbourne
You will need directions from a local to reach this quirky laneway bar. Hidden down a graffiti clad laneway in the midst of the city, Sister Bella is a favourite amongst the locals. Open 4pm til late.
Their Description - "Sister Bella is a bar & restaurant tucked away at the bottom of Sniders Lane in the Melbourne CBD."
Croft Institute
Croft Alley, Melbourne
Hidden down the laneways of Melbourne's Chinatown, The Croft Institute is truly unique and set up like an old school science lab. On the weekends, head up to Level 1 as the 'Gymnasium' opens up as a dance floor!
Their Description - "Tucked down a winding Chinatown alley, getting to The Croft Institute is part of your experience.".
The Butterfly Club
Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, Melbourne
This one is for the artsy travellers! Fitting the mould of all things Melbourne, this little theatre is (you guessed it) hidden down a laneway. The Butterfly Club's narrow staircase will lead you to the small theatre.
Their Description - "The Butterfly Club is a small theatre in the heart of Melbourne. We have plenty of shows, award-winning foyer bars, and an enormous collection of kitsch.".
Carlton Club
193 Bourke Street, Melbourne
This place takes the word 'quirky' to a whole new level! With multiple levels and rooftop balconies and bars - the Carlton Club is ideal for an afternoon drink or a late night session. Say hello to the purple velvet walls and giant flamingos!
Their Description - "The Carlton, a wildly decadent and dimly-lit space overseen by Wally the Ostrich and Gerald the Giraffe.".
Workshop
413 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Good tunes, an outdoor smoking and drinking area, bar food and couches - Workshop Bar is a favourite for after work drinks or a late Friday or Saturday night session.
Their Description - "An institution moulded by stunning design and nurtured by Melbourne's cultural vibrancy. ".
Loop Rooftop Bar
23 Meyers Place, Melbourne
With something always going on - Audio Visual Screenings, DJs and anything that will have you questioning 'life' as we know it - Loop Rooftop Bar also offers yummy cocktails with great views of the city. (Don't worry 'Loop Roof has been specifically designed to cater for changing weather conditions over Melbourne’s super variable four seasons'.) Open midday til late.
Their Description - "Loop Roof is a rooftop cocktail bar set in an open air, exotic garden setting.".
Madame Brussels
Level 3, 59 - 63 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Taking on a 'Garden Party' theme - this rooftop bar is nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD and can be reached by an unmarked Elevator ride to the top floor. Serving snacks and Cocktail Jugs, Madame Brussels is open from midday til late.
It's also home to a few 'naughty' events!
Their Description - "It may look outrageous.. but we swear it's all toootttallly innocent darlings".
So if you want to check out these fantastic Melbourne rooftop or laneway bars then come and stay at Base St Kilda for a few days - Book Now!
