Whether it’s a hard-earned whiskey at the end a big day of business, some wine and nibbles with clients or friends, or a glass of champagne to celebrate an achievement or milestone, there’s a rooftop bar in Melbourne to do it in.
Melbourne’s laneway bar scene is the stuff of legend in Australia, but as these rooftop bars show, there are plenty of places above the street to enjoy a tipple on your next trip to Melbourne as well.
Madame Brussels
Astroturf and parasols mix in a quirky but appealing and playful style at this patio bar on the third level of 59 Bourke St. Evoking the image of a rather fancy but eclectic garden party, with a twist of burlesque, Madame Brussels is a well-known part of Melbourne’s bar scene and a popular place for food, drinks and functions alike. A high tea-inspired menu is complemented by a cocktail list comprising classics as well as seasonal special offerings.
Aer Bar is a top spot.Aer Bar
As its name suggests, Aer Bar is located on a rooftop at 120 Exhibition St and alongside its extensive drinks menu offers a tapas menu, light meals and a European Beer Garden atmosphere – helped by the fact it’s the sister bar to, and located above, the European Bier Cafe at the same address.
Bomba
Tapas and a Spanish theme are the name of the game at Bomba, sitting atop 103 Lonsdale St. As well as beer, spirits and cocktails, there are a range of Spanish wines available too.
The Imperial Hotel is a fabulous choice for a rooftop beverage.Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel is a Melbourne icon, with red cedar front doors dating from 1858 and a classic atmosphere. Located on Bourke St, across the road from the Victorian Parliament building, there’s a wide range of beers, ciders, spirits and wines available here. The rooftop bar is one of the largest in the city, offering 360 degree views along with a range of drinks and light meals from the dedicated kitchen.
Easeys
Technically a burger eatery rather than a bar, Easeys still provides the unusual experience of enjoying a hot burger and cold beer while sitting in a professionally graffiti-decorated railway carriage on the rooftop of a five-storey building in Collingwood. The view is urban rather than scenic and there’s an American diner-style menu where diners are encouraged to get creative with their burgers.
Goldilocks
Sitting on the fourth level of 264 Swanston St, Goldilocks features an ever-changing cocktail menu along with a quirky vibe, describing itself as “taking its cues from the wonder and excitement of fairy tales”. Alongside the innovative drinks list, the venue also has a creative menu complementing its off-beat style.
Deck Mercantile Place
This CBD rooftop bar sits atop the Waterside Hotel, offering views of the Yarra River and Southbank. A rooftop garden features with the bar, which also has a retractable roof covering as well as a fireplace providing ambient heating, while the drinks and cocktail lists are complemented by light meals.
Drinks at Loops Roof promises a fine view.Loop Roof
Loop Roof is in Meyer Place and another highly regarded Melbourne establishment, featuring plenty of foliage and lawn furniture, alongside garden beds, city views and a drinks menu continuing the relaxed theme.
Naked In The Sky
Upstairs from the Basque-themed Naked For Satan bar at 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Naked In The Sky offers rooftop drinking, impressive views of the Dandenong Ranges and the city, as well as an extensive drinks, wine and cocktail menu.
Uncle
Located in the seaside suburb of St Kilda, Uncle is a Vietnamese-inspired bar with a modern twist. Bamboo features complement exposed brickwork and a menu featuring popular dishes such as Banh Mi, Pho soup, and rice paper rolls. The drinks and cocktail menu continues the Vietnamese theme, with names such as Ho Chi Mama and Mekong Splice, while the range of Australian beers is rounded out by Bia Ha Noi from Vietnam and large bottles of Laotian brew Beerlao.
