Best Neighbourhood Bars in Melbourne
Neighbourhood bars, local bars, low-key bars. Regardless of the term you use, you know one when you see it, even if they’re hard to define on paper. These places rarely have expensive fit-outs, lengthy drinks lists or elaborate concepts. They’re just affordable places where the tunes are good, the bartenders are up for a chat and the clientele rarely live further than a few blocks away. Step in and surrender to their friendly, no-bullshit spirit.
Related pages:
Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne
Best Hidden Bars in Melbourne
Best Beer Bars in Melbourne
Best Wine Bars in Melbourne
Words by Nick Connellan
Updated on 22 February 2019
Bar
Joe's Shoe Store
The ideal place for a couple of quiet pints.
Bar
Uncle Joe's
The younger sibling to Northcote's Joe's Shoe Store.
Bar
Bar Josephine
A welcoming space filled with craft beer and classic books.
Bar
Geralds Bar
This storied neighbourhood bar brims with nostalgia. Vintage books, yesteryear’s wine bottles and a glimmering disco ball decorate the space.
Bar
Lulie Tavern
Tom Petty on the stereo, Guinness on tap and pizza passed through a canteen-style window from next door.
Bar
Nighthawks
Inspired by the beautiful old dive bars found across America.
Bar
The Catfish
An unpretentious spot for great beer, live music and authentic Philly cheesesteaks.
Bar
Low Key
It’s froths and no fuss, every day of the week.
Bar
Monty’s
Four old hands are behind this no-fuss bar, which is complete with ferns and a fireplace.
Bar
The Raccoon Club
A local craft beer watering hole with a laid back atmosphere.
Bar
East Of Everything
While away an afternoon with beer, po’ boys and city views.
Bar
Prudence
A Victoria Street classic, with decades of lived-in, kitschy charm.
Bar
Surly’s Bar and Garden
This neighbourhood bar combines an old-school pub atmosphere with a forward-thinking drinks list filled with ultra-local ales, pét-nats and vegan cocktails.
Bar
Bar Open
A good old late night bar sporting character in spades.
Bar
Hell’s Kitchen
A late night watering hole in the middle of the city with a good laneway view.
Cafe
Good Measure
Find yourself a second home at this cool neighbourhood cafe by a team of hospitality veterans. It serves coffee and sangas during the day, then cocktails and snacks at night – all within a timber-clad space decked out like a north-side living room.
Bar
Gum
The kitsch floral wallpaper, bright-orange tabletops and retro lampshades might remind you of your nan’s house. The tongue-in-cheek cocktails, vodka-saké jugs and excellent pizza (from nearby Thin Slizzy) probably won’t.
