The Melbourne rooftop bars you need to visit
THERE’S no better way to pass a summer afternoon than sipping your favourite drink among Melbourne’s high rises. Here are 15 of the city’s best rooftop bars.
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FOR sunny days and balmy nights, here are 14 great rooftop bars offering spots to sip in the sky; because everyone knows, drinking at altitude is always more fun.
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The Adelphi
187 Flinders Lane, city
The famous Adelphi rooftop pool and deck is back in action and every Friday night — launching tonight — it’s the place to sip Four Pillars gins and snack on mini kransky dogs, salted corn and barbecued banana splits. Adelphi Four Pillars Fridays run from 5pm-9pm until March 30.
The Provincial Hotel
299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
The “Prov” rooftop adds a new level to the Grand Old Dame of Brunswick St. With its vintage patio-chic vibe, rambling vines and dilapidated charm, The Prov remains a Fitzroy favourite. Hit the rooftop for 10 beers on tap, Prov Pina Coladas and a range of burgers to sate hungers day through night.
The Waterside Hotel
508 Flinders St, city
Thanks to its new publicans — the smart Sand Hill Road guys — the Waterside Hotel has become a handsome, multifaceted venue. There’s a public bar and restaurant, The Dog House dive bar/sports bar, the Bubble House cocktail lounge, and, of course, the roof. With the city skyline a-twinkling and the ice in glasses a-chinkaling, the Waterside is making a splash.
Loop Roof
23 Meyers Pl, city
This rooftop is fringed by vines and set against black interiors illuminated by white and blue lanterns. Boasting a superior bar food menu, the tacos on offer cater for even the fussiest eater. The meltingly soft pork taco with tart pomegranate marmalade is an absolute winner with a crisp gin and tonic.
Goldilocks Bar
264 Swanston St, city
To get to this little bar you have to pass through Noodle King, climb four flights of stairs and through a separate bar before you can settle in for an afternoon session.
Goldilocks is the perfect place for a daytime tipple. Sit among the high rises and sip on cocktails flavoured with unusual flavours such as black walnut bitters and Alsatian crème de pomme verte.
Good Heavens
79 Bourke St, city
Come for the brilliant barbecue at Fancy Hanks, then head upstairs and stay for Harvey Wallbangers, Blue Lagoons and other fabulously tongue-in-cheek cocktails at Good Heavens. Thank the lord.
Imperial Hotel
2-8 Bourke St, city
If you’re looking to change up your pub this footy season, the Imperial Hotel has plasma screens throughout, an expansive rooftop deck and a good selection of beers to match with your weekly parma.
QT
11/133 Russell St, city
The huge rooftop bar at QT Hotel is always filled with cuties and is one of the finest spots for a sexy sundowner. It’s sleek, stunning and perfect for a cheeky afternoon rose, sunset spritz or Friday night beers and bubbles and funky beats.
qthotelsandresorts.com/Melbourne
Naked in the Sky
285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Behold the bustling Brunswick St below from Naked in the Sky. Drink in the incredible views across Melbourne along with the range of house-infused vodka — choose from the moreish salted caramel to the delicate violet.
Corner Hotel
57 Swan St, Richmond
Twenty-one years young and The Corner remains one of Melbourne’s best live music venues, and its rooftop, one of Melbourne’s top elevated beer gardens. Cool cocktails and smart wine — and lots of cold beer — makes for a space that’s a sure-fire summer hit.
Rooftop Bar
252 Swanston St, city
Melbourne’s original rooftop bar is still one of the best — with a recent refurb cementing its status as a must-visit. Rooftop’s take on the espresso martini combines maple syrup and 666 butter vodka, providing molasses-y sweetness and subtle savoury notes. Enjoy a movie over the summer or hunker down with a blanket and possie of mates over the winter.
Siglo
161 Spring St, city
Embrace your inner Don Draper as you enjoy a scotch and cigar at the terrace bar looking over Spring Street, Parliament and the Parliamentary Gardens. Siglo offers a wide variety of cigars, spirits and wines and is open until 3am every day. After then retreat to the overstuffed red leather seats in the Supper Club for bar snacks and sips until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bomba
103 Lonsdale St, city
Cool, calm and filled with Iberian charm, this dynamic rooftop space opens up into a light-filled yet cool sanctuary on warmer summer days. Sip sangria or vermouth on ice while crunching on manchego croquettes and enjoy a slice of Madrid in the heart of Melbourne.
Madame Brussels
59 Bourke St, city
This Astro-turfed garden party-themed bar is a Melbourne icon, where waiters decked out in their tennis whites serve cocktails by the jug. Enjoy punch, Pimms and other cocktails that turn any night at Madame Brussels into a party.
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