Melbourne’s best rooftop bars, where cocktails taste better in the sky.
One hint of a blue sky and we’re looking up to find the best spots across Melbourne to enjoy a tipple above the tree tops. Here’s our pick of the best rooftop bars. How many have you still to visit?
1. The Albion Rooftop
A South Melbourne icon that’s been a drinking den since the 1860s that went up in flames in 2015, only to rise from the ashes as one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. Sweeping views of the city is the bar’s big drawcard, but the food and cocktails will keep you there until the wee small hours. Discover Eat Drink Play’s experience of The Albion Rooftop HERE.
2. The Cornish Arms Rooftop
A Brunswick staple, The Cornish Arms has long been servicing locals with beer on tap, live music and one of the largest selections of vegan pub food in Melbourne. Their popularity has seen them open a rooftop space where you can catch views of Sydney Road and the city while enjoying a cool beer and a bite to eat.
3. Loop Bar
Incredibly busy in the balmier months between December to March, Loop Bar is great for big group gatherings, with a large selection of tables from which to enjoy the splendid views of Melbourne.
4. Rooftop Bar
An oldie but a goodie, Rooftop Bar rewards those who physically exert themselves climbing the neverending flights of stairs with a spectacular view of Melbourne and a cutesy bar. Home to the Rooftop Cinema in the summery months, Rooftop Bar is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
5. Siglo
Space is at a premium in this often crowded rooftop bar, with the sophisticated after-work crowd that flock to Siglo keeping it full from 5pm to the wee hours of the morning.
6. Madame Brussels
Preppy tennis skirts, astroturf and quaint teacups aplenty, Madame Brussels is an elevated watering hole near the Parliament end of Bourke Street. Share a cocktail jug with friends, and choose from nibbles that range from a charcuterie board to a cheese platter.
7. Naked for Satan
The rich history of Naked for Satan stems from the years of The Great Depression. Mr Satanovich, a Russian immigrant, worked as a bartender on Brunswick Street, in practically just his underwear. Hence the name. He became quite popular amongst neighbours, with lines out the door waiting for ‘Satan’s vodka’. And now there are lines out the door waiting to get ‘Naked in the Sky‘. Their rooftop bar floats over Fitzroy with gorgeous city views. And yes, you can still get a whole variety of Naked infused vodkas
8. Bomba
Sip on rooftop cocktails amongst the Londsdale Street treetops at Bomba. Melbourne’s temperamental weather is catered for by the retractable roof, so you’ll be celebrating above the sky all year round. You’ve also got an incredible tapas menu to choose from, where the Spanish infusions match perfectly with your cocktails. This space can also be rented for private functions so it’s perfect for a party in the clouds!
9. The Carlton
Palmz Rooftop Bar at The Carlton is a tropical sanctuary high above the buzz of Bourke Street. Palm trees, flowers and tropical plants sit against the open city skyline. Sip on jugs of cocktails in the summer time, or snuggle under the heaters in the winter!
10. Red Hummingbird
‘The Bird‘ is definitely one of the less pretentious rooftop bars around. It’s a really fun and energetic space with a young bar team and a constantly pumping crowd. Located on Russell Street, the wooden decor and sky-skimming outdoor space can be enjoyed with a drink or meal any night of the week ’til late.
11. The Emerson
South Yarra and Melbourne’s CBD meet at the casual yet sophisticated Emerson Rooftop Bar. There are luxurious food and drinks that flow on the rooftop every night. Got a party coming to plan? The Emerson Rooftop Bar can be hired for any day or night events as a private function space.
12. Goldilocks Bar
Swanson Street’s quirky rooftop bar with a fairytale-like creativity comes from the curiosity of each eccentric staff member. There’s classic cocktails, as well as new innovations from bartenders that are constantly changing. The food at Goldilocks is much the same and will lead you down a path of discovery. Secret adventures lie within!
13. Marquis of Lorne
Marquis of Lorne Hotel spins a modern twist on your local pub. A good roast goes down well inside by the fire, or outside on the roof. The rooftop bar has been decked out in extravagant colours for your perfect summer happy place! There’s also a rooftop punch on tap as well as all your other pub favourites.
14. Nineteen Forty
This rooftop bar perched above the Rivoli cinemas is an adorbale tribute to the 1940s. Head on up for a quick drink whilst a movie projects off the walls of the old Rivoli. Classic cocktails and all things vintage are celebrated at this creative gem in Hawthorn East. You can read all about Eat Drink Play’s experience HERE.
15. Fonda, Windsor
Fonda is a chain restaurant that places the ‘mi casa, su casa’ approach at the head of its ethos. Its Windsor location is one of its standouts with the rooftop bar serving up Mexican food and drink delights every night til late!
16. Sagra Rooftop
One of the rooftop bars that brings a touch of class to Melbourne’s bar scene is Sagra Rooftoop. Sagra encourages you to challenge their bartenders and put their best work to test. Request your own cocktails or enjoy the specialised creations they whip up just for you! Sagra is also a hit with breakfast. You can check out Eat Drink Play’s Sagra visit HERE.
17. The Provincial
The Provincial’s rooftop bar gives locals and rooftop bar fanatics alike the chance to suss out the Fitzroy cityscape and indulge in some friendly pub food classics. There’s everything from burgers to hotdogs, pizza and a stellar bar snacks menu (hello haloumi fries!). On the drinks menu are 10 carefully curated draught beers teamed with a delicious cocktail and wine list.
