Say Cheers to the Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne

Planning an intimate date or want something cosy and close? Crown’s intimate bars fuse elegant cocktails with welcoming spaces.  

Le Martini 

Le Martini is a lounge bar where sophistication and relaxation are paramount. This is not only Melbourne’s first Grey Goose bar, but it has also collaborated with a roster of international bartenders to create a series of bespoke cocktails. The Grey Goose Matinié Speciale is a must try, or opt for a Harry’s Original, inspired by the classic 1888 Harry Johnson Martini. Pair your cocktail with elevated hors d’oeuvres from Bistro Guillaume for light bites made with fresh local produce.  

Insider Tip 

This is the bar to visit for classy after-work drinks and a vibrant, sophisticated evening out.  

Atrium Bar  

Atrium Bar is a mecca for champagne. Well-lit, sophisticated, and sparkling both in appearance and taste, this is a bar for celebrations and uplifting moments. And while champagne is at the heart of Atrium Bar’s appeal, the menu also features an appetising selection of cocktails. Try the Spiced Coconut Margarita to transport yourself to a tropical destination, or opt for a Smoked Rye Apple Sour for something as visually spectacular as it is delicious.  

Insider Tip 

Atrium Bar does not accept bookings, so it’s best to arrive early to secure your seat.  

The Den 

The Den is a low-lit, eclectic and intimate cocktail bar in Melbourne. This basement space is reminiscent of the Golden Era and New York bar culture, and is adorned with an array of soft velvet sofas, bookshelves, rugs, heirlooms, and a cosy atmosphere that will make you want to settle in for the whole evening. While there are plenty of fancy cocktails to choose from, The Den also promises hand-selected whiskies and other spirits from top global distilleries.  

Insider Tip 

This sophisticated speakeasy is tucked away – you’ll need to head down the stairs from The Atlantic restaurant to find it! 

Velvet Bar 

Velvet Bar has more than a little to say about Melbourne’s cocktail scene. Known especially for its creative, crafty cocktails, this is the place to go with friends for a delicious tipple before a night out – or as the perfect nightcap. Try The Green Saint for something special, or the Naughty Margarita for a fun twist on an old classic.  

Insider Tip 

Find Velvet Bar on the casino floor, so you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere as you say cheers with an unparallelled cocktail.  

The Waiting Room 

Deep hues, brass accents, and soft furnishings. The Waiting Room is a space of effortless glamour and style, where you can order high tea with your cocktail and gourmet snacks with your House Signature Martini. You’ll also find a wide selection of Victorian wines waiting for you to discover.  

Insider Tip 

The Waiting Room is a lively venue with a busy social calendar, so explore the events calendar to join in the fun for New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and other occasions.  

Spice Temple Bar 

Spice Temple Bar is a sultry, ambient space that is known as a top cocktail bar in Southbank. It is furnished with small booths and tables for intimate drinks and bites to eat, with a number of stools at the bar to enjoy the spectacle of the expert mixologists doing what they do best. The Zodiac cocktails are the signature drinks to try, especially when paired with delectable finger food.  

Insider Tip

Swing by during Spice Hour daily from 4pm to 5.30pm for discounted drinks, including $12 cocktails. Keep in mind that Spice Temple Bar does not take bookings, so it’s first-come first-served.  

Got a business group to impress, or an event with friends to organise? The Crown Melbourne has you covered with these bars suited for groups.  

Ghost Donkey 

Open only for a limited time, Ghost Donkey is the kind of Melbourne cocktail bar you want to visit before it’s gone. After all, it is the proud owner of the Imbibe ‘Best Cocktail Bar of the Year’ award for 2020, with locations dotted around the world. Famed for its mezcal and tequila cocktails, this bar is a must-try for mucho good times.  

Insider Tip 

Ghost Donkey requires bookings for groups of 13-29 people, but otherwise is open for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Double Up Bar 

Take a break from the casino floor – or come to celebrate your wins – at Double Up Bar. This casual, lively spot is close to all the excitement, but tucked away enough to enjoy a relaxing drink with friends. Here you’ll find a little of everything, from local and international wines to ready-to-drinks and morish cocktails.  

Insider Tip 

Double Up Bar is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings, making it the ideal weekend hotspot.  

Fidels Restaurant & Bar 

Cuba might be more than 15,500 kilometres away, but Fidels Restaurant & Bar is right here in Melbourne with Cuban cuisine and cocktails. With Latin music, vibrant décor, delicious share plates, and a packed entertainment schedule, this is the place to go for a fun and unique night out with a group. You might take a salsa class with your cocktail, or watch Samba performers heat up the dance floor while you nibble on your empanadas.  

Insider Tip 

Fidels hosts an array of events throughout the year, from Christmas dinners to bottomless weekend brunches. Be sure to check out the calendar so you don’t miss out.  

If you can’t be at the game, a sports bar is a close second. And in these cases, it might even be as good as the real deal.  

The Pub 

True to its name, The Pub is that place you’re thinking of during a busy day at work. It’s where you’ll want to go as soon as you clock off, so you can socialise with friends, catch the game, and soak up the vibrant, party-like atmosphere.  

Insider Tip 

Ask about the specials for affordable meals, and bring the kids along for family-friendly fare and dining until 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, or until 9pm on Sundays.  

Sports Bar 

What better place to watch sports, than at Sports Bar? There are no fewer than 18 screens on offer, with TAB facilities at the bar, and endless competitions, giveaways, and events to make the experience just as exciting as the game itself. There are all the drinks you could want, with a food menu provided by Fidels Restaurant for some tasty Cuban fare.  

Insider Tip 

Keep an eye on the upcoming competitions at Sports Bar to see what you can win.  

Jackpot Bar 

You name the time, and Jackpot Bar will be there ready to welcome you with a warm smile and a cold drink. Found right in the middle of the main gaming floor, this bar is open every hour of the day, with major sports games playing on the screens around the bar so you won’t miss a moment of the action.  

Insider Tip 

The menu here offers all your favourite snack foods such as sausage rolls, pies, and sandwiches, so it’s ideal for a quick bite day or night.