Image Source: TFE Hotels
Melbourne's ever-changing weather hasn't halted the city's appetite for an ever-growing array of rooftop bars. When visiting the CBD, make like a local: ignore the forecast and head upstairs for cool bevvies and sweeping city views. Here's our recomendations for the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Her Rooftop
From the same team that run Arbory, the handsome and historic Pacific House underwent a complete facelift a few years ago. Reopening as Her, this multi-storied drinking/dining/music venue features striking art and light installations, tiled mosaics, and pleated skirt stools. Nestle into an orange velvet banquette at the rooftop bar, where you can choose from an enticing list of cocktails, some of them on tap, as well as beer, natural wines, and dishes for sharing. The food is from Thai restaurant BKK below. Glass balustrades allow for impressive, uninterrupted city views. Expect to wait in a line for entry on Friday and Saturday nights, but it generally moves quite quickly.
Image source: Time Out
Siglo
This rooftop terrace above the Melbourne Supper Club is a great place for a quiet get-together or drinks with a small group. Make your way up the timber stairs behind the club and you might for a moment think you’re in Paris. For some oh-la-la, celebrate with caviar, Champagne and perhaps even a cigar. If casual is more your scene, make it an Aperol Spritz or a frosty beer with bar snacks. The ultimate late-night bar, Siglo has a sophisticated, good-time vibe with views over Spring Street and Parliament House. It can be hard to find a seat so wait till after midnight if you’re determined to snag one of the Parisian wicker chairs.
Fleet
The super cool Vibe Hotel Melbourne just got even cooler with the announcement that it will be home to Flinders Street’s tallest rooftop bar. Set to open in April, Fleet will boast one of the city’s most iconic and picturesque views overlooking Flinders Street Sation, Yarra River, Southbank and beyond. The 90-pax venue is the place to soak in the scenery or simply enjoy fleeting moments of pleasure.
And to complement the view, international food and beverage consultant, Grant Collins, has curated an expansive drinks menu of timeless classics, signature blends and experimental combinations - all with a distinct Melbourne-style and nautical flavour
Johnny’s Green Room
In a prime Carlton location, Johnny’s Green Room occupies the rooftop of the King and Godfree complex, which also has an espresso bar and deli. Stepping out of the lift onto the rooftop reveals a 15-metre long bar, a commanding 360-degree view, and open fireplaces that keep the place humming in winter. The décor is on trend retro with peach terrazzo bench seats and navy blue cushions, marble topped tables, and potted plants providing splashes of greenery. The highlight is a neon-lit Sirena “Tonno” (tuna) sign that has been on top of the building for decades and recently restored. Not surprisingly for its location, the pizza oven gets a good workout and Aperol Spritz is on tap. Be sure to try the That’s Amore cocktail, a delicious concoction of spiced rum, white chocolate liqueur, almond syrup and toasted marshmallow.
Image source: Johnny's Green Room
Runner Up
This casual rooftop bar in an old space above the Collingwood Yards arts precinct and community space is creative and eclectic. It’s a hidden gem, with vintage furniture alongside custom-made pieces, eye-catching artwork, greenery and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Sunset here is very pleasant as you dive into a drink list of natural wines from Australia and Italy, craft beers, spritzes and cocktails. Substitute the usual Aperol with Limoncello for a fresh and citrusy spritz. Snacks include fancy tinned fish and dolmades from a can – not a lot of choice but they hit the spot.
The Q Rooftop Bar
The Q is a pulsing bar offering zesty bites and awesome cocktails against a backdrop of the Melbourne skyline. Located on the rooftop of the colourful Quincy Hotel Melbourne, its 360-degree views are really quite magical as the sun sets, especially with a Quincy Sling in hand. This signature cocktail is a mix of gin, Dom Bénédictine, lime juice, pineapple, sour cherry and orange bitters. Yum!
Good Heavens
A giant smoker turning out slow-cooked brisket and buffalo wings is one of the drawcards at Good Heavens, a stylish rooftop hotspot run by the group behind Fancy Hank’s. Casual bar food complements a drinks list of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Pink signs and pastel blue paintwork evoke a mid-20th century vibe and make this retro bar feel summery even when the temperature nose dives. Picture yourself on a tropical island rather than in the heart of the CBD. Staff wearing Hawaiian shirts preside over the island bar, shaking and stirring tipples with a focus on old favourites.
After a fun afternoon or night exploring Melbourne's best rooftop bars rest your head at one of our CBD hotels. A stay at Quincy Hotel Melbourne (home to The Q rooftop bar) and Vibe Hotel Melbourne (home to Fleet rooftop bar) makes it easy when enjoying a cocktail or two, while soaking up the views.
