Bars and Nightlife in Melbourne - 2

Drinks on the City Outskirts

All of Melbourne’s best pubs are now found in the suburbs surrounding the city, but the selection of bars won’t disappoint.

From the moody and intimate inner city bars we move to the cavernous and rowdy at Little Creatures Dining Hall. While the food is certainly good, this is definitely a shrine to the delicious range of Little Creatures beer from Western Australia. Open at 10 a.m. daily. 222 Brunswick St., tel. +61-3-9417-5500. www.littlecreatures.com.au

For a taste of a traditional Melbourne pub, head to the Union Club Hotel. Tucked away on a quiet suburban street, this is as true a local pub as you will find in Melbourne. Mismatched furniture, honest pub food and a relaxed, friendly mood are just a few of its simple charms. Open Mon. to Thurs., 3 p.m. until late; Fri. and Sat., noon to 1 a.m.; Sun., noon to 11 p.m. 164 Gore St., tel. +61-3-9417-2926. www.unionclubhotel.com.au

 

• Mink at The Prince Hotel.

Courtesy of The Prince Hotel

Gertrude Street is one of Melbourne’s more interesting retail strips, and when you’re finished shopping, reward yourself with a glass of superb wine at Enoteca. Part wine store, part wine bar, part café, the quality of everything done here is among the best you’ll find. Pick a bottle from the carefully curated range of local and imported wines to take away or drink on the spot. 229 Gertrude St., tel. +61-3-9415-8262. www.gertrudestreetenoteca.com

Mink is perhaps the coolest bar in St Kilda. This subterranean venue features decadently plush décor and specializes in cocktails made from a range of house-infused vodkas. Top drinks with prices to match, but absolutely worth every cent. Dress nicely. 2 Acland St., St Kilda; tel. +61-3-9536-1199. www.minkbar.com.au

 

• Der Raum serves up signature cocktails in a fun atmosphere.

Courtesy of Der Raum

From the moment you step into Der Raum in Richmond, you’ll begin to re-define your definition of “a good bar.” A global award winner, the fun starts with bottles hanging from the ceiling and a cocktail list chained to the bar to prevent copyright infringement. Seriously. This is quite simply home to the best cocktails in Australia. Try a Long Island Iced Tea, served in a speakeasy-inspired oversized teacup. Open Tues. to Sat., 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. 438 Church St., tel. +61-3-9428-0055. www.derraum.com.au

Prudence is a little off the radar in more ways than one, but that’s why it’s so beloved by those who know it. If it feels like someone simply built a bar in their two-story house adorned with high quality bric-a-brac and retro furniture, it’s because they have. The friendliest bar staff in Melbourne also make it their job to entertain and surprise you, spinning selections from their vast collection of old and new vinyl. Open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 368 Victoria St., West Melbourne; tel. +61-3-9329-9267.