Welcome to Melbourne’s Best Friday Night Bars
If Friday nights are your time to ditch the adulting and lean into the vibes, Melbourne’s got your back. This city is basically a walking, talking pub crawl with a side of “I’m not here for the drinks, I’m here for the ambiance.” But let’s cut through the hype: where do you go to avoid cringe, chaos, and the “Oh no, I’ve seen this bartender before” awkwardness? Buckle up—here’s a guide to the best bars for Friday night glory, because your week deserves a standing ovation.
1. The Crafty Pint – Perfect for Beer Snobs (Who Don’t Mean to Snub)
Okay, let’s get one thing straight: beer snobs are just people who take their hops seriously. The Crafty Pint is Melbourne’s answer to “I want a beer that tastes like my emotions.” With over 40 taps (yes, taps, not just bottles) and a menu that reads like a PhD thesis in fermentation, this place is for when you want to sip something that costs more than your firstborn but tastes like liquid enlightenment. Pro tip: Ask for the “Surprise Me” flight. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a new favorite. If not, you’ll just pretend you like it.
Internal Link: Make Your Own Beer if you want to recreate your Crafty Pint masterpiece at home.
2. The Coolest Rooftop Vibes at The Bar at Crown Melbourne
Who needs the ground when you can sip a Negroni 120 meters in the sky? The Bar at Crown Melbourne isn’t just a bar—it’s a “look at me” moment with a view. Imagine sipping a cocktail while pretending you’re a Bond villain plotting world domination. The real question is: Will you survive the line for a seat? Probably not, but hey, waiting in a queue with a drink in hand is just Melbourne’s version of a group hug.
Address: 8 Wharf Rd, Melbourne
3. The Hidden Gem You’ll Never Find Unless You Ask
Bars with names like “The Secret Spot” or “Behind the Bookstore” are Melbourne’s way of saying, “We’re not here for you; you’re here for us.” Case in point: The Old Quarter. It’s hidden behind a wall of books, which is either charming or a fire hazard. Either way, the speakeasy vibes and whiskey menu are enough to make you forget your ex’s name. Just don’t tell the bouncer your name is “Google Maps.”
4. The Place Where Everyone Knows Your Name (Even if They Don’t)
Bars like The Hardware Societyspecialize in making you feel like you’re part of the “cool kids club” without actually being cool. It’s got live music, a vibe that screams “We’re not a bar, we’re a cultural movement,” and a menu that charges $20 for a cocktail that takes three minutes to make. Perfect for when you want to pretend you’re in a band and your drink is an art project.
5. The Pub That Time Forgot
Let’s talk about the “heritage pubs”—places like The Royal William. This is where Melbourne’s bar scene goes to die. The walls are covered in history, the beer is just decent, and the clientele is mostly grandparents who still think “craft beer” means a can from the 80s. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel old in the best way possible. Bonus: If you ask nicely, the bartender might let you play darts with a broken nail.
Pro Tips for Friday Night Bar Hopping
- Arrive before 8 PM if you want a seat that isn’t on someone else’s lap.
- Order the house special. It’s either genius or a cry for help, either way, it’s memorable.
- Don’t ask for tap water. Melbourne’s tap water tastes like regret.
- Download Dropt.beer to find where to buy your bar’s signature drink the next day.
FAQs: Your Friday Night Bar Questions Answered
1. Are these bars good for first dates?
Only if your date is cool with you trying to flirt with the bartender instead of them. The Crafty Pint is your best bet—it’s intimate enough for awkward small talk, but loud enough to blame your bad decisions on the noise.
2. What if I’m not 21?
Then you’re in the wrong city, kid. Melbourne’s bar scene assumes everyone’s an adult. Also, try Contact Us if you need a non-alcoholic cocktail recipe that doesn’t taste like watered-down regret.
3. Can I bring my dog?
Only if your dog looks like a human and can pay for the drinks. Most bars won’t let dogs in, but The Old Quarter might make an exception if your pup is a trained taster.
Final Call: Raise a Glass (Responsibly)
Friday nights are for breaking the “I should be productive” rule and embracing the chaos of adulting. Whether you’re sipping a $20 craft beer or pretending your wine is a cocktail, Melbourne’s bars are here to make you feel like a VIP in a world of regular people. So, grab your squad, avoid the places that smell like desperation, and remember: The best bar is the one where the bartender knows your order before you say a word.
Internal Link: Custom Beer if you want to create a signature drink for your next bar crawl.
Still hungry for more? Strategies.beer has your back with tips on everything from homebrewing to how to talk to someone who thinks beer is a lifestyle, not a drink.
And hey, if you’re thinking, “I need to sell my beer online,” Dropt.beer is the place to make that happen. Cheers to you, Melbourne’s most ambitious bar crawler! 🍻
