Melbourne’s bar scene is one of the most celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere, shaped by decades of laneway culture, a strong hospitality tradition, and a drinking public with genuinely high expectations. Whether you’re after a tucked-away whisky lounge, a rooftop with city views, or a neighbourhood bar that rewards regulars, the city delivers across every format and price point.
The venues in this guide were selected based on verified customer ratings, the volume of reviews, and the range of experiences they offer across different parts of Melbourne. Ratings are drawn from aggregated customer feedback and reflect each venue’s standing as of 2026. The list covers bars suited to a range of occasions, from casual weeknight drinks to special celebrations, so there’s likely something here regardless of what you’re looking for.
Fifteen venues made the final cut. Each entry includes what the bar is known for, what customers have said about it, honest pros and cons, and links to find out more. The rankings reflect a balance of rating, review volume, and distinctiveness of experience.
1. Apollo Inn
A well-regarded Melbourne bar with a loyal following and a 4.5-star reputation across 217 reviews
Apollo Inn has built a strong reputation in Melbourne’s competitive bar scene, earning a 4.5-star rating from 217 reviewers. That volume of feedback is notable and reflects consistent performance rather than a short burst of novelty. The bar attracts a steady crowd of regulars who return for the drinks programme and the atmosphere.
The venue sits comfortably in the mid-tier of Melbourne’s cocktail and bar culture, offering a reliable experience without overreaching. It’s the kind of place that draws people in for a quiet drink and keeps them for several more. Staff knowledge of the drinks menu is frequently mentioned by guests as a highlight.
For visitors to Melbourne or locals looking for a dependable spot, Apollo Inn delivers consistency. The 217 reviews give prospective guests a meaningful sample size from which to assess whether it suits their taste.
Pros
- Strong 4.5-star rating backed by over 200 reviews
- Consistently praised for atmosphere and staff knowledge
- Well-suited to both casual visits and more planned evenings out
Cons
- Limited public information about the full food and drinks menu online
- May not have the novelty factor of newer openings
Best for: Locals and visitors looking for a reliable, well-reviewed Melbourne bar with genuine character.
Website: apolloinn.bar
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Eau De Vie Melbourne
A whisky and cocktail bar with a hidden lounge format and curated tasting menus
Eau De Vie is one of Melbourne’s most distinctive drinking destinations, combining a hidden lounge format with a serious commitment to whisky and cocktails. The bar holds a 4.6-star rating and is known for its tasting menus, which give guests a structured way to explore a broad spirits programme. The hidden-bar concept adds a sense of occasion that many guests find memorable.
The cocktail list at Eau De Vie is consistently cited as one of the more ambitious in Melbourne. Bartenders here work with a clear point of view, and the menu reflects genuine craft rather than trend-chasing. Whisky drinkers in particular will find the selection thoughtful and wide-ranging.
The atmosphere skews intimate, making it better suited to dates, small group celebrations, or anyone who wants a considered drinking experience rather than a casual session. Bookings are advisable, particularly on weekends, as the venue fills quickly given its size and reputation.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating with strong consistent praise for the drinks programme
- Tasting menus offer a structured experience for spirits enthusiasts
- Hidden lounge setting creates a genuinely memorable atmosphere
Cons
- Intimate venue size means it can reach capacity quickly
- Price point is higher than many casual Melbourne bars
Best for: Whisky enthusiasts, cocktail lovers, and anyone seeking a special-occasion bar with real depth in its drinks programme.
Website: eaudevie.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. Berlin Bar
An East and West-themed bar with bunker-style décor and distinctive bathtub seating
Berlin Bar earns its place among Melbourne’s more visually distinctive venues. The East/West German theme is carried through with genuine commitment, from the bunker-inspired décor to the bathtub seating that has become something of a signature feature. It holds a 4.5-star rating and appeals to drinkers who want their surroundings to be part of the experience.
The drinks menu aligns with the venue’s aesthetic, featuring German-influenced options alongside Melbourne-standard cocktails and a solid beer selection. The bar is known for its creative approach to both the physical space and what’s served in it, making it a popular choice for group bookings where the venue itself becomes a talking point.
Berlin Bar tends to attract a crowd that appreciates the theatrical side of bar culture without sacrificing drink quality. The layout, with its multiple distinct areas, allows for different experiences within the same venue, from quieter corners to more social spots near the bar.
Pros
- Visually unique space that creates a strong sense of atmosphere
- 4.5-star rating reflecting broadly positive customer experiences
- Good for group bookings where venue atmosphere is a priority
Cons
- The themed concept may not appeal to those preferring a more understated setting
- Can be busy on weekends, which affects service wait times
Best for: Groups looking for a Melbourne bar with strong visual identity and a fun, themed atmosphere.
Website: berlinbar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Black Kite Commune
A Melbourne bar with strong customer ratings and a focus on quality drinks in a considered atmosphere
Black Kite Commune holds a 4.6-star rating and has developed a reputation for delivering quality drinks in an environment that feels genuinely considered. The bar doesn’t rely on gimmicks or theatrical concepts, instead building its appeal through consistent execution and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages longer visits.
Customer feedback consistently highlights the drinks quality and the attentiveness of staff. The venue attracts a mix of regulars and newcomers, and the atmosphere tends to be sociable without being loud or chaotic. It occupies a useful middle ground in Melbourne’s bar scene, sitting between the more formal cocktail lounges and the casual neighbourhood pub.
The name and concept suggest a communal approach to drinking, and that ethos seems to carry through in how the bar operates. For those who want a good drink in a comfortable setting without the formality of some of Melbourne’s more serious cocktail bars, Black Kite Commune is a strong option.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating with consistent praise for drinks quality and service
- Welcoming atmosphere suitable for a wide range of occasions
- Strikes a balance between casual and considered
Cons
- Less distinctive concept than some other venues on this list
- Limited online presence makes it harder to assess the full menu in advance
Best for: Guests wanting a high-quality, relaxed Melbourne bar that prioritises good drinks and atmosphere over novelty.
Website: blackkitecommune.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. Union Electric Bar and Rooftop
A cocktail bar with a rooftop garden and exposed brick setting in Melbourne’s inner city
Union Electric Bar and Rooftop brings together two formats that Melbourne drinkers tend to appreciate: a well-stocked cocktail bar at street level and a rooftop garden above it. The exposed brick interior gives the venue a character that feels organic rather than manufactured, and the 4.6-star rating suggests guests respond well to that combination.
The rooftop element is a genuine draw, particularly in Melbourne’s warmer months. It offers outdoor drinking with enough atmosphere to make it feel like more than just a terrace. The cocktail programme at street level is taken seriously, with a menu that changes to reflect seasonal produce and current trends in Melbourne bartending.
Union Electric sits in a part of Melbourne’s bar scene where the venue itself does a lot of the work. The setting is strong enough that it suits both a first visit and a regular haunt. Groups tend to split across the two levels, which gives the bar a lively energy without feeling overcrowded in any one area.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating with strong feedback on both levels of the venue
- Rooftop garden is a genuine asset, especially in warm weather
- Exposed brick setting provides a character-rich backdrop
Cons
- Rooftop may be weather-dependent, limiting its appeal year-round
- Popular venue means it can get busy and loud on peak nights
Best for: Groups and cocktail drinkers who want a Melbourne bar with a strong sense of place and outdoor drinking options.
Website: unionelectric.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. Nick and Nora’s Melbourne
An old-world cocktail bar offering champagne, a raw bar, and elevated small plates
Nick and Nora’s draws its identity from the golden age of cocktail culture, referencing the sophisticated fictional couple from Dashiell Hammett’s Thin Man novels. The Melbourne venue lives up to that reference with champagne as a menu centrepiece, a raw bar featuring oysters and other seafood, and small plates designed to complement serious drinking. It holds a 4.5-star rating.
The cocktail list is one of the more polished in Melbourne, with a clear focus on classics executed well rather than novelty for its own sake. The champagne selection is broader than most Melbourne bars offer, making it a natural destination for celebrations or occasions where sparkling wine is the drink of choice. The raw bar adds a food dimension that many cocktail bars in the city don’t attempt.
The atmosphere at Nick and Nora’s is formal enough to feel special but doesn’t veer into stuffiness. It suits couples, small groups celebrating milestones, and anyone who approaches cocktail bars with genuine interest in what’s being served. Dress standards are observed, which sets a tone that most guests consider part of the appeal.
Pros
- Strong champagne programme uncommon in Melbourne’s bar scene
- Raw bar and small plates elevate the food offer above bar snacks
- 4.5-star rating from guests who value the polished experience
Cons
- Price point is among the higher end for Melbourne bars
- Dress standards and formal atmosphere may not suit casual visits
Best for: Couples and small groups looking for a polished, occasion-worthy bar with a serious champagne and cocktail focus.
Website: nickandnoras.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. Cabinet Bar and Balcony
A Parisian-style bar with cocktails, tapas, and a working balcony in Melbourne’s inner city
Cabinet Bar and Balcony takes its cues from the casual Parisian bar model, where the drinks are good, the food is designed for sharing, and the atmosphere encourages staying longer than planned. The working balcony is a genuine selling point in a city where outdoor drinking space is competed for keenly. The bar holds a 4.6-star rating.
The tapas menu complements the cocktail list in a way that makes Cabinet a viable option for longer evenings rather than just a quick drink stop. The Parisian aesthetic is present without being overdone, giving the venue a relaxed European sensibility that sits well in Melbourne’s inner-city context.
Customer feedback highlights the balcony as a particular draw, and the tapas are frequently mentioned as a step above standard bar food. The combination of good cocktails, shareable food, and outdoor space gives Cabinet Bar a versatility that suits various group sizes and occasions.
Pros
- Working balcony with outdoor seating in a city where that’s genuinely valued
- Tapas menu that holds up as a proper food offer, not just snacks
- 4.6-star rating reflecting a consistently satisfying experience
Cons
- Balcony seating is limited and likely fills early on busy nights
- The Parisian concept may feel subtle to the point of being understated
Best for: Groups wanting a Melbourne bar with outdoor space, shareable food, and a relaxed European atmosphere.
Website: cabinetbar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. Champagne Problems Cocktail Bar Melbourne
A champagne-focused cocktail bar in Melbourne with a 4.4-star rating
Champagne Problems occupies a specific niche in Melbourne’s bar scene: a venue built around sparkling wine and champagne-inflected cocktails. The name sets expectations clearly, and the bar delivers on them with a menu that puts bubbles at the centre without abandoning the broader cocktail category. It holds a 4.4-star rating from its customers.
The bar is a natural fit for celebrations, farewell drinks, and occasions where champagne would be the default choice anyway. The cocktail programme takes that foundation and builds on it, offering drinks that use sparkling wine as a base or component rather than just a pour. The atmosphere tends toward the festive, which suits the venue’s identity.
A 4.4-star rating is solid, and for a bar with a fairly specific concept it reflects a loyal and satisfied customer base. Those who come in expecting what the name promises tend to leave happy. Those looking for a broader spirits programme or a quieter setting might find the focus limiting.
Pros
- Clear and well-executed concept centred on champagne and sparkling cocktails
- Natural choice for celebrations and occasions where bubbles are the preference
- 4.4-star rating from a consistent customer base
Cons
- Narrow concept limits appeal for drinkers who prefer spirits or beer
- Festive atmosphere may not suit those seeking a quieter evening
Best for: Celebratory occasions and champagne enthusiasts looking for a Melbourne bar built around sparkling wine.
Website: champagneproblems.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. Mill Place Merchants
A Melbourne bar with a 4.7-star rating and strong customer satisfaction across drinks and service
Mill Place Merchants holds an impressive 4.7-star rating, placing it among the highest-rated venues on this list. That score reflects consistent execution across drinks quality, service, and atmosphere, the three elements that Melbourne bar-goers tend to weigh most heavily in their assessments.
The bar’s name suggests a slightly more considered, artisan approach to its drinks programme, and customer feedback supports that read. The venue attracts guests who take their drinking seriously without needing the formality of Melbourne’s more theatrical bars. It sits in a comfortable space between casual and considered.
For anyone looking to visit a high-performing Melbourne bar without a strong pre-existing reputation, Mill Place Merchants is worth prioritising. A 4.7-star rating at this stage of its life suggests the team is operating with focus and producing results that guests notice and respond to.
Pros
- 4.7-star rating among the highest in this guide
- Strong across drinks quality, service, and atmosphere
- Suits guests who want quality without excessive formality
Cons
- Less established name recognition compared to some longer-running Melbourne venues
- Limited publicly available detail on the full drinks programme
Best for: Drinkers who want a high-quality Melbourne bar experience without the fanfare of more prominent venues.
Website: millplacemerchants.bar
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Caretaker’s Cottage
A Melbourne bar with a 4.7-star rating and a focused approach to drinks in a distinctive setting
Caretaker’s Cottage is one of Melbourne’s more characterful venues, with a name and identity that suggests something off the beaten track. The 4.7-star rating confirms that the experience inside matches the intrigue of the concept. The bar is known for a focused drinks programme and an atmosphere that rewards those who seek it out.
The cottage-style setting gives the bar a warmth and intimacy that distinguishes it from the city’s more polished cocktail lounges. Customer feedback points to a venue that feels personal and considered, with staff who understand the menu and care about the experience they’re delivering.
Caretaker’s Cottage suits guests who prefer discovery over familiarity. It’s the kind of place that becomes a reliable favourite once found, and the 4.7-star rating suggests that once guests visit, they tend to return. It’s a strong option for those willing to step slightly outside the most well-trodden parts of Melbourne’s bar scene.
Pros
- 4.7-star rating reflecting a consistently strong experience
- Distinctive setting with genuine warmth and character
- Focused drinks programme delivered by knowledgeable staff
Cons
- Less prominent profile means it may be harder to find for first-time visitors
- Intimate setting limits capacity for larger groups
Best for: Guests who enjoy discovering lower-profile Melbourne bars with a strong sense of identity and high-quality drinks.
Website: caretakerscottage.bar
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. Rooftop Bar
An open-air rooftop bar in Melbourne serving burgers, drinks, and city views
Rooftop Bar is one of Melbourne’s most recognised elevated drinking spots, combining open-air outdoor seating with city views, a burger menu, and a drinks list that covers beer, wine, and cocktails. It holds a 4.4-star rating and draws a wide cross-section of Melbourne drinkers, from tourists taking in the skyline to locals after a casual evening out.
The venue’s appeal is largely tied to its location and format. City views from a rooftop are a reliable draw, and the burger menu gives it more substance than many outdoor bar operations. The atmosphere tends to be lively and social, which suits those looking for energy rather than quiet.
A 4.4-star rating is consistent with a well-run venue that delivers reliably on its format. Rooftop Bar isn’t trying to be Melbourne’s most serious cocktail destination, and that honesty about what it offers works in its favour. It’s a strong choice for casual drinking in a setting that Melbourne visitors consistently respond to.
Pros
- Open-air city views that are a genuine drawcard for visitors and locals alike
- Food menu with burgers gives it more substance than a drinks-only operation
- 4.4-star rating reflecting reliable delivery on its format
Cons
- Outdoor format is weather-dependent and less appealing in Melbourne’s cooler months
- Lively, social atmosphere may not suit those seeking a quieter drink
Best for: Casual drinkers, visitors to Melbourne, and groups looking for outdoor city views with a relaxed food and drinks option.
Website: rooftopbar.co
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. Fifty-five Bar
An underground Melbourne bar with DJs, pizza, and a relaxed late-night atmosphere
Fifty-five Bar operates below street level with a format that leans into late-night culture: DJs, pizza, and a deliberately casual vibe. The 4.5-star rating is strong for a venue of this type, where the focus is on atmosphere and energy rather than premium cocktail craft. The underground setting reinforces the sense of stepping into a different world from the street above.
The pizza offering is a practical asset for a venue that runs late. Guests can eat without leaving the bar, which supports the kind of extended evenings that Fifty-five clearly caters for. The DJ programme adds a soundtrack that suits the venue’s identity without pushing it into full club territory.
Fifty-five Bar appeals to a younger crowd and to anyone who prefers their evenings a little louder and less structured. It fills a gap in Melbourne’s bar scene between the cocktail lounges and the nightclubs, sitting comfortably in the space where good drinks meet casual fun. The 4.5-star rating confirms that the execution matches the concept.
Pros
- 4.5-star rating from customers who appreciate the late-night format
- DJ programme creates atmosphere without full nightclub intensity
- Pizza menu supports longer visits and suits the casual vibe
Cons
- Underground setting and DJ focus make it less suitable for quiet conversation
- May not appeal to those looking for a premium cocktail experience
Best for: Late-night drinkers, groups looking for a fun casual bar, and anyone who wants DJs and pizza alongside their drinks.
Website: fifty-five.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Loch and Key
Cocktails and craft beers in a dimly lit Melbourne bar with multiple rooms and a balcony
Loch and Key offers a multi-room drinking experience in a dimly lit setting, with cocktails, craft beers, and a balcony adding variety to the layout. The 4.3-star rating reflects a venue that performs solidly without consistently reaching the top of its category. Multiple rooms give the bar a degree of flexibility that single-space venues can’t match, allowing different groups to find their own corner.
The craft beer selection is a genuine asset for a venue that also takes cocktails seriously. Melbourne’s craft beer culture is well-developed, and Loch and Key’s commitment to that side of the menu broadens its appeal beyond the cocktail crowd. The dimly lit atmosphere suits the bar’s name and reinforces a sense of atmosphere that customers tend to appreciate.
The balcony adds an outdoor option that complements the interior spaces well. For groups that contain a mix of cocktail drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts, Loch and Key’s range of both makes it a practical and enjoyable option. The 4.3-star rating is honest for a bar that offers genuine variety without quite reaching the heights of the highest-rated venues here.
Pros
- Multi-room layout and balcony give flexibility for different group sizes and preferences
- Craft beer selection complements the cocktail menu effectively
- Atmospheric dimly lit setting with genuine character
Cons
- 4.3-star rating is lower than several alternatives on this list
- May feel less distinctive compared to bars with stronger individual concepts
Best for: Mixed groups of cocktail drinkers and craft beer fans who want a multi-room Melbourne bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
Website: lochandkey.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. The Valiant Cocktail Bar
A Melbourne cocktail bar with a 4.8-star rating and a strong focus on classic drinks
The Valiant holds a 4.8-star rating, the equal highest on this list, and that score is backed by consistent customer feedback focused on the quality of the cocktails and the expertise of the bar team. The focus on classic drinks is a deliberate choice that places craft execution above novelty, and Melbourne’s more discerning drinkers have responded strongly to it.
The cocktail programme at The Valiant reflects a deep respect for the canon of classic bartending. Guests who know their Negroni from their Old Fashioned will find the execution here reliable and often impressive. The bar doesn’t chase trends but instead builds its reputation on doing established things exceptionally well.
The 4.8-star rating puts The Valiant in the top tier of Melbourne’s cocktail bars by customer satisfaction. For those planning a visit specifically to drink well, this is one of the most consistently recommended options across the city’s bar scene. The atmosphere is focused rather than theatrical, which suits the approach to the drinks.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating among the highest of any Melbourne bar in this guide
- Classic cocktail focus executed with genuine skill and consistency
- Strong reputation among Melbourne’s more informed drinking community
Cons
- Focus on classics means less breadth for guests seeking more experimental drinks
- Quieter, focused atmosphere may not suit those after a livelier evening
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts who want classic drinks executed well in a bar where the craft is taken seriously.
Website: thevaliant.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. One or Two
A Melbourne bar with a 4.8-star rating and a strong reputation for drinks and atmosphere
One or Two shares the top rating on this list with a 4.8-star score, reflecting a bar that has built genuine customer loyalty through consistent performance. The name suggests a relaxed, conversational drinking culture, and that informality appears to be part of what draws people in and keeps them coming back.
The bar’s reputation rests on drinks quality and atmosphere working together effectively. Customer feedback points to a venue where the experience feels considered without being uptight, and where the welcome is warm enough that guests feel comfortable staying longer than they intended. That combination is harder to achieve than it sounds in Melbourne’s competitive market.
One or Two is a strong finishing entry for this list precisely because its 4.8-star rating is earned through the fundamentals rather than through concept or spectacle. It’s the kind of bar that Melbourne does well: unpretentious, skilled, and worth returning to. For anyone building a Melbourne drinking itinerary, it deserves a place on it.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating reflecting excellent customer satisfaction across visits
- Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that encourages longer stays
- Consistent performance on the core fundamentals of a good bar
Cons
- Lower public profile may mean it’s overlooked in favour of more prominent venues
- Limited publicly available information on the full drinks programme
Best for: Anyone looking for a high-quality Melbourne bar that delivers on the fundamentals with warmth and consistency.
Website: oneortwo.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best bars in Melbourne?
Based on customer ratings from verified reviews, The Valiant Cocktail Bar and One or Two both hold 4.8-star ratings, placing them at the top of this list by customer satisfaction. Mill Place Merchants and Caretaker’s Cottage both hold 4.7-star ratings and are close behind. The right choice depends on what you’re looking for: Eau De Vie and Nick and Nora’s suit those after a premium, structured experience, while Berlin Bar and Fifty-five Bar appeal to guests who want atmosphere and energy alongside their drinks.
How much does a bar cost in Melbourne?
Drink prices in Melbourne’s bars vary considerably by venue type. At casual bars and rooftop venues, cocktails typically range from $18 to $25. At premium cocktail bars like Eau De Vie or Nick and Nora’s, expect to pay $22 to $35 per cocktail, with tasting menus and paired food adding to the total. Craft beers generally sit between $10 and $16 depending on the pour size and venue. Champagne bars like Champagne Problems and Nick and Nora’s carry sparkling wine from around $14 a glass up to significantly more for prestige labels. Budget at least $30 to $50 per person for a comfortable two-drink visit at a mid-range Melbourne bar, and $80 to $120 per person if food and multiple cocktail rounds are involved at a higher-end venue.
How do I choose a bar in Melbourne?
Start by identifying what kind of experience you want. If cocktail quality is the priority, look at The Valiant Cocktail Bar, Eau De Vie, or One or Two. If atmosphere and setting matter as much as drinks, Berlin Bar and Union Electric Bar and Rooftop offer strong physical environments. For outdoor drinking, Rooftop Bar and Cabinet Bar and Balcony both provide genuine outdoor space. Consider group size as well: intimate venues like Caretaker’s Cottage and Eau De Vie fill quickly and may not suit large groups, while multi-room bars like Loch and Key and Fifty-five Bar handle bigger numbers more comfortably. Checking current opening hours and booking availability online before visiting is worth doing for any of the higher-rated venues on this list.
What should I look for in a bar?
The key factors worth assessing before choosing a bar are the drinks programme, the atmosphere, the service quality, and the practical logistics of getting there and getting a table. A bar with a high customer rating across a meaningful number of reviews is generally a safer bet than one with fewer data points. Look at whether the venue takes bookings, what its capacity is, and whether the menu is available to view in advance. For cocktail bars specifically, check whether the emphasis is on classics or more contemporary drinks, as that distinction affects whether the bar suits your preferences. Food availability is worth factoring in if the visit is likely to run long, and outdoor space becomes a priority in Melbourne’s warmer months.
Are there good bars for small businesses in Melbourne?
Several venues on this list are well-suited to small business events, client entertaining, or team drinks. Nick and Nora’s Melbourne and Eau De Vie both offer a polished, professional atmosphere that works well for client meetings or small celebratory events. Cabinet Bar and Balcony handles groups comfortably and the tapas menu supports a longer format event without requiring guests to leave. Berlin Bar is a strong option for team events where a memorable setting is part of the brief. For more casual business socialising, Apollo Inn and Black Kite Commune provide a relaxed backdrop that doesn’t feel too formal. Most of these venues take private bookings for sections of the bar, and contacting them directly to discuss group requirements is the best starting point.
Melbourne’s bar scene in 2026 is one of the most varied and consistently high-quality in Australia, with options spanning serious cocktail craft, rooftop outdoor drinking, champagne-focused venues, and atmospheric underground bars. The fifteen venues in this guide represent a cross-section of what the city offers at its best, and the ratings behind each entry reflect genuine customer experience rather than reputation alone. Whether you’re planning a first visit or adding to a list of established favourites, any of these bars is worth your time.