Introduction
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: Melbourne’s bar scene is a chaotic masterpiece of pub trivia, secret speakeasies, and a cult following on Reddit. If you’ve ever scrolled through r/MelbourneBars and thought, “Why is this bar getting 100 upvotes?”—well, you’re not alone. Reddit users have basically turned bar reviews into a group chat for people who love to drink, and honestly, they’ve done a better job of curating the best bars than any 5-star Yelp list. So, if you’re in Melbourne and want to find a bar that’s been battle-tested by the internet’s most opinionated critics, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the top spots, the inside jokes, and the secret handshakes of Melbourne’s most Reddit-approved bars.
Why Trust Reddit?
Reddit isn’t just a place for people to argue about the best season of *South Park* for 12 hours. When it comes to bars, the Melbourne subreddits are basically a group chat of locals who know where the good stuff is. You’ve got barflies, uni students, and office workers who’ve collectively reviewed every corner of the city. And yes, the “upvotes mean nothing” crowd is wrong—the best bars here are legit, backed by hundreds of comments and a few heated debates about whether a certain place is “overrated” or “the real deal.”
Top 5 Reddit-Approved Bars in Melbourne
Let’s get to the good stuff. These bars have survived the Reddit apocalypse and emerged with their reputations intact.
1. The Espy
Address: 143 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Reddit Quote: “The Espy isn’t just a bar—it’s a time machine. You’ll get the vibe of a 1920s speakeasy, minus the need for a tuxedo or a time-travel machine.”
Why It’s Reddit-Worthy: The Espy is Melbourne’s OG cocktail bar, and for a reason. Think velvet booths, dim lighting, and bartenders who know your name by your third visit. Reddit users love the “secret” vibe and the fact that it’s still a Melbourne institution despite being around since 1998.
2. The Everleigh
Address: 110–116 Little Collins St, Melbourne
Reddit Quote: “The rooftop here is like a sky-high slum for people who want to pretend they’re in Paris. But hey, the cocktails are worth it.”
Why It’s Reddit-Worthy: The Everleigh is a rooftop bar with a view of the city skyline, but it’s also got a hidden speakeasy-style bar below. Reddit users rave about the creative menu and the fact that you can sip a cocktail while pretending you’re in *La La Land* (if La La Land had more gin).
3. The Bridge Hotel
Address: 128–148 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Reddit Quote: “The Bridge Hotel is like a heritage site for pub culture. It’s been around since 1854, and honestly, nothing’s changed—except the beer selection now includes 50 taps of local craft beer.”
Why It’s Reddit-Worthy: This pub has been around since the days of horse-drawn carriages and is still the go-to spot for a casual drink. Reddit users love the “heritage vibes” and the fact that it’s a local favorite, not a tourist trap.
4. The Croxton
Address: 47–55 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Reddit Quote: “The Croxton is the bar you bring your friends who think ‘craft beer’ is a thing that only exists in hipster areas. Spoiler: They’ll convert.”
Why It’s Reddit-Worthy: With a massive selection of craft beers on tap and a laid-back vibe, The Croxton is a staple for beer lovers. Reddit users praise the knowledgeable staff and the fact that you can find rare brews here that you won’t see anywhere else.
5. The Toff In Errol
Address: 111–113 Smith St, Collingwood
Reddit Quote: “This bar is like a punk rock version of a library. Quiet, dark, and the only noise is the clinking of glasses and the occasional debate about the best *Star Wars* prequel.”
Why It’s Reddit-Worthy: The Toff In Errol is a dive bar with a cult following. Reddit users love the “anti-bar” vibe—it’s not trying to be trendy, just a place where you can drink without pretense.
How to Spot a Reddit-Approved Bar
Not every bar on the list is going to be your cup of tea (unless your cup is a pint glass), but there are a few telltale signs that a bar has Reddit’s seal of approval:
- Authenticity Over Hype: Reddit users aren’t impressed by neon signs and influencer selfies. They want a place with character, like The Toff In Errol’s punk-rock charm.
- Community-Driven Reviews: Check the comments. If a bar has hundreds of upvotes and zero downvotes, it’s probably good. If it’s got a polarizing review thread, it’s either a cult classic or a nightmare.
- Unique Features: Places with quirky twists—like The Everleigh’s hidden bar or The Espy’s speakeasy vibe—get bonus points.
Pro Tips for Drinking Like a Local
Want to sip like a Melbournite who’s been in the know for years? Here’s how to avoid the tourist traps and find the real good stuff:
- Avoid the “Instagrammable” Bars: If a bar is so trendy that you need a 45-minute wait, it’s probably overhyped. Stick to the ones with locals sipping pints in silence.
- Try the Local Brews: Melbourne’s craft beer scene is legendary. Ask for a local IPA or a sour from a small brewery—Reddit users love a bar that supports the scene.
- Follow the Reddit Threads: Check the Melbourne bars subreddit for real-time updates. If a bar is suddenly getting 200+ upvotes, it’s probably worth a visit.
Why You Should Care About These Bars
At the end of the day, the best bars in Melbourne aren’t just places to drink—they’re cultural landmarks. Whether you’re into craft beer, rooftop views, or dive bar classics, these spots have been vetted by the people who know best: the Reddit crowd. And if you want to take your bar-hopping to the next level, check out Make Your Own Beer to get the inside scoop on how to create your own brew and sell it through Dropt.beer—the ultimate beer distribution marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I trust Reddit over Google?
Because Google is full of bots and ads. Reddit is full of drunk people giving honest reviews. You can’t fake the vibe you get in a bar when 500 people are telling you it’s the best place in the city.
Is there a bar that’s perfect for both craft beer and cocktails?
Absolutely. The Croxton has a killer selection of craft beers, while The Everleigh is a cocktail lover’s dream. Bring a friend who loves both—they’ll argue for hours.
How do I find hidden bars in Melbourne?
Ask Reddit. The subreddits are full of tips on secret bars you won’t find in any guidebook. Pro tip: If a bar requires a password to enter, it’s probably the real deal.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: Melbourne’s best bars, as voted on by the people who know. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot or a tourist trying to avoid the tourist traps, these bars have been battle-tested by the Reddit community and emerge victorious. And hey, if you’re feeling inspired to open your own bar (or at least make your own beer), head over to Strategies.beer for all the tips you need to make it happen. And remember—Melbourne’s bar scene is a living, breathing entity. The only constant is the constant debate about whether The Espy is overrated. But hey, that’s what makes it fun.
Call to Action
Ready to sip like a local? Grab a mate, hit up the top Reddit-approved bars, and don’t forget to follow Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for more tips on making your mark in the Melbourne bar scene. And if you want to sell your beer online, Dropt.beer is the place to do it. Cheers to Melbourne’s bar scene—the real MVP.
