Hook: Why Your Group Needs a Bar That Won’t Make You Cry
Trying to find a bar that won’t make your group of six look like a toddler’s playdate? Melbourne’s CBD has your back. Whether you’re celebrating a win, drowning sorrows in a group of seven, or just pretending to be friends with your coworkers, these spots are your new besties. Let’s dive into the bars where group vibes are everything and the only drama is who ordered the last round.
Top 5 Bars for Group Visits in Melbourne CBD
1. The Everleigh – For When You’re Pretending to Be in Italy
Location: 231 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Vibe: Sophisticated yet somehow still weirdly accessible. Think velvet booths, wine that’s actually good, and lighting that makes your group photo look like a Renaissance painting.
- Why it’s good: The Everleigh has a massive, group-sized space that screams “we’re not here for the vibe, we’re here for the wine.” Their $200 per person menu? Not for your group. But their $20 per person happy hour? Perfect.
- Must-Order: The charcuterie board that could fuel a small army. Or the truffle arancini if you’re trying to impress someone who’s pretending to be your boss.
Pro Tip: Book a booth in advance or risk looking like a lost tourist. Make Your Own Beer for a custom tipple that’ll make your group feel like VIPs.
2. The Rialto – Rooftop Vibes and Zero Regrets
Location: 235 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Vibe: High-end rooftop with views that make your group feel like they’ve cracked the code of adulthood. Also, the staff are chill enough not to judge your friend who’s already on their third cocktail at 7:30 PM.
- Why it’s good: The rooftop is perfect for groups who want to Instagram their way through an evening. The cocktails? Strong enough to survive even the most chaotic of group dynamics.
- Must-Order: The custom beer flight for your group. Or the Negroni if you’re trying to pretend you’re in Venice.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or suffer the wrath of your friends who forgot what “reservations” means. And if you’re a bar owner reading this? Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on keeping your rooftop spot group-friendly.
3. The Wharf – For the “We’re Trying to Be Cool” Crowd
Location: 101 Hoddle Street, Melbourne
Vibe: The Wharf is where Melbourne’s “I’ve seen everything but I’m still impressed” crowd hangs out. It’s got the vibe of a speakeasy but with better lighting and less pretension.
- Why it’s good: The bar’s layout is like a group hug for a group of 20. The bar staff are pros at handling 12 different orders without flinching.
- Must-Order: The Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer for a curated list of local brews. Or the espresso martini if your group is pretending to be in a Bond movie.
Pro Tip: The bar’s website has a group booking page. Use it. Otherwise, your group will spend 20 minutes arguing over who gets the seat by the window.
4. The Espy – Where Chaos Meets Craft Beers
Location: 180 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Vibe: The Espy is for groups who want to feel like they’re in a beer-themed rollercoaster. It’s got the energy of a rock concert but with better lighting and fewer mosh pits.
- Why it’s good: The beer list is so long it could double as a group activity (who can name the most obscure brew?). The staff are pros at handling groups that look like they’re about to start a fight over who’s paying.
- Must-Order: The Make Your Own Beer experience for a group. Or the IPA if your group is pretending to be a craft beer connoisseur.
Pro Tip: The Espy’s website lets you reserve a table. Don’t skip this step. Otherwise, your group will spend the night arguing over who got the best seat.
5. The Bar – For When You Want to Pretend You’re in a Movie
Location: 123 Example Street, Melbourne (real address here)
Vibe: The Bar is like the James Bond of bars. It’s sleek, it’s mysterious, and it’s got a drinks menu that could make your group feel like they’re in a spy movie.
- Why it’s good: The bar’s layout is perfect for groups who want to feel like they’re in a movie. The cocktails? So strong they could double as a group bonding activity.
- Must-Order: The Home page for a list of other group-friendly bars in the area. Or the Old Fashioned if your group is pretending to be in a noir film.
Pro Tip: The Bar’s website has a group booking page. Use it. Otherwise, your group will spend the night arguing over who got the best seat.
Tips for Visiting Bars with a Group in Melbourne CBD
- Book in Advance: The best spots fill up faster than your friend’s Uber account on a Friday night.
- Plan a Themed Night: Think “Craft Beer Bingo” or “Cocktail Trivia.” It’s less awkward than your group of 10 trying to make small talk.
- Split the Bill: Use a group app or just hand the waiter a $200 bill and let them figure it out.
- Order a Group Round: Nothing bonds a group like a $500 round of drinks. Or at least that’s what your group will tell themselves.
Need more ideas? Check out our Contact page for personalized recommendations.
FAQs: Best Bars for Groups in Melbourne CBD
Q: What if my group is 10 people and we’re all terrible at socializing?
A: The Espy and The Wharf are your best bets. They’ve seen it all and still make you feel welcome.
Q: How do I handle differing group tastes?
A: Order a variety of drinks and let people pick. The Espy’s beer list is perfect for this. Or just hand the waiter a $200 bill and let them figure it out.
Q: Can we book a private table?
A: Most top spots have group-friendly tables. The Everleigh and The Rialto are great for this. Just book in advance or suffer the wrath of your group.
Conclusion: Group Vibes, Sorted
Whether your group is a mix of fashionistas and finance bros or just pretending to be friends, Melbourne’s CBD has you covered. Book a table, order a round, and remember: the only agenda is to stay hydrated and pretend you’re in a movie. And if you ever need more ideas, check out Strategies.beer for all your bar-hopping needs. Cheers to less awkward group nights!
