Introduction: This Keyword = Your Bar Crawl Survival Kit
Hey there. Yes, you. The person who’s Googled “best bars Melbourne FL” while pretending you’re not a bar-hopping legend in the making. Let’s be real—Melbourne’s bar scene is a vibe. A *very* specific vibe where neon signs flicker like confused fireflies and the bartender knows your name before you’ve even ordered a drink. But here’s the secret sauce: the “this keyword” trick. Not the one you use to avoid paying for a Spotify Premium. The one that’ll make you feel like a local while sipping craft brews in a city that’s basically a beachy, beer-fueled paradise.
If you’re here, you’re probably one of two types of people: 1) The “I just moved here and need to drink like a local” type, or 2) The “I’m visiting and want to avoid tourist traps that charge $15 for a lukewarm Bud Light” type. Fear not—we’ve got your back. This guide isn’t just a list. It’s a masterclass in Melbourne bar culture, complete with tips on where to drink, what to order, and how to avoid the “I’ve never seen a mojito with rum in it” disasters.
Top 5 Bars in Melbourne, FL: This Keyword = Your Drinking GPS
1. The Salty Spoon – Where Rum Meets Rebellion
If your idea of a perfect night involves rum, live trivia, and a DJ spinning 2000s hits while you pretend you’re in a rom-com, this is your spot. The Salty Spoon isn’t just a bar—it’s a lifestyle. The “this keyword” here? Their rum selection. We’re talking over 100 proofs of “liquid courage” to help you finally ask that cute bartender out. Pro tip: Order the Spicy Mango Margarita. It’s like a margarita had a baby with a fruit smoothie and a spice rack.
2. The Beach Club – Sun, Sand, and Something Strong
If you could bottle the Florida lifestyle and serve it in a frozen drink, it’d be The Beach Club. Located right on the water, this spot is for people who want to pretend they’re on vacation even though they’re just 45 minutes from Orlando. The “this keyword” here? Their “Island Breeze” cocktail. It’s so good, you might forget you’re not in Miami. Warning: The view of the ocean is so Instagrammable, you’ll spend 20 minutes trying to get a photo that doesn’t show your face.
3. The Salty Dog – The “Local” Bar That Actually Likes You
Alright, let’s talk about The Salty Dog. It’s the bar that locals claim is “their spot” but will let you in anyway. The “this keyword” here? The live music. Every Friday night, it’s like a middle school talent show but with more beer and fewer glittery leotards. The food menu is basically a love letter to greasy comfort food, and the bartenders will give you side-eye if you order a kale smoothie. Pro tip: Arrive early for happy hour. The discounted $5 whiskeys will make you feel like a pirate king.
4. The Crafty Tap – For the Beer Snobs Who Secretly Love It
Think of The Crafty Tap as the anti-“boring bar.” It’s where the beer nerds hang out, the taps are labeled in code (“IPA,” “Stout,” “Belgian Wit”), and the bartender will definitely know more about hops than you’ll ever care to. The “this keyword” here? The rotating local brews. Every Tuesday, they host a “Tap Takeover” where a nearby brewery brings in their weirdest creations. Past winners include a beer that tastes like burnt toast and one that’s technically a “wheat beer” but smells like a lemon tree.
5. The Social Lounge – Where Even Introverts Feel at Home
If you’re the type of person who gets nervous in crowded bars but still wants to feel like you fit in, The Social Lounge is your new best friend. It’s low-key, has a hidden speakeasy vibe, and serves drinks that are as Instagram-worthy as your ex’s vacation photos. The “this keyword” here? The “Melbourne Mule.” It’s a Moscow Mule but with a twist of mango and a side of “I wish I had a life where I could afford this.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Best Bars Melbourne, FL
1. What’s the best time to visit these bars?
The best time varies like your Tinder profile. Weeknights are chill but less crowded. Weekends are wild, crowded, and perfect for pretending you’re in a rom-com. Pro tip: Avoid visiting on Wednesday unless you want to be the only one at the bar who’s not having a midweek crisis.
2. Are there any bars with live music?
Yes! The Salty Dog and The Crafty Tap both have live music, but if you’re into jazz, you’re out of luck. Melbourne is more “country and hip-hop” than “jazz and existential dread.”
3. Can I find non-alcoholic drinks?
Absolutely! Most bars have mocktails that are either “acceptable” or “weirdly named” (looking at you, The Salty Spoon’s “Virgin Rum Runner”).
4. How do I avoid tourist traps?
Ask a local. If they say, “Oh, you’ve got to go to [Bar Name],” run in the opposite direction. But if they say, “You’ve got to go to [Bar Name],” but with a smirk, that’s the one.
Actionable Steps: Maximize Your Bar Crawl
- Plan Your Route: Use the “this keyword” strategy—start with The Crafty Tap for a local brew, then move to The Salty Spoon, and finish at The Beach Club for sunset views.
- Use Local Deals: Check out Dropt.beer for bar deals and happy hour specials. It’s like Yelp but with more “I’m out of my league” vibes.
- Ask for Recommendations: Bartenders know the best hidden spots. Ask for their “personal favorite” and don’t be surprised when they point you to their bar.
- Hydrate (and Don’t Overdo It): Melbourne bars are generous with the alcohol. Pace yourself. You’re not a character in a rom-com. (Unless you are. In that case, have fun.)
Conclusion: This Keyword = Your Pass to Melbourne’s Finest
Melbourne, FL, isn’t just a city—it’s a state of mind. And these bars? They’re the soul of that state of mind. Whether you’re here for the rum, the live music, or just to pretend you’re not in Florida, this guide has you covered. Remember: The “this keyword” rule applies everywhere. Use it wisely.
Still hungry for more? Check out Strategies.beer’s “Make Your Own Beer” guide if you want to try your hand at brewing your own “this keyword”-worthy brew. And if you’re a bar owner looking to grow your business, Strategies.beer’s business growth guide is your next step. Cheers, Melbourne!
