Lounge Bars In Sydney & Melbourne
The Lounge Bar, the classy older sister of the pub, is a perfect place to relax after a hard day’s graft or a whirlwind of a tourist day. Without the pumping bass of the club and without the spilt drinks of a bar, the lounge bar gives good service, with talented staff who are more than happy to whip you up a cocktail, or three. BBM have helpfully cherry picked the swishest of lounge bars in Sydney and the artiest lounge bars in Melbourne for you to explore at your lounging leisure.
The Madison has two lounge bars in one! The ground floor Public Bar of this iconic hotel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can lounge anytime you want, post work, post club or whenever you’re thirsty! Funky music plays in the classy environment that has reasonably priced drinks that are perfect for the money conscious tourist. The lounge also includes a jukebox, two pool tables and for sports lovers the Sports Bet and a TAB with Fox and Setena sports on three huge TV screens. If you like your lounge bars earthy and with neutral tones then just pop upstairs to The Vine Bar and Bistro on the first floor to forget you’re in the middle of a city. It also features the hidden gem of a (heated) outdoor courtyard where the Sydney skyline can be glimpsed with a cocktail in hand.
52 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, NSW
(02) 9211 1612
madisonhotel.com.au
This decadent and opulent lounge bar in the Crown Hotel is decorated with gold ceiling, eighteenth century French chandeliers, a Baroque mural and a glass bar, that will have you leaving Sydney city behind at the door. The cocktail list at the Dome Bar & Lounge is out of this world, made with all the finest ingredients and all the newest blends.
Level 1, 589 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW
(02) 9699 3460
www.crownhotel.com.au/dome
Inspired by a Moorish Kasbah this glamorous bar is situated on the waterfront of King Street Wharf. It has panoramic view of Sydney Harbour and offers guests tapas and cocktails crafted by world-class mixologists. DJs and musicians regularly play adding atmosphere to this sophisticated lounge bar.
13 Lime Street, Sydney, NSW
(02) 9299 4770
www.theloftsydney.com
In the heart of the city behind the traditional heritage façade of the Belvedere Hotel lies the decadent three level boutique bar. With an appetizing menu and a beverage list sure to set your taste bud’s watering, the Belvedere is in the heart of the CBD so you’ll be hobnobbing with some of the city’s wealthiest folk.
Cnr Bathurst & Kent Street, Sydney, NSW
(02) 9264 1688
www.TheBelvedereHotel.com.au
A cross between a lounge bar and a boho bar, Bimbo Deluxe is a cave-like bar and lounge area complete with rooftop terrace that revives Brunswick Streets bohemian recent past. The central bar has huge vats of infused vodka hovering over it and even a shrine and Tibetan prayer flags. If you’re feeling peckish after all that trendy lounging the pizzas are a cheap and tasty stop-gap.
376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy, Melbourne.
(03) 9419 8600
www.BimboDeluxe.com.au
This bar started off life as an Internet bar way ahead of the crowd in 1999, but now everyone has caught up, the bar’s focus has changed to art, music and reasonably priced food and drink for regulars and newcomers alike. They have the newest DJs playing six nights a week and also feature an art gallery for up and coming Melbourne artists.
Basement 55-57 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
(03) 9620 3899
www.efiftyfive.com
This cosy yet elegant restaurant/bar has one of the best lounging areas in Melbourne and is a decided break from the busyness of Acland Street outside. The upstairs and downstairs bars are worlds apart, the downstairs being a casual bar and dining area, whilst upstairs is more elegant with more romantic meals and intimate lounging areas.
175 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC
(03) 9534 4456
veludo.com.au
This members bar and restaurant has a focus on exclusivity. Open to non-members too (book online in advance) this bar has won many accolades including World’s Best Bar and Cocktail List of the Year. Their cocktail list includes delights such as ‘Fuck the Subprime’ and ‘Latin Threesome’. The vibe is intimate and cosy and on Saturdays DJs bring some Latin atmosphere to the bar.
438 Church Street, Richmond, VIC
(03) 9428 0055
www.derraum.com.au
By Charlotte Grant-West
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