Melbourne’s Best Bars… With a Twist

When it comes to bars, Melbourne has a lot to offer. From dimly-lit underground lairs to beautiful rooftop terraces, the city offers nearly every backdrop for enjoying a bev or two. Sometimes, however, you want more than just your regular watering hole. Introducing Melbourne’s new generation of bars. From vintage arcade games and mini golf courses to fried chicken trucks and creative seasonal cocktails, Melbourne’s new drinking spots are raising the bar. Here’s our pick of the best places for when you want something that little bit different.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Bored of talking to your friends over a drink? Come and play mini golf instead! (We’re only joking). In all seriousness, this recently opened bar is one cool spot, boasting 27 holes across two floors and featuring rooms themed around the likes of Game of Thrones and The Simpsons. The fun doesn’t end there – head to the bar for one of their pun-tastic cocktails (Teeyonce Knowles, anyone?)

holeymoley.com.au
590 Little Bourke St

Mr Wow’s Emporium

The clues in the name – this is less of a bar and more of an emporium of delights, where you’re sure to be wowed. The exposed brick setting may be modest and laidback, but the cocktails are killer. Whether you’re after a popping candy topped cocktail or simply a beer, Mr Wow has it all, making it the perfect place for both date night and drinks with mates. To top it all off they’ve even a food truck selling Kenyan Fried Chicken in the courtyard on Monday nights.

mrwowsemporium.com
97B Smith St, Fitzroy

Pixel Alley

The guys behind Mr. Wow’s have struck genius with this new venture – a barcade (yes that’s a bar combined with an arcade). Boasting the likes of Donkey Kong, Street Fighter II, Pac-Man and Tapper, Pixel Alley is the place to come to unleash your inner child. They even have aptly named cocktails like the ‘Power up’ and ‘Marios Sunshine’, as well as Lego shot glasses, 8bit decorations and a pinball machine to make you truly feel like you’ve travelled back a decade.

pixelalley.com.au
95 Smith Street, Fitzroy

Leonard’s House of Love

If love is cheeseburgers and jugs of lager, then Leonard certainly has a house full of it. Head down to South Yarra for this woodcabin-come-houseparty, offering a vast array of tap beers, great cocktails and even a dance floor. If you’re feeling a bit peckish after a couple of drinks, Leonards has perfected its menu – think huge plates of nachos smothered in melted cheese, chicken wings dripping with hot sauce and hearty burgers to wrap your chops around.

leonardshouseoflove.com.au
3 Wilson St, South Yarra