A Melbourne neighbourhood that takes its cocktails as seriously as it does its coffee, Fitzroy is brimming with must-try bars to accommodate every discerning taste.
Having been a stalwart drinking hole of the neighbourhood for 15 years, Black Pearl has become a Melbourne icon. The inviting, dimly lit space, together with its petite upstairs neighbour, The Attic Bar, is home to some of the state’s most enthusiastic and knowledgeable bartenders mixing their novel concoctions.
Comfort is key at this local institution, and its food and drink menus epitomise this attitude – with Australian flair. At Bad Frankie, it’s all about the jaffles and spirits. Try the Pavlova Spritz alongside a (Not) Butter Chicken jaffle, and a lamington to finish.
Giving a whole-hearted nod to Hunter S Thompson’s 1960s novel, The Rum Diary, this ambient bar offers more than 200 types of the golden spirit. Its cocktail menu pays homage to the islands of the Caribbean, but its setting is unapologetically Fitzroy.
Those with a taste for whisky would be remiss not to visit this Fitzroy establishment. With rare and unique bottlings of whisky sourced from all over the world available on site, you may need to allow some extra time to work your way through the menu.
Designed to make guests feel as though they’re visiting a mate’s place, The Rooks Return is every bit unassuming and down-to-earth. Picture beers, board games, spinning vinyl and casual live music.
An idyllic spot for an afternoon-turned-evening spent sipping new-age wines and feasting on delicious share dishes, Napier Quarter is a Fitzroy Bar with a Parisian air. And, its small but well-formed, community-minded team is happy to share recommendations and conversation.
No top ten list of Fitzroy bars could be complete without including Bar Liberty. The drinks menu is impressively expansive here, featuring sour beers, exciting wines and carefully curated cocktails. Better yet, an enticing food menu holds its own.
We know to expect exceptional food from Andrew McConnel, but it turns out his taste in wine is equally impeccable. His Fitzroy bar, Marion, is a utopia for wine lovers – particularly those who enjoy a delicious food accompaniment with their vino.
The cocktails at The Everleigh are the stuff of legend – so much so that they’re available bottled (and will often be spotted in hotel mini bars around the country). Find this serious, sophisticated and well-hidden bar through an American-style diner’s entrance.
Take a step back in time at this ‘70s-esque dive bar in the heart of Fitzroy. The relaxed space, alongside its unpretentious food and drinks menu, makes visitors feel right at home.
