Melbourne tipple institution The Everleigh has been given a striking new facelift. It’s the first renovation for the bar since it opened in 2011 with the new design in response to an increasingly vibrant Gertrude precinct and subsequent demand for more space to mingle. A communal feel was paramount to the bar’s new look of ‘old-school elegance’, which comes courtesy of owner Michael Madrusan’s collaboration with his interior designer sister. Tasmanian and American oak intertwine with marble accents, highlighting the venue’s iconic fixtures that safely remain (including the vintage register), with plenty of leather booths and increased seating to ensure your evening cocktail is a comfortable one. Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; theeverleigh.com.

Warm and fuzzy like the first crackle of a 12-inch vinyl, The Walrus is all about retro vibes, laidback but excellent cocktails, and oysters. The shellfish selection changes every day at this breezy oyster bar in St Kilda – check the mirror to see what’s fresh. It’s worth shelling out for the special mezze tower on Sundays, which includes a dozen oysters with crab choux pastries and lobster crumpets. Ground Floor/9 Inkerman St, St Kilda; thewalrusoysterbar.com.

Apollo Inn is a companion venue to the glittering grand empress, Gimlet. Where Gimlet is vast and light-drenched, Apollo Inn is a broodier, cosy space warmed from the smugness of the lucky 24 who either booked ahead or staged an aptly timed walk-in. Dripping with old-world glam, the dim-lit space rouses to dulcet tones of sultry sax. Ten or so black bentwoods flank the sturdy timber bar, while a cushy velvet banquet snakes along the other side of the room. There are plenty of cheeky nooks to get friendly with your neighbour. 165 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; apolloinn.bar.

In her 1941-published book ‘Consider the Oyster,’ American food writer MFK Fisher proposed, “There are three kinds of oyster-eaters: those loose-minded sports who will eat anything, hot, cold, thin, thick, dead or alive, as long as it is an oyster; those who will eat them raw and only raw; and those who with equal severity will eat them cooked and no way other.” Seated at Pearl Diver Cocktails and Oysters (PDCO), all three categories of oyster devotees are treated to a selection of natural, dressed and cooked molluscs – served inside a space that could pass for a sophisticated 1940s bar. 56 Little Bourke St, Melbourne; pearldiver.com.au.

Walking past the heavy door of March heralds the same feel of understated classiness as entering Ides, the renowned fine dining restaurant by acclaimed chef Peter Gunn. Quintessentially a sibling bar to Ides, March is a lot more informal in its approach, but serves its menu from the same kitchen with the added privilege of Ides’s comprehensive cellar. The stunning black marble countertop is the centrepiece, inviting you to join the only staff behind the bar. 90 Smith St, Collingwood; idesmelbourne.com.au/bar.

Another of the World’s 50 Best Bars alumni, Byrdi is a celebration of all things Australian. Sure, it may be located inside a shopping centre but that does nothing to dent this amber-hued lounge’s cred. Local spirits, local flora, and warm hospitality are the name of the game at Byrdi. It’s the first local bar of Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura, who won acclaim with Singapore’s Operation Dagger where they distilled local botanicals and fruits to create unique drinks. They do so here, too, on a menu that gives little away bar the broad ingredients. The booze used isn’t listed, but packs a punch in the terrific Applewood #1, a refreshing hit of smoky Davidson plum with a pepperberry tickle, and the Not Mezcal, which transforms pear into the spitting likeness of the Mexican firewater by fermenting, fortifying and smoking it. 211 La Trobe Street, Tenancy GD075, Melbourne; byrdi.com.au.

Pinchy’s is one of those places that underpromises and over-delivers every time. Neon pink, cutesy, unserious, and excellent. The lobster and Champagne bar is a playful option for Saturday night – and has just introduced a small selection of meat dishes for the staunch carnivores out there. Pop the bottle and settle into the private dining booths with 60 of your closest friends. Pinchy would have wanted it that way. Level 1/200 Bourke St, Melbourne; pinchys.co.

The Instagram indicates you “look for the door with two lights on either side”; or you can just keep an eye out for a velvet rope and the bouncer standing conspicuously in front of a door on Driver Lane. Walk down the stairs into the dimly lit grotto serving cocktails with flair and panache. Food is available until late (or early depending on your bedtime) and comprises a selection of cheese, charcuterie boards and oysters. The toasted sandwiches could be the best accompaniment we’ve seen yet to a fine whisky or cocktail. Shop/3 Little Bourke St, Melbourne; driverlanebar.com.

The bar barons behind drinking institutions, Heartbreaker and The Everleigh, have launched an opulently-styled basement bar that serves Champagne and cheeseburgers until 5am. Snack-sized cocktails, from a mini martini to micro Manhattan, make it easy to commit to a second or third round. 111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. barmargaux.com.au.

Google Maps may have some trouble locating this hidden cocktail bar in Collingwood. Access is gained via the unmarked door at the back of Beer Mash (and then take the stairs up to Above Board) or through the back – just take Perry Street and then Chopper Lane to access the rear of the building. The island bar is so intimate you will find yourself rubbing shoulders with strangers and engaging in banter with the bartender. The close quarters and expertly mixed cocktails will ensure you’ve made at least one new friend by the end of the night. Chopper Lane, behind Beermash, 1/306 Smith St, Collingwood; aboveboardbar.com.

What does it take for a bar to be one of the very best in the world? You’d imagine it would have to be pricey and elaborate. Well, what if simplicity and a good old sense of hospitality with expert execution, and great value were the constituents of supremacy? Yes, please! Ranked among the best in the world in the World’s Best 50 Bars Awards Caretaker’s Cottage has earned its place for its fine-dining drinks in an unpretentious neighbourhood pub. 139-141 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne; caretakerscottage.bar.

Bar meets restaurant meets art gallery and live music venue. Young Hearts in Windsor refuses to pick a lane and it really doesn’t need to. When a space as eclectic as this comes along, it’s worth taking full advantage of every possible theme, made clear by the raised DJ booth in the centre of the dining room. Cocktails abound, unpretentious service is on the cards and tasty bar snacks range from Buffalo chicken bites with creamy ranch, to prawn ceviche, or Sher wagyu steak with peppercorn sauce. Perch, sip, snack, repeat. 216 High St, Windsor; younghearts.melbourne.