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10 Best Happy Hour Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

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Happy Hour Melbourne

Best Happy Hour Melbourne
Best Happy Hour Melbourne

Happy hour is definitely the happiest hour of the day. For consumers, happy hour is the ideal time to relax with friends and coworkers over discounted beers and half-priced nachos. Happy hour helps restaurateurs get more people in the door, more orders in the bar POS, and a nice little bump to the bottom line – it’s a win-win situation. Happy hour is that lovely time of day when many restaurants and pubs offer reduced beverages and snacks. Keeping this in mind, you should be aware of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

1. Bar Margaux

Key Services‘Golden Hour’ From 5pm To 7pm | Two Glasses Of Champagne, Oysters, Frites And Steak Tartare For $80
Websitehttps://barmargaux.com.au/
AddressBasement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9650 0088
E-mailinfo@barmargaux.com.au
Operating Hours5PM – 1AM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 5PM – 3AM Fridays – Saturdays

Bar Margaux is a late-night bar and brasserie that serves drinks, wine, and French comfort cuisine until the wee hours of the morning. Bar Margaux is Melbourne’s latest late-night love affair, with a menu focused on French bistro classics plus daily specials, an extensive wine and cocktail list, and a large supper menu accessible until closing. Michael and Zara Madrusan’s award-winning Made in the Shade hospitality enterprise has expanded with the opening of Bar Margaux. Other options include the Fitzroy cocktail bar The Everleigh, Heartbreaker, and Connie’s Pizza in the CBD. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Open until the wee hours of the morning
  • Offers French bistro classics
  • Located in Melbourne CBD

Customer Testimonial:

“This was one of the first hidden bars I’ve ever visited. Was a bit difficult finding it, as the maps don’t suggest the right spot. It’s at the basement. I was delighted to see the ambience. The cocktails were absolutely stunning, loved them!”

Spoorthy Reddy

2. The George on Collins

Key ServicesHalf-price Cocktails on Thursdays and Fridays | $12 Espresso Martinis, Cosmos
Websitehttps://www.thegeorgeoncollins.com.au/
Address162-168 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9663 7226
E-mailevents@thegeorgeoncollins.com.au
Operating Hours12PM – 10PM Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 3AM Fridays – Saturdays

The George on Collins is Melbourne’s most fashionable allday peaceful eating basement bar & restaurant that morphs into a late night social experience. You will enjoy a vibrant, upmarket dining setting while sharing meals from The George on Collins Head Chef’s in cooperation with Celebrity Masterchef Khanh Ong’s selection at 162 Collins St in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The food of The George on Collins is modern Southeast Asian in inspiration, with each dish juxtaposing spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors, resulting in a balance of textures, flavors, and fragrances. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Modern Southeast Asian cuisine
  • Vibrant and upmarket setting
  • Located in Melbourne CBD

Customer Testimonial:

“If anyone likes good cocktails, amazing food service and great vibe, this is the place to be. My first time here was January 2021 and have been back many more time since. I love their cocktails and you must try their green curry and the chicken wings.”

Diana Narith

3. Queensmith

Key Services$12 Spritz Or $15 Negroni At 3pm To 7pm | Selection Of $6 Wines and Beers
Websitehttps://www.queensmith.com.au/
Address221 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 408 263 909
E-mailinfo@queensmith.com.au
Operating Hours7AM – 4PM Mondays – Tuesdays | 7AM – 8PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 7AM – 11PM Fridays

Queensmith, inspired by classic European cafés and bars, has something to offer at all hours of the day. They deliver Melbourne’s best to the city with a thoughtful cuisine. Their Espresso and Wine Bar serves coffee and pastries in the morning, paninis matched with their favorite local wines, beers, and spirits in the afternoon, and aperitifs and cheese after work. Queensmith is a local wine bar in the middle of the city. This new all-day restaurant blends vintage decor, bread nibbles, and spritz to Melbourne’s legal district. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • European-inspired
  • Offers coffee, pastries, paninis, and aperitifs
  • Located in Melbourne CBD

Customer Testimonial:

“Lovely wine and the food was a delicious surprise. Friendly and professional.”

Tim Hanmore

4.The B.East

Key Services$7 Glasses of Wine, $6 Beers, $8 Spirits And $12 Cocktails | Happy Hour At 3pm To 6pm Everyday
Websitehttps://www.theb-east.com/
Address80 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Phone+61 3 9036 1456
E-mailinfo@theb-east.com
Operating Hours12PM – 11PM Sundays – Thursdays | 12PM – 1AM Fridays – Saturdays

A pub and live music venue in the heart of Brunswick East, not simply a burger place. The B.EAST is excited to introduce their new menu. Mostly influenced by Deep South American food, the kitchen lads have thrown a whimsical touch on the classics, inspired by their own ‘down south’ road journeys. They’ve altered our bar snack menu, so if you don’t feel like a big lunch, you may always get a boutique beer and a few snacks to go. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Pub and live music venue
  • Deep South American cuisine
  • Located in Brunswick East

Customer Testimonial:

“Just great. This was my first visit, and I will definitely be back. Hamburgers were brilliant, cocktails were delicious, the service was great. Highly recommend.”

Jennifer Robins

5. Chancery Lane

Key ServicesHappy Hour In The Courtyard From 5pm To 7pm, Wednesday To Friday | $15 Glass Of Saint-gall Champagne, $6 Moon Dog Lager
Websitehttps://chancerylane.com.au/
Address430 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9089 7598
E-mailinfo@chancerylane.com.au
Operating Hours12PM – 10PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 6PM – 10PM Saturdays

Chancery Lane is housed in the old Normanby Chambers building. Scott Pickett’s traditional restaurant with a modern twist. The atmosphere evokes a sumptuous bygone period, while the cuisine features traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, prepared using the greatest seasonal ingredients and different European traditions. Chancery Lane welcomes all visitors, whether they come for a glass of wine or a sumptuous seafood platter and full-course meal. Chancery Lane is not afraid to throw a party, whether it’s a lavish extravaganza or a simple cocktail party. A sanctuary of extravagance and luxury from the stresses of everyday life. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Contemporary twist on traditional dishes
  • Housed in an old building
  • Located in Melbourne CBD

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing food with great vibe in the restaurant. The mains are really delicious including the duck, lamb and the wagyu. All perfectly cooked and well-presented. The coffee cocktail is particularly outstanding, totally love it!”

Lily F.

6. Boilermaker House

Key ServicesWednesday Steak Night | Half-price Oyster Night |
Websitehttps://boilermakerhouse.com.au/
Address209-211 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 8393 9367
E-mailinfo@boilermakerhouse.com.au
Operating Hours5PM – 1AM Sundays, Tuesdays – Thursdays | 4PM–2AM Fridays | 5PM–2AM Saturdays

Boilermaker House is a blues-filled sanctuary that specializes in malt whiskey, artisan beer, and delectable cocktails. A Boilermaker is a combination of beer and whiskey that results in a drinking experience that is more than the sum of its parts. The choices are unlimited with over 900 whiskies and an ever-changing tap selection. They advocate food matching and provide a full lunch and supper menu with cuisine perfectly intended for boozing, including a custom-built cheese and charcuterie fridge. Join us for some warm hospitality, fantastic booze, and fantastic music. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Focuses on malt whiskey, artisan beer, and cocktails
  • Has 900+ whiskies and an ever-changing tap selection
  • Offers a full lunch and supper menu
  • Hosts live music performances

Customer Testimonial:

“Great little boutique whisky & craft beer house, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Definitely a more downbeat place, where appreciation for the product & craft is must.”

James Lovery

7. Hemingway’s Wine Room

Key Services$2 Oysters, $9 Prosecco And $15 Champagne | Half-price Bottles Of Wine On Tuesday To Thursday, Between 5.30pm And 6.30pm
Websitehttps://www.hemingwayswineroom.com.au/
Address150 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
Phone+61 3 9416 5064
E-mailinfo@hemingwayswineroom.com.au
Operating Hours12PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Saturdays

The Hemingway’s Wine Room experience focuses on reviving the aspects of service, style, elegance, and grace seen in New York, London, and Paris brasseries from the 1920s. Hemingway’s has devised a European-inspired two- to five-course à la carte menu that showcases Australian produce with carefully selected ingredients across two areas, its Brasserie and Wine Bar. Enjoy a well picked selection of bar snacks. When it comes to wine, Hemingway’s Wine Room delivers a succinct blend of old and new world. The East Melbourne site also has five drinks inspired by Hemingway’s work, each with its unique twist. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Has a European-inspired menu
  • Offers a selection of old and new world wines
  • Located in East Melbourne

Customer Testimonial:

“We visited Hemingway’s to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and wanted to have an amazing food / wine / cocktail experience and a night to remember.”

Volkan

8. Bar Bombay Yacht Club

Key ServicesPint-sized Cocktails | Happy Hour Every Tuesday And Wednesday
Websitehttps://bombayyachtclub.com.au/
Address88 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9654 6526
E-mailGOODTIMES@BARBOMBAY.COM.AU
Operating Hours4:30PM – 12AM Tuesdays – Wednesdays, Saturdays | 12PM – 2PM, 4:30PM – 12AM Thursdays | 12PM – 2AM Fridays

Chef Jessi Singh’s newest endeavor is Bar Bombay Yacht Club. This lively cafe emphasizes enjoyment while celebrating Indian food with a distinctively contemporary spin. Get prepared to be sprayed with bubbles during your lunch. Begin with the Boozy Balls (vodka/tequila, pineapple, and chilli) and work your way up to the Ma Po Tofu Vindaloo and Lobster with Sri Lankan chilli sambal sauce. There are also traditional favorites like Butter Chicken. Don’t forget to check out the vast cocktail menu and superb wine selection. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Contemporary spin on Indian food
  • Live music
  • Vast cocktail menu
  • Superb wine selection

Customer Testimonial:

“What an excellent place. Food was really tasty and the cocktails we tried were better and more interesting than anything I’ve had in a long time. Everything was fresh, beautifully prepared and the service was friendly.”

Geoff “Burgermeister” Burge

9. Eva’s Restaurant and Bar

Key ServicesSleek Mid-century Styling And Elevated Homestyle Cooking | 4pm To 6pm Happy Hour
Websitehttps://www.evasrestaurant.com.au/
AddressMezzanine, 195 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 8662 1376
E-mailHELLO@EVASRESTAURANT.COM.AU
Operating Hours5AM – 10:30PM Mondays – Fridays | 5AM – 11PM Saturdays | 5AM – 10PM Sundays

Eva’s Restaurant & Bar serves passionate home-style food with a modern twist. Eva’s captures the enigmatic persona of its main woman, Eva Erdi, with gorgeous, elegant décor reminiscent of the 1950s. Eva’s adds on-trend bistro cuisine and a touch of luxury to Melbourne’s iconic Swanston Street restaurant sector, making it the ideal setting for a romantic dinner, business lunch, or after-work drink. Eva Erdi and her husband Les migrated from Hungary to Melbourne in the 1950s to start a new life, and they went on to become pioneers in the hotel industry. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Home-style food with a modern twist
  • Elegant décor
  • Pioneers in the hotel industry

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing customer service and delicious food. We accidentally ordered a meal without asking for gluten free bread, we apologised and then they politely exchanged it for gluten free bread. The buffet was amazing and had such a wide variety of food. Overall all the food was amazing and the staff are all so kind and friendly 100% recommend.”

ruby Grace

10. The Moat

Key ServicesSelection Of $14 Cocktails Wednesday To Saturday, Between 4pm And 6pm | Wines For Only $8
Websitehttps://www.themoat.com.au/
Address176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone+61 3 9094 7820
E-mailinfo@themoat.com.au
Operating Hours4PM – 10PM Wednesdays – Saturdays

The Moat is a pub and restaurant located in the basement of the State Library of Victoria, the city’s literary centre. Outdoor dining and drinking are available in the picturesque courtyard, or come inside to the interior dining area, which is surrounded by books and bluestone walls. The food represents the proprietors’ Italian origins, Paul and Rosie. They collaborated to make real cuisine using fresh local ingredients, simplicity, and affection. Come to Wednesday Gnocchi Night and enjoy your choice of three homemade gnocchi recipes, accompanied with a salad and a glass of wine. This is why the have one of the best happy hour Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Pub and restaurant located in the basement of the State Library of Victoria
  • Outdoor dining and drinking in picturesque courtyard
  • Interior dining area surrounded by books and bluestone walls
  • Collaborative menu of real Italian cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Great service. Waitress very engaging and helpful. Happy hour menu from 4 to 6 pm. Felt like a Harry Potter film set. Very eclectic decor.”

Tania Hogan

Happy Hour Melbourne

Overall, demonstrating why happy hour is important in your social life may be tough; nevertheless it can be expensive and sometimes dramatic. But beyond that, if you think about why happy hour is so important, it becomes clear that this popular phenomenon, which was once a Wall Street fad, is something everyone should participate in as often as possible. We hope this information helps you locate the best happy hours Melbourne has to offer.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Australia has to offer.