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 One of Melbourne's most sophisticated pubs |
64 Argo Street South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 3 9867 3344 http://www.theargo.com.au |
The Argo is one of Melbourne's cleanest, most sophisticated pubs. If you are looking for a big night out, then this is not the place. Light, with an upmarket feel, The Argo is the ideal spot to enjoy a quiet, cold beer in close company, or sip on fine wine from an extensive list. Everything is clean and crisp, understated and classy. In winter, go for a seat in front of the large open fire. The tempo rises ever so slightly after 10:30p on a Friday and Saturday night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Melbourne's best jazz |
25 Bennetts Lane Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9663 2856 http://www.bennettslane.com/ |
This cosy bar is also Melbourne's premier jazz venue, run by jazz connoisseurs for jazz connoisseurs. On busy nights, punters crowd into every available space, including the stairs. Chatting during performances is frowned upon, but that is as far as the snobbery goes. At other times, this is a great place for conversation. Owner Michael Tortoni presents music he believes in rather than following fads, earning him accolades for his contribution to the jazz community. The jam sessions with visiting international artists after their Concert Hall performances are legendary. Cheese and fruit platters, cake, focaccia, basic spirits and house wine are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fergus Pitt |
 A welcoming, friendly pub |
211 Gertrude Street Fitzroy Melbourne, VIC 3065 Australia +61 3 9419 0818 |
This unpretentious neighbourhood pub offers something for everyone. Featuring a pleasant lounge with an open fireplace plus an outside eating area, the Builder's Arms is well set up for all seasons. The small dance floor heaves into action on Thursday nights when it becomes home to gay alternative Mecca, Q and A, as well as hosting disco nights on Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, there are poetry readings on Sundays, acoustic music on Wednesdays, videos on Tuesdays and fun and games on the Monday night Scrabble-Trivial Pursuit-checkers spectacular. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Broadhead |
 Photo: Mark Broadhead |
 Focus on Australian theatre |
113 Sturt St Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 (0)3 9685 5111 |
The C.U.B. Malthouse was donated to the Playbox theater company in 1986 by Carlton United Breweries. It consists of two theatres—the Merlyn and the Beckett. Neither is large, with the Merlyn holding 500 and the Beckett 200. The connection to the Playbox means there is a strong accent on Australian theatre, but music, dance and events associated with Melbourne's festivals are held here, too. There is a coffee shop open from breakfast until after the shows. Call for prices of individual performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Alderson |
 Photo: Peter Alderson |
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Retro subterranean hangout |
Basement, 105 Queen Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9670 6120 http://www.chaiselounge.com.au/ |
Indicative of the hip trend in inner Melbourne is Chaise Lounge; a low-lit, retro hideaway that is an 'underground' club in both senses of the word. Beaded dividers separate areas, paraphernalia hangs from the walls and scattered comfortable couches create intimate spaces within the one room. The funky decor attracts young urban fringe dwellers that love music. Different DJs play all nights but Tuesdays, which feature live jazz. There is no kitchen on site, but snacks such as chips and nuts are available at the bar. On Fridays though, free sushi is passed around to patrons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elaine Tan |
 Glitz and glamour! |
8 Whiteman Street Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9292 8888 http://www.crowncasino.com.au |
The biggest development in Melbourne since the gold rush, Crown Entertainment Complex opened up a previously rundown area of the Yarra River and turned it into a gold mine for retail outlets. The four levels of the complex house restaurants, bars, designer fashion shops, entertainment venues, a 24-screen cinema complex, a five-star hotel - and of course the Casino, which attracts an international clientele and is now Victoria's biggest tourist attraction. The Showroom, Odeon Cabaret, Mercury Lounge and Heat Discotheque often host international acts. An age limit of 18 years applies to the gaming rooms and bars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Long Zheng  |
 Photo: Stuart Gilberd |
 Photo: Joan |
 Photo: Scott Sandars |
 Photo: Kristian Lam |
 Photo: Simon Davis |
 Photo: Kevin Jewell |
 Photo: Nick Jennion |
 Photo: Rob Hicks |
 Photo: Renee Picasso Manoppo |
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Tucked away in a corner of St. Kilda |
54 Acland Street Melbourne, VIC 3182 Australia +61 3 9525 3599 http://www.dogsbar.com.au/ |
Tucked away in a corner of St. Kilda is one of the city's finest wine bars. In eclectic St. Kilda with its cosmopolitan mix of pubs and bars, Dogs Bar is a stand out. The mood is casual, the wine list extensive and, while food is available, it is mainly a drinks venue on the weekend. It is the type of place you might seek out if you are looking for a long conversation without too much of a racket, sharing a bottle or two of fine red. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A Melbourne institution |
11 Upper Esplanade Melbourne, VIC 3182 Australia +61 3 9534 0211 http://theesplanadehotel.com.au/ |
The Esplanade Hotel, affectionately known as the "Espy", is a landmark of Melbourne's music and drinking scene. Grungy, almost seedy, the Espy attracts a mixed crowd of pub enthusiasts, hip young things and older ones just enjoying the atmosphere. No stylish modern design here. The Espy is all about sticky carpets, sweaty live music, playing pool or drinking in the front bar with its Bay views. There is also a beer garden, and comedy acts and bands appear regularly. The quaint restaurant is a cosy place to fill up on nutritious and cheap food. It is especially strong on soups, noodles and rice dishes. Admission to the front bar is free; there may be a cover charge for bands and comedy performances in the Gershwin Room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ProPRphotos.com |
 Photo: laureskew |
 Photo: Brooke Lenon |
 Photo: Roberts Birze |
 Photo: liloch |
 Photo: Helen Thura Palsson |
 Photo: Anders Alexander |
 Photo: Bindi Cole |
 Photo: Pomegranate02 |
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Chic, sleek and very discreet |
190 Little Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9654 0533 |
Intimacy is one of life's great delights, and it is a quality the owners of The Gin Palace have perfected. The award winning Gin Palace attracts a cross section of the community of all ages and from all walks of life. Definitely chic, it is not to be missed. Funky drapes, sophisticated jazz, comfortable couches and subdued light set the scene for an intimate night out, if that is what you are seeking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A funky place for a drink or meal |
212 Little Collins St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9654 2471 |
Open since 1997 and located on an increasingly upmarket section of Little Collins Street, the Hairy Canary has carved out a niche for itself as a popular drinking or eating spot. A bar as well as a restaurant, it is often packed with a variety of patrons, creating a boisterous Latin feel to go with its menu. The food mixes influences from all over the Mediterranean, from Spanish paella, featuring seafoods like mussels and oysters, to pizzas and antipastos. Of course, there is a wide range of cocktails, spirits and other drinks available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Something different every night |
243 Swanston Street First Floor Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9663 2916 http://www.lounge.com.au/ |
An institution of Melbourne's club scene, the Lounge is a relaxed, funky hang-out with something different on every night. Mondays it is a chill out lounge for Ambient Soho. Wednesday it becomes trance/hard techno mecca Filter. Thursday is funky house night with House Trap and Fridays and Saturdays play a mixture of Latin, funk and bass with some of the city's top DJs like Kano and Takse. And when the dancing is too much, relax on the balcony looking over the street, or with a game of pool. Until 10p, the Lounge is a café specialising in tasty, nourishing food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Smooth sophistication into the wee hours |
161 Spring Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9654 6300 |
Its location adjacent to the Princess Theatre puts the Melbourne Supper Club in the more sophisticated side of town. Laid-back, cool and subdued, it is paradise for late night revellers wanting to relax in style. The upmarket yet welcoming decor has a wood theme complemented by deep leather couches arranged for comfortable conversations. The music is background, the patrons are discerning and demand the best in service and fine drinking. Tapas-style snacks and sweets are available. The drinks menu is simply stunning but the prices reflect the high quality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nouveau lane way hideout |
3-5 Hosier Lane Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9663 9202 |
You do not just stumble across Misty. Hidden down a lane way off Flinders Street (beside the Forum Theatre), there is little signage to identify it. Peek through the windows though, and you will find a great alternative bar, offering fat beats and smooth liquor. The decor is snowy white, but the lights are hanging coloured shades which cut down on the glare. Standard drink prices apply and food is limited. Sit back and enjoy the music which includes Hip Hop/Dub, Drum & Bass/Deep House, Deep House/Techno and Deep Funky House. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Sandars |
 Photo: Alison Fairley |
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1960s chic in the 21st century |
141 Johnston Street Melbourne, VIC 3065 Australia +61 3 9417 0090 |
With the opening of The Night Cat in 1994, Melbourne's cafe culture finally came of age. It is a fusion of a comfortable lounge atmosphere, an elegant meeting place, complete with dance floor and sophisticated music that will have many people toe tapping and dancing to styles of music they would not usually listen to. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly busy and you may have to queue. On Sunday evenings an older, local crowd descends, creating a real community feel. The large bar serves basic drinks, house beer and wine. Focaccias and cakes are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Sandars |
 Photo: ANdrewisme |
 Photo: peter stuckings |
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Cruisy gay bar with fun dance floor action |
Corner of Peel Street And Wellington Street Melbourne, VIC 3066 Australia +61 3 9419 4762 |
The Peel is one of Melbourne's most popular gay venues, located in the heart of the "Northside district", as the Fitzroy/Collingwood gay patch is sometimes called. The dance floor might be small, but competition for space (and attention) is fierce. A cross-section of gay men, of all ages and interests, dance until dawn to the latest Whitney and Jennifer Lopez remixes, while Sunday sees the packed house sweating to eighties hits for the ever popular retro night. Dark and comfortable, it gets even darker and more relaxed for regular theme parties, which you will normally see advertised on posters in the club. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Have a Cracker Time |
401 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Melbourne, VIC Australia +61 3 9417 0880 |
Rich, warm and luscious, Polly's deep red decor, gilt mirrors and super-comfortable armchairs and couches combine to make the hours fly past, especially if you've sampled a few of their expertly mixed cocktails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old-World charm |
82 High St Melbourne, VIC 3181 Australia +61 (0)3 9529 8588 |
Aside from the giveaway architecture, it could take some convincing that this addition to the burgeoning southern end of the Chapel Street scene was a pub in its previous incarnation. According to the designer, "granny decor" is the interior theme now. Indeed the scene inside is reminiscent of your grandmother's living room. There are gilded cupids, mirrors and candlesticks, plump armchairs and couches. Tapestries depicting medieval scenes adorn the walls. The open bar area has a few chairs around a fireplace, cupid statues guard each corner of the bar and a gilt angel overlooks the corner woodpile. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A comedy club with a difference |
135 Victoria Parade (Collingwood) Melbourne, VIC 3066 Australia +61 (0)3 9419 4197 |
When Dave Taranto had the idea for a comedy night on Wednesdays, little did he know how long the tradition would last. His suggestion, made soon after the building's foundation in the late 1800s, created The Cheese Shop, now one of Melbourne's favorite comedy venues. The venue still thrives despite competition from bigger establishments. Its success seems to be the relaxed atmosphere and the appreciative audiences. International comedians as well as most of Australia's leading comics perform here. On other nights there is acoustic and world music. The popular bistro-style lunch menu is now also served in the evenings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The queen of Melbourne theatres |
163 Spring Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9299 9800 http://www.marrinertheatres.co... |
In use since 1854, major restoration in the late 1980s saw the Princess Theatre reopen in 1989 capable of providing the technology modern shows demand. Its ornate façade is in keeping in with the surrounding area that includes, nearby, the historic Windsor Hotel. The Princess is yet another of the theatres in Melbourne that show her English roots. Used for big production musicals, it holds the record for the longest playing musical in Melbourne. And don't forget it is haunted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Linda L |
 Photo: Fluoride |
 Photo: Beth Ballingall |
 Photo: Antoine |
 Photo: Gordon McAlpin |
 Photo: Leon Sammartino |
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Funky, relaxed hangout |
229 Chapel Street Melbourne, VIC 3181 Australia +61 3 9521 5985 http://www.revolverupstairs.co... |
Revolver is one of Melbourne's most stylish yet comfortable hang-outs. In addition to the front room with its dance floor, there is a spacious lounge where you can have a drink, chat and admire the funky artwork. There is also a pool table and vintage video games to play. Monday night is quiz night - use your knowledge of trashy pop trivia to win prizes. On other nights there is a mishmash of music from Latin to lounge, including frequent spoken word and dance performances. Tasty Thai food is served in the lounge. Breakfast is also available from 5am on weekends. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mr.itch |
 Photo: luke cody |
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Funky, friendly and very, very cool |
605 Victoria Street Abbotsford Melbourne, VIC 3067 Australia +61 3 9427 0615 |
Conventional interior design theory has been thrown out the window at The Terminus. There is a little bit of everything - a tatty stuffed fox above the bar, strange religious prints and ancient lampshades. Weekends are quite busy, but if you are lucky you can snare one of the battered couches, sit back and soak in the atmosphere. On Wednesday night check out the special games of bingo for something very different. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tony Starr's Kitten Club |
267 Little Collins St (Level 1) Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9650 2448 http://www.kittenclub.com.au/ |
Kitten Club draws from contemporary influences, as well as the traditional jazz speakeasy. Good food, good music and good ambiance make it the place to impress out-of-town friends with some of Melbourne's best nightlife. Kitten Club's popularity means smoke, cheerful chatter and an intimate atmosphere. Chairs and tables adorn the upstairs club while vinyl ottomans and stools decorate the lounge area. It is groovy and guaranteed to be fun. Eating at Kitten Club is better quality than you would expect from a bar venue. Think brown sugar cured yellow fin tuna or thyme marinated chicken breast. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Experience Melbourne's Cultural Heart |
100 St Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia +61 (0)3 9281 8000 http://www.theartscentre.net.au/ |
Melbourne is proud of its landmark Eiffel Tower, a sight to be seen, especially at night as birds attracted by the light circle the spire. The spire sits atop the Theatres Building, comprising a series of gallery and theatre spaces. You can wander through and visit the State Theatre, the George Adams Gallery and the Performing Arts Museum. There is also the Hamer Hall, a venue for major artists and the base for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. You can relax on the sloping lawns outside, where free concerts are held during summer. Admission is free unless attending a show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luke van Grieken |
 Photo: Oliver Parzer |
 Photo: Vincent Tan |
 Photo: Allyson Griffith |
 Photo: Linda Teng |
 Photo: Patrick Houlihan |
 Photo: Luke van Grieken |
 Photo: Shaun Nicholson |
 Photo: Cristopher Solis Chen |