Melbourne’s Best First Date Bars
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By Ben Oliver || Last Updated: April 3, 2024
You’ve met the guy or girl. You’ve got a date locked in. And you maybe, kinda like this one.
Start your night right with these Melbourne bar winners.
From cocktail classics to laneway bars, any of these are sure to create an impression of a sophisticated Melburnian who knows what’s what.
Or let us do the heavy lifting for you by joining us on one our brilliant hidden bar and history tours.
They make the perfect date night!
Ferdydurke || @ferdydurkebar
Why come here?
Ferdydurke is for the adult fondly remembering their wilder youth but now seeking something more refined.
A touch of New York loft, a dash of hipster grunge, and 100% Melbourne, Ferdydurke’s cosy nook encompasses exposed beams and brickwork with killer cocktails, great wine and craft beers. It also has a big music theme, with DJs spinning records on weekends into the wee hours.
In the summer, walk up the stairs and head left to get a coveted seat overlooking sister bar Section 8. In the winter, veer right towards the fireplaces in the back corner and order a mulled wine.
What’s the food situation?
Americana on a plate. Everything from bacon cheeseburgers and chilli dogs to chipotle chicken wings and pork cubanos.
The final word
A 1937 surrealist novel by Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz. Now you know.
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Sun-Thurs: 12pm-1am | Fri-Sat: 4pm-3am
Beneath Driver Lane || @beneathdriverlane
Why come here?
It’s a rare thing for the hardened Melbourne barfly to walk into a new bar for the first time and be truly impressed. Beneath Driver Lane is one of those bars.
Hidden down a laneway and several flights of steps, you’ll encounter a bar that is the perfect sum of its parts. Everything just works: from the booths to the bar stools, the soft lighting, an incredible list of spirits and some of the most delicious cocktails you’ll ever try. The drinks list is inspired by “a day in the life of a blues musician”. Being a sucker for a Negroni, we recommend the Spice Rum Negroni.
What’s the food situation?
French bistro inspired and open till 3am. The wagyu reuben toastie is a fan favourite.
The final word
Everything that makes a great Melbourne cocktail bar.
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Sat-Thurs: 4pm-3am | Fri: 1pm-3am
Bar Margaux || @barmargauxmelbourne
Why come here?
Not all the best bars in Melbourne are down a narrow laneway or underground cellar. Bar Margaux falls into the latter category, but this New York-cum-French bistro would still make the list if it sat in the middle of Federation Square.
Bar Margaux is one of those classic go-to bars which can serve as both a night starter and/or night ender; once you head down the stairs and hang a left, you’ll lose track of time in any case.
Just the right amount of mood lighting illuminates Bar Margaux’s carefully chosen design aesthetic. From the white subway tiles to the chequerboard food and gold backlighting, it’s obvious each element has been carefully considered.
Getting a booth or a table may be a tall order unless you get there early, but we like hanging out at the bar just fine.
A great wine list, excellent cocktails and a solid spirits menu will see MGX – the initials you’ll see on the door – become your new city staple.
Put simply, one of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne.
What’s the food situation?
Parisian-inspired bistro food. The dinner menu has everything you would expect; from steak tartare to cured salmon roulade and escargot. Past midnight, the menu switches to supper. That being said, you’ll still be able to order a 220g flank steak until close.
The final word
Ça te dit d’aller boire un verre?
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Sat-Thurs: 5pm-3am | Fri: 12-3am
Caretakers Cottage || @caretakers.cottage
Why come here?
Self described as “probably Victoria’s smallest pub”, this cosy yet elegant 50-seater is nestled inside the beautifully curated lawns of the old Wesley Church.
The name harks back to what it used to be: literally the caretaker’s cottage for the Church.
From probably the best Guinness in Melbourne to cocktails galore, Caretaker’s Cottage is one to cross off your bucket list.
What’s the food situation?
Some bar snacks including a daily crisp selection (very British).
The final word?
It also made the list of the world’s 50 best bars. ‘Nuff said.
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Tues - Sat || 4pm - 1am
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Bar Snacks
Kirks Wine Bar || @kirkswinebar
Why come here?
“In Vino Veritas” hangs above Kirks Wine Bar, setting the scene for your experience at this relatively new addition to Melbourne’s wine bar scene.
Opened in 2015, Kirks Wine Bar is a world away from the pushy, tourist-centric restaurants which seem to comprise a large portion of Hardware Lane. Instead, Kirks blends the old world with the new; not as romantic as other wine bars, but exuding an undeniable buzz. Nursing a Chardonnay at one of their alfresco tables on a summers days is one of life’s real pleasures.
What’s the food situation?
Runs the gamut from breakfast to bar snacks and more substantial portions.
The final word
An inner city wine oasis.
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Mon-Fri: 7:30am-11pm | Sat-Sun: 9am-11pm
Wrapping Up with a Cheers — Melbourne’s Date Night Delights!
Melbourne, with its vibrant laneways and eclectic bars, is the perfect backdrop for those memorable first dates. If you’re still scratching your head for first date ideas in Melbourne, just remember that the city’s bar scene is second to none.
Are you into cocktail classics, hidden gems, or a touch of the Parisian? There’s a spot for every kind of date. And if you’re looking to truly impress, why not dive into Melbourne’s rich history with a hidden bar and history tour?
It’s a unique blend of fun, drinks, and a dash of culture. So, the next time you’re planning that special evening, keep these Melbourne first date ideas in mind. Cheers to love, laughter, and unforgettable nights in the heart of the city!