The 7 Best Themed Bars in Melbourne

Melbourne is no stranger to unique bars, in fact the stranger the better. There are several bars that operate under a theme, and it generally makes for a magical escape. So, here’s our list of the best unique and quirky bars in Melbourne.

Updated: July 4, 2023

Taylor
I spent 10 years living in Melbourne. I loved exploring the laneways and discovering unique bars.

Mjölner

106 Hardware St, Melbourne

This Viking-inspired bar & restaurant is straight out of Norse Mythology. The team at Mjølner – named after Thor’s Hammer – has successfully brought an opulent touch to barbarian dining.

This venue is from the team behind Eau de Vie, so expect a high level of theatrics. You’ll be able to drink beer from a horn and take flaming shots poured down a beef-bone.

Mjølner also serves mead, a fermented honey drink that is thought to be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.

Glamp

236 Little Collins St, Melbourne

Glamp is a cocktail bar inspired by the world of ‘glamorous camping.’ Hidden down Little Collins St, Glamp is home to a giant colourful tent – perfect for large groups.

Choose from their range of imported African beers, or sip on their signature cocktails. Take some photos while you’re here, the venue is extremely photogenic.

Berlin Bar

16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne

Berlin, Germany, was once divided into the East and the West, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Berlin Bar.

One-half of the bar flourishes in elegance (thanks to capitalism) and the other half is war-torn by the terrible results of communism. Pick a side, and settle in for a cocktail.

Berlin is a little tricky to find, making it one of the city’s best hidden bars.

Storyville

185 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Storyville is a magical bar inspired by your favourite childhood stories; think Narnia meets Harry Potter. From the giant glowing mushrooms that line the wall, to the inventive cocktail list, this bar is filled with wonder.

Double Happiness

21 Liverpool St, Melbourne

Serving cocktails since 2002, Double Happiness is a Chinese-inspired bar filled with communist propaganda featuring Chairman Mao.

It’s all tongue-in-cheek, and the rowdiness that Double Happiness promotes would not be endorsed by the Chinese government.

The drinks list is fun. The ‘Great Leap Forward’ is their signature cocktail staring house-made lychee vodka. Or enjoy bubble tea spiked with a shot of booze.

This hole-in-the-wall bar showcases everything good about Melbourne’s laneway bar scene.

Holey Moley

590 Little Bourke St, Melbourne

Mini golf has made a comeback. Holey Moley is a 27-hole putt-putt course inspired by pop culture; holes feature The Simpsons, Forrest Gump, Game of Thrones and many more.

They have a complete cocktail bar and sling pizzas from the kitchen. Booze and putt-putt sound like a good mix, and it is.

You’ll find them at Crown Casino in Southbank along with their city location.

Madame Brussels

59 Bourke St, Melbourne

One of Melbourne’s cheekiest bars by far, Madame Brussels takes its name from the city’s most notorious mistress.

Madame Brussels (real name, Caroline Hodgson) was the owner of a brothel during the mid-19-century, known for serving wealthy and powerful clientele.

This rooftop bar is inspired by the madame’s house, with faux grass and cocktails served out of teacups. It’s like a garden party in the sky.

The entrance is hard to find, but once you do, get prepared for an evening of revelry.

Taylor was born and raised in Tasmania. He moved to Melbourne to study Film & television, and went on to start a marketing agency for hospitality.

He has a love for rock ‘n’ roll bars & New York-style pizza. In 2020 he was amongst the top 1% of Frank Sinatra listeners on Spotify.

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