The 16 Best Bars for Groups for Hire in Melbourne

Q: How much does it cost to book bar venues for groups in Melbourne?

Booking costs of bars for groups average $1250 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data: - From $750 to $2500 minimum spend per event - From $21 to $55 per person - From $250 hire fee per event

FAQs about Top Bar Venues for Groups in Melbourne

How much does it cost to book bar venues for groups in Melbourne?

Booking costs of bars for groups average $1250 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data:

Prices of bars for groups in Melbourne as of September, 2026
From $750	to $2500	minimum spend per event
From $21	to $55	per person
From $250		hire fee per event

What are the top bar event spaces for groups available in Melbourne?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

Main Room at The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar in Northcote - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The bar staff were great. Would not hesitate to book another event at The Purple Emerald.’
Courtyard at Bonny in Fitzroy - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The service was 10/10, the food was immaculate. I could not recommend Bonny Bar enough.’
Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock in Melbourne CBD - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘No minimum bar spend to hire a place is a bonus.’

What are the typical capacities of private bars for groups in Melbourne?

You'll find bars for groups in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Melbourne, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):

Small	up to 40 guests	prices average $1000 minimum spend per event
Medium	between 60 and 100 guests	prices average $1100 minimum spend per event
Large	over 110 guests	prices average $1800 minimum spend per event

What are some bar venues for groups close to Melbourne CBD?

These are the venues within 150 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:

Beer Hall and Cocktail Bar at Cookie on 252 Swanston Street - 150 m from centre.
Our user said: ‘Friendly and helpful staff on the night. Excellent and plentiful food and drinks. Great atmosphere.’
Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock on 233 Lonsdale Street - 150 m from centre.
Our user said: ‘No minimum bar spend to hire a place is a bonus.’
Ronin's Chamber at Asian Beer Café Melbourne Central on 211 La Trobe Street - 150 m from centre.
Our user said: ‘The staff were great, good food, good space...’

What events can you host at private bars for groups in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, bars for groups are most commonly booked for 30 to 60 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

Birthday Party	Usually between $800 and $2,500.	User who booked The Sundeck Function Space at The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar for 40 guests said: ‘Lovely venue with friendly staff and very yummy food. Phil was kind and accommodating to extra requests.’
Party	Usually between $250 and $1,100.	User who booked Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock for 30 guests said: ‘The service at my 40th birthday was phenomenal. Great venue and awesome location.’
Engagement Party	Usually between $850 and $2,700.	User who booked Stunning Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Balaclava Hotel for 120 guests said: ‘The team were exceptional, would highly recommend...’
Private Dining	Usually between $1,100 and $2,300.	User who booked Private Dining Room at Ludlow Bar for 15 guests said: ‘service staff are excellent - well done to the management and team!’
Hen Party	Usually between $1,000 and $1,700.	User who booked Side Bar Function Area at Polly Bar for 10 guests said: ‘Host was also extremely efficient with messaging and organization before the event. Very easy to deal with.’

Which parts of Melbourne are best for hiring bars for groups?

Melbourne is filled to the brim with fantastic bars for groups, but some neighbourhoods have more to offer than the others! Here’s a brief guide to finding the right location for your bar event in Melbourne:

The biggest concentration of bars for groups can be found in the centre of Melbourne. Areas like the CBD, East End, Docklands and South Wharf are filled with options that can suit any taste! There are spacious bars for large groups, chic private lounges, and extravagant rooftop terraces, so you can really pick and choose in this part of the city! Additionally, the public transport options are just endless here.
If you wish to venture into the suburbs that are still conveniently located but not as central, You definitely need to check out stylish Carlton and Fitzroy. From St Kilda all the way up to Richmond, there’s also a stretch of top-rated bars and pubs available for hire.
In the further-out suburbs, there’s still much to discover! Brunswick, Preston, and Hawthorn boast some of the best bars for groups that specialise in craft beer and wine. In the eastern part of this area, you definitely need to check out the options around Ringwood and Ferntree Gully.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the selection, don’t worry! Use our handy map feature, which allows you to zoom into your desired area and check out all the roads and public transport connections near your desired venue.

What are some tips for organising an affordable party for a group in a cheap bar in Melbourne?

Your party in a cheap bar with your group can be a breeze with these tips:

Plan Ahead - Start planning well in advance to secure the best deals and availability at your chosen venue.
Choose the Right Venue - Look for bars that offer affordable drink packages, happy hour specials, or BYO options to keep costs down.
Consider Off-Peak Times - Opt for hosting your party during off-peak hours or days when venues may offer discounted rates or special deals.
Negotiate with the Venue - Don't be afraid to negotiate with the venue manager for better pricing or additional perks, especially if you're bringing in a large group.
Limit Extras - Keep extras like decorations, entertainment, and party favours simple and budget-friendly to focus on the main event - enjoying time with your guests.
Utilise Group Booking Discounts - Many bars offer discounts or perks for group bookings, so be sure to inquire about any available deals when making your reservation.
Share Costs - Consider splitting the expenses among attendees to make the party more affordable for everyone.