Explore Melbourne's streets and laneways, teeming with cheap bars offering unbeatable deals. In bustling areas like Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Carlton, get set to uncover pubs and bars boasting budget-friendly indulgences or venues serving affordable jugs and schooners. If you want to venture beyond the city core to Richmond, Collingwood, and Thornbury, check out chilled-out local pubs and intimate bars, ready to tempt you with enticing drink specials and laid-back atmospheres. To make your venue hunting easy, use Tagvenue to discover hidden gems and book the perfect spot for your next gathering in just a few clicks!
Booking costs of cheap bars 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 $700 | to $2350 | minimum spend per event |
| From $21 | to $45 | per person |
| From $250 | to $400 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
The Sundeck Function Space 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.’
The Island Bar at Death or Glory
in Prahran - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The saloon bar was a great space, private and spacious.’
You'll find cheap bars 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 45 guests | prices average $1000 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 100 guests | prices average $1100 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 120 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 150 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:
In Melbourne, cheap bars are most commonly booked for 30 to 65 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...’ |
| Hen Party | Usually between $1,000 and $2,000. |
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.’ |
| Stag Party | Usually between $1,000 and $2,000. |
User who booked Private Function Room at Polly Bar for 25 guests
said: ‘Michael was responsive, helpful and the night was great.’ |
We suggest starting your search for affordable bars in the following areas:
Page last updated in September 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.