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 $1636 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 December 2025:
| From $1000 | to $3000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $21 | to $45 | per person |
| From $50 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated December 2025), the best options include:
Entire Venue at Concrete Boots Bar
in Richmond - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The bar staff were awesome and friendly and keep the drinks flowing.’
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.’
Rooftop Indoors at Two Hands Rooftop Bar
in Abbotsford - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘Great service Consistent drinks & food for my engagement party Very attentive to bar tab...’
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 (December 2025):
| Small | up to 40 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 100 guests | prices average $2250 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 110 guests | prices average $2500 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 250 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:
We suggest starting your search for affordable bars in the following areas:
Page last updated in December 2025
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.