Top Affordable Bars in Melbourne
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!
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from $5
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Sundeck Function Space
80 guestsThe Purple Emerald Lounge BarNorthcote, Melbourne#Supervenue
LLeah A.
“I recently celebrated my 25th at The Sundeck at the Purple Emerald Lounge Bar and it was absolutely fantastic.” -
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityCourtyard
30 guestsBonnyFitzroy, MelbourneEElla N.
“I could not recommend Bonny Bar enough. Thank you Adam and team for the most amazing birthday.” -
from $1636
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityThe Island Bar
40 guestsDeath or GloryPrahran, Melbourne#Supervenue
AAmanda G.
“The saloon bar was a great space, private and spacious. Bar staff were great an attentive.” -
from $21
per person / per dayCheck availabilityPeacock Lounge
140 guestsThe Emerald PeacockMelbourne CBD#Supervenue
MMatylda
“No minimum bar spend to hire a place is a bonus. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.” -
from $15
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityMain Room
80 guestsThe Purple Emerald Lounge BarNorthcote, Melbourne#Supervenue
MMichelle C.
“The decor, the furniture, the lighting, the space, the bar, the staff, the dance floor, and the owner.” -
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityEntire Venue
150 guestsConcrete Boots BarRichmond, Melbourne#Supervenue
MMichelle E.
“There was enough room for balloon garland setup DJ and a dancefloor as well as bar style tables and stools.” -
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityRooftop Indoors
80 guestsTwo Hands Rooftop BarAbbotsford, MelbourneKKirsty
“Great vibes and awesome bar staff, this venue was perfect for our 21st birthday party.” -
from $21
per person / per sessionCheck availabilitySweatshop Basement Bar & Yard
100 guestsSeamstress Restaurant & BarMelbourne CBD#Supervenue
MMegan H.
“The space is cosy, chill and convenient. We liked being able to sit or stand and being close to the bar” -
from $5
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityGroup Reservation Spaces
40 guestsThe Purple Emerald Lounge BarNorthcote, Melbourne#Supervenue
KKesh W.
“The location and bar staff were excellent.” -
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilitySide Bar Function Area
35 guestsPolly BarFitzroy, Melbourne#Supervenue
JJesse F.
“Lovely room, the private bar and adjacent open-air room with bathroom were also awesome to have” -
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityPrivate Function Room
50 guestsPolly BarFitzroy, Melbourne#Supervenue
KKylie B.
“We held my 50th birthday party at Polly Bar private room.” -
from $1500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityLevel 2 Bar
60 guestsThe Oxford ScholarMelbourne CBD#Supervenue
LLovely V.
“Great space. Good value with having a minimum spend, instead of a hire fee. We really enjoyed our night.”
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FAQs about Top Affordable Bars in Melbourne
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 $50 | per person |
| From $250 | to $400 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2026), the best options include:
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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 (October 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average $1000 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 70 and 100 guests | prices average $1000 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:
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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...’
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 October 2026:
| Birthday Party | Usually between $1,000 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 $150 and $900. |
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.’ |
| Private Dining | Usually between $1,500 and $2,700. |
User who booked Event Space at Wheat, Wine & Whisky for 30 guests
said: ‘Remy, the manager, has been very helpful and accommodating.’ |
We suggest starting your search for affordable bars in the following areas:
- CBD Alleyways - Navigate Melbourne's maze-like alleys brimming with covert bars, where happy hour bargains abound. Picture snug dives with bare brick walls and taverns flaunting verdant beer gardens.
- Back Street Haunts - In areas like Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Carlton, bustling with nighttime energy, you can discover watering holes with wallet-friendly libations all week long. Seek out nights boasting discounted drinks or venues pouring budget-friendly jugs and schooners.
- Outlying Treasures - Explore suburban havens like Richmond, Collingwood, and Thornbury, where local pubs exude laid-back vibes and lush beer gardens await. Uncover cozy nooks offering happy hour indulgences and tempting drink specials beyond the city hustle
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Page last updated in October 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.