Fancy a drink? Melbourne's cocktail scene is calling! Explore venues all across the city, from the CBD's chic cocktail bars, Fitzroy, and Collingwood's trendy hangouts to Southbank's riverside bars boasting stunning views. With so much to explore, your next cocktail adventure awaits! Get set to check out historical venues repurposed with a modern flair, cosy spots in Melbourne's Laneways or trendy hotspots at the centre of the action. Let Tagvenue guide you to discover the hottest spots in town and help you book your perfect cocktail haven.
Booking costs of cocktail bars average $2000 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 $1000 | to $3500 | minimum spend per event |
| From $21 | to $60 | per person |
| From $250 | to $1500 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
Main Bar Hire at The Kilburn
in Hawthorn - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The venue looked great with a lovely space for decorations and a dancefloor.’
Cocktail Bar at Seamstress Restaurant & Bar
in Melbourne CBD - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘We had the basement bar hired out, it was fantastic!’
Entire Venue 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.’
You'll find cocktail 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 55 guests | prices average $500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 80 and 120 guests | prices average $2000 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 130 guests | prices average $2500 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 150 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:
In Melbourne, cocktail bars are most commonly booked for 30 to 70 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
| Party | Usually between $40 and $250. |
User who booked The Sundeck Function Space at The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar for 50 guests
said: ‘Delicious drinks, food, and super friendly staff. Thank you guys for making our birthday special!’ |
| Birthday Party | Usually between $10 and $80. |
User who booked Main Bar at Aces Bar @ Brunswick Aces for 70 guests
said: ‘I had my 21st birthday here and it was absolutely amazing!’ |
| Christmas Party | Usually between $1,600 and $4,900. |
User who booked Cocktail Bar at Seamstress Restaurant & Bar for 36 guests
said: ‘If you want a venue that has a great vide and staff to match, you won't be disappointed with Seamstress.’ |
| Engagement Party | Usually between $1,300 and $3,300. |
User who booked Entire Venue at Her. for 45 guests
said: ‘Great place for an engagement party! Everyone was complimenting it.’ |
Here's a short guide to areas brimming with top-notch cocktail bars, each with its own distinct vibe:
Here are some savvy tips to help you save:
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.