Cocktail Bars for Hire in Melbourne

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:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 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 (October 2026):

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

• Entire Venue at Little Red's Cocktail Bar on Swanston Street Level 4/264 - 150 m from centre.
  Venue said: Little Red's Cocktail Bar is a suave and intimate venue located smack bang in the centre of Swanston Street in Melbourne's CBD. Deep red lighting accented by candles make the figures on the mural covered walls dance.
• Entire Venue at Goldilocks Rooftop Bar on 264 Swanston Street 5 - 150 m from centre.
  Venue said: Just as Goldilocks tried all the chairs until she found the most comfortable, you can try many rooftop bars but Goldilocks Rooftop Bar is; "Just Right!
• 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.’

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 October 2026:

Here's a short guide to areas brimming with top-notch cocktail bars, each with its own distinct vibe:

• CBD - A hub of sophistication, bustling with modern cocktail bars, clandestine laneway speakeasies, and revered institutions.
• Fitzroy/Collingwood -Trendy enclaves boasting intimate cocktail dens, sky-high terraces flaunting city panoramas, and repurposed warehouses exuding industrial charm.
• Southbank - Discover a fusion of riverside cocktail haunts with mesmerising vistas and clandestine gems tucked within historic edifices.
• Chinatown - Unearth hidden gems serving up Asian-inspired libations and unique flavour adventures.

Here are some savvy tips to help you save:

• Off-Peak Timing - Opt for booking during off-peak hours or days when venues may offer discounts or lower minimum spends.
• Negotiate Packages - Inquire about special event packages that include drinks, canapés, or venue decorations at a discounted rate.
• BYO Options - Some venues may allow you to bring your own alcohol for a corkage fee, which can be more budget-friendly than purchasing drinks directly from the bar.
• Happy Hour Deals - Take advantage of happy hour promotions for discounted drinks and nibbles, if available.
• Minimal Decor - Choose a venue with stylish decor already in place to minimise additional decoration costs.
• Limit Extras - Be mindful of extras like premium liquor or elaborate decorations that can quickly inflate your bill. Stick to essentials to stay within budget.