Great cocktails deserve better than standing three deep at the bar. Luckily, cocktail bars in Melbourne CBD hide behind famous laneways, rooftop entrances and heritage buildings, giving every catch-up or celebration its own personality. Sip classic martinis near Collins Street, sample inventive house creations tucked away off Flinders Lane or reserve a stylish space for birthdays, after-work drinks and private parties. Browse the options below and raise a glass somewhere worth remembering.
Booking costs of cocktail bars average $3000 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 CBD, based on Tagvenue data:
| From $1500 | to $4000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $21 | to $65 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
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!’
Carriage Side at The Toff
in Chinatown - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Fantastic staff that were totally amazing & a perfect place to have a 30th birthday.’
The Cocktail Room at Ms Collins
in Melbourne CBD - rated 4.8/5
Venue said: Walking into Cocktail on Collins instantly gives you this playful and comforting energy. The Cocktail Room concept of Hollywood Regency is such a timeless style, and one of my personal favourites.
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 CBD, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average $2000 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 80 and 120 guests | prices average $2500 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 150 guests | prices average $3000 minimum spend per event |
Smaller cocktail bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Melbourne CBD, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:
The Booths at The Emerald Peacock, rated 4.8/5 - lounge for 20 guests
Venue said: The Booths in the Peacock Lounge provide an elegant semi-private space and are ideal for small to medium celebrations or after work gatherings. Each booth caters for up to 15 guests comfortably, with the ability to accommodate...
Private Dining Exclusive at Blackbird Melbourne - dining room for 50 guests
Venue said: For an extra fee, the upper cocktail bar can be added for pre- and post-event drinks, giving guests somewhere to gather before or after the meal. Two TV screens are available for presentations, slideshows, or branded content.
Private Booths at The George on Collins, rated 4.9/5 - dining room for 18 guests
Our user said: ‘Perfect events manager. I felt really special throughout the process. Event space was perfect!!’
Cheap cocktail bars in Melbourne CBD start from $800 minimum spend per event or $20 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
Phoenix at Ming Dining Restaurant & Bar, from $800 minimum spend per event
(up to 12 guests standing)
Venue said: Located in Melbourne's CBD, the Phoenix Room at Ming Dining Restaurant & Bar is an elegant and intimate private space, ideal for birthday parties, family gatherings, business dinners, client receptions, and small private...
Indoor Area at Saving Grace, from $20 per person
(up to 80 guests standing)
Venue said: Invite up to 50 guests for a gathering filled with delicious American-style dishes, that can be customised to fit a vegeterian, vegan or gluten-free diet.
Palmz Rooftop Bar at The Carlton Club Hotel, from $1000 minimum spend per event
(up to 130 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘From when I initially spoke with Nina and booked the reservation she was such a pleasure to deal with.’
In Melbourne CBD, 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 $2,000 and $2,500. |
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.’ |
| Christmas Party | Usually between $2,500 and $4,300. |
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.’ |
| 30th Birthday Party | Usually between $2,000 and $2,500. |
User who booked Cocktail Bar at La Di Da for 40 guests
said: ‘Easy to deal with, food quality was great, staff easy to deal with.’ |
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.