Minimum Spend Venues for Hire in Melbourne

No one wants to blow their budget on a disappointing venue with bad lighting, awkward seating, and sky-high fees. The good news? Melbourne has a fantastic range of venues where you only pay for what you eat and drink, not an extra hire fee. All you need to do is meet the venue’s minimum spend.

What Is a Minimum Spend?

Instead of paying to hire a space outright, minimum spend venues let you use the space for free as long as you hit a set amount on food, drinks, or both. It’s a win-win: you get top-notch service, a great atmosphere, and a venue that fits your vibe, without paying just to open the door.

3 Key Tips for Booking a Minimum Spend Venue

• Check What's Included
  Minimum spend usually covers food and drinks, but sometimes also includes service fees or extras like AV equipment. Pricing often goes up for evening events, so double-check the details before booking.
• Calculate the Spend Per Guest
  Work out roughly how much each guest needs to spend to hit the minimum. It’s perfectly fine to let guests know in advance especially if you're hosting something like a birthday or a team event.
• Confirm Event Hours
  Different hours mean different minimums. Lunchtime bookings usually have a lower minimum than evening ones. Always check the fine print to avoid unexpected overtime charges.

Affordable Minimum Spend Venues in Melbourne

Throwing an unforgettable 21st doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. Melbourne has plenty of venues that keep things budget-friendly with low minimum spend requirements—perfect for small groups or creative planners who want flexibility without compromise. Here are four great picks:

The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar – Northcote With a minimum spend starting at just $5, this Northcote gem is ideal for casual birthday vibes. It’s spacious enough for up to 160 guests and has a cosy, intimate feel for smaller groups too. Great for DJ sets or casual cocktail nights.

The Tipsy Cow – Port Melbourne Located near the beach, The Tipsy Cow offers warm hospitality and a minimum spend from just $583. It’s a relaxed and stylish choice with seating for 38, perfect for a sit-down dinner or drinks with friends in a charming indoor-outdoor setting.

Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets – Collingwood This Collingwood spot has a moody, underground feel and works well for intimate parties. With a $750 minimum spend, it’s a cost-effective choice for anyone wanting something a little offbeat but still central and well-connected.

Red Eye Bar – St Kilda A cool, casual option in party-friendly St Kilda, Red Eye Bar keeps things simple with a $300 minimum spend. It fits up to 80 guests standing, making it perfect for an easygoing celebration with music, dancing, and a fun crowd.

Popular Types of Minimum Spend Venues in Melbourne

Hiring a minimum spend venue in Melbourne is a great choice when planning an event because there are many different types of venues available from fine dining restaurants and bars/lounges all the way through high-end hotels and resorts. Many of Melbourne’s minimum spend venues are located in high skyscrapers and offer a great view of the city’s most beautiful sights. You will see sights like Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and the Eureka Tower. Here are some examples of venues that require a minimum spend: 

• Restaurants. The most common type of minimum spend venue is a restaurant. These venues can be found all over Melbourne and are great for group events or team bonding. The minimum spend at restaurants can vary from venue to venue, but it’s usually between $700-$3000 per session.
• Party Venues. If you want a space with more than just food and alcohol, then party venues are the way to go! This type of venue offers everything from themed decorations to entertainment options such as DJs and live bands. Party venues often require a minimum spend of around $1000–$4000+ per session.
• Bars. Bars often have minimum spend requirements. They are great for socialising with friends or colleagues and they can be found throughout the Melbourne CBD and suburbs. The minimum spend at bars can be as low as $300 or as high as $1500 per session depending on the venue.
• Nightclubs. Finally, there are nightclubs with a minimum spend requirement. These venues are perfect for larger groups of people (e.g., birthday parties) because they have large capacity rooms and offer a variety of entertainment options like dancefloor, karaoke rooms and games. The minimum spend can be anywhere between $1000 and $4000+ per session.
• Pubs. Pubs are one of the most popular choices for small events like birthdays and anniversaries. They're also perfect for company parties because they offer everything you need in one place; food, drinks, music and entertainment! The minimum spend at pubs can be anywhere from $350 to over $4000 per session.