The 16 Best Small Bars for Hire in Melbourne

Q: How much does it cost to book small private bars in Melbourne?

Booking costs of small bars average $1500 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 $2500 minimum spend per event - From $21 to $50 per person - From $250 hire fee per event

FAQs about Top Small Private Bars in Melbourne

How much does it cost to book small private bars in Melbourne?

Booking costs of small bars average $1500 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:

Prices of small bars in Melbourne as of September, 2026
From $700	to $2500	minimum spend per event
From $21	to $50	per person
From $250		hire fee per event

What are the top small bar event spaces available in Melbourne?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

Entire Venue at Concrete Boots Bar in Richmond - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The bar staff were awesome and friendly and keep the drinks flowing.’
Private Function Room at The Blacksmith Bar in Cremorne - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend The Blacksmith Bar for any special occasion.’
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.’

What are some small private bars close to Melbourne CBD?

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

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...’

What events can you host at small bar venues in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, small 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 September 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 $200 and $1,000.	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 $1,700.	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.’
Stag Party	Usually between $1,000 and $2,000.	User who booked Private Function Room at Polly Bar for 25 guests said: ‘Amazing venue with a great atmosphere and friendly staff.’

What events are Melbourne’s small bars suitable for?

Melbourne's small bars are suitable for a variety of events:

Cocktail Parties - Small bars in Melbourne often specialise in crafting creative cocktails and providing cosy, intimate spaces, making them ideal venues for cocktail parties. Whether it's a birthday celebration, engagement party, or corporate mixer, small bars offer a relaxed yet stylish setting for guests to socialise and enjoy handcrafted drinks.
Hens and Bucks Parties - Small bars provide intimate and relaxed settings for hens and bucks parties, allowing attendees to celebrate in a private yet vibrant atmosphere. These venues offer the perfect backdrop for pre-wedding celebrations, with customisable drink menus, stylish decor, and personalised service to ensure a memorable experience for the bride or groom-to-be and their guests.
Networking Events - Small bars provide intimate and relaxed settings for networking events, allowing attendees to mingle and connect in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Whether it's a professional networking event, industry mixer, or meet-up, these venues offer the perfect backdrop for fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
Birthdays - From intimate gatherings to milestone celebrations, Melbourne's small bars are well-suited for hosting birthday parties. With their cosy ambience and personalised service, these venues provide a wa

Are there any unique small bars in Melbourne?

Melbourne is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and there are several unique small bars in the city that offer not only delicious drinks but also a unique ambience and memorable experiences. Here is an example:

Restaurant at Natural History Public Bar - Sip your drinks under the nature-filled 15 metre long diorama at one of Melbourne’s most unique venues. This small bar near Flinders Street Station is available for AUD$500 to AUD$5000 minimum spend.