As the name would suggest, this is a casual and unpretentious perch atop the CBD’s (Central Business District) Curtain House, attracting a mixed crowd with an unbeatable view of Melbourne. Open day and night, it turns into a cinema from 8PM in the summer months, screening the occasional blockbuster and plenty of cult classics.

Part of the St. Kilda Sea Baths complex, the Captain’s open deck is ideal for those who like to enjoy a sea breeze on a night out. With a stellar view of the St Kilda foreshore, the resort-styled lounge bar provides a creative drink list and adventurous bar snacks to fuel that favoured Australian afternoon pastime, the Sunday Session.

The eponymous doctor was a Federation-era pharmacist, and his former Abbotsford premises still purports to peddle the cure for all your ills. An original brick mural advertising Morse’s medicines adds character to the cosy restaurant interior, but the prime spot is the spacious beer garden. The mood here is merry and low-key; corrugated iron and exposed brick are dressed up with fairy lights, and a rockabilly playlist gives a vintage vibe to what feels like a lively backyard party.

From the team behind New York’s Milk and Honey, The Everleigh has been a Melbourne staple since opening. Serving up classic cocktails, like a 1950s Gordon’s gin martini, in a newly revamped setting that continues to channel its old-world charm. It’s easy to see why this bar remains a local favourite, with details like the bespoke hand-cut ice (supplied by Navy Strength Ice Co) and a hidden location on Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street (just look for Belle’s Hot Chicken).

Melbourne might be known for its hit-and-miss weather, but when its warm, the Rooftop at QT is the only place to be. Who doesn’t like drinking beer in the sunshine? One of the largest rooftop bars in the city, this one sits on top of the city’s QT hotel and also serves up crowd-pleasing bites from lobster rolls to oysters – perfect with a cold glass of bubbly against views of the city’s skyline.

The adjoining wine bar to the much-loved restaurant Cutler & Co. on Gertrude Street, Marion takes its wine seriously. Said to have the most extensive list in the area, most grape varieties are covered, but an entire section is also devoted to the more obscure, like orange wine. The food menu changes daily, but expect nibbles such as prawn rolls and grilled pork neck. You may intend to stop by for just a glass, but this is the kind of place you’ll end up staying for a bottle. Each.

Modelled on the stand-up Italian cafés, Bar Americano is a tiny 10-person cocktail bar in an obscure laneway location which has no seats. Serving up a constantly changing menu of classics that includes an expertly concocted negroni, this gold nugget is perfect to nip by for a pre-prandial tipple before heading elsewhere. Just don’t expect to have more than two drinks, as there is usually a crowd of people jostling to grab your seat.