G’DAY MOMU-IANS!
It’s Friday/Saturday night, and you’re in the Spot (or some other place) studying… but what you really wanna do is to unleash your inner party animal and hit the town. But wait, you don’t know where to go!
We’ve all been in that position before and yes, it’s super frustrating. But FRET NOT, for here is a list of bars and clubs (in no particular order) for you to check out with your friends over the weekend!
1. F E R D Y D U R K E
Level 1 & 2, 31 Tattersalls Lane
Be impressed by this hidden gem’s grungy yet cozy atmosphere—think poster-strewn walls, alternative music and seats looking out onto mysterious backstreets and artistic graffiti! And let’s not forget about its delicious $20 cocktails. But don’t fret if you’re don’t know what to get—their friendly bartenders would be more than willing to help you out with that.
Directions:
From QV’s main entrance (corner of Swanston & Lonsdale St), cross the street and walk onto Lonsdale St in the opposite direction of Emporium. Turn right when you see Vodafone into Tattersalls Lane, then go up two flights of stairs through their side door.
2. S I S T E R B E L L A
22 Drewery Place
Yet another quintessential Melbournian bar in an obscure area. Sister Bella’s vintage décor, dim lighting and soft music make the perfect combination for a relaxing night out with friends. There are $10 jugs of beer and quirky cocktails on offer, toasties and even board games (Jenga, anyone?) for your entertainment!
Directions:
From Topshop Emporium on Lonsdale St, cross the street to the opposite side of Topshop where you will see a sign pointing into Drewery Lane. Walk along Drewery Lane and turn left into Sniders Lane. You’ll eventually find a couple of steps up to a small open door.
3. T H E L U I B A R
Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins St
If you feel like getting a little ‘high’, then swoosh up to the 55th floor of the Rialto and head towards the stylish Lui Bar for an ‘atas’ bar experience! Treat yourself to a drink or two and embrace the jaw-dropping panorama of Melbourne, which is guaranteed to make you fall in love with this beautiful city all over again.
Directions:
Take the route 55 tram from Queen Victoria Market (Stop 9 – Queen Victoria Market/49 Peel St) or Bourke St (Stop 5 – Bourke St/William St). Get off at Stop 4 (Collins St/Williams St) and turn left onto Collins St at the junction ahead. Continue along Collins St until you see Rialto on your left.
4. B O N D M E L B O U R N E
24 Bond St
Looking for a club that’ll make you go “OMG”? Then you should come on over here on Friday nights for OMG Fridays! You’ll be amazed by Bond’s Tron-esque interior design, its exciting line-up of RnB music and their good range of drinks. What’s more, MoMU members are entitled to reduced ticket prices upon entry, so what are you waiting for?!
Directions:
From the Elizabeth St side of Flinders Street Station, walk straight along Flinders St in the opposite direction of Federation Square. Keep walking until you see a sign pointing into Bond St on your right. Turn right into Bond St and walk towards a crowd of people who are probably as keen as you to party at Bond.
5. S P I C E M A R K E T
Beany Lane, off Russell St
(adjacent from Grand Hyatt)
Spice Market is a slightly up-market (pun intended) night club, with its exquisite interior that has strong influences from the Far East and exotic cocktails. If you like RnB and today’s top 40, Friday nights at Spice Market is the way to go! And before we forget, it’s also free entry on Fridays (WHAAATTT??)! But do remember to dress up a bit!
Directions:
Take the route 11, 12, 48 or 109 tram and get off at Stop 7 – 101 Collins St. Walk along Collins St towards Russell St. Turn left onto Russell St and then turn left into Beaney Lane.
6. M S C O L L I N
425 Collins St
Classy and elegant yet fun and exciting, Ms Collins is sure to please you with the hottest RnB and hip hop tunes. Although there isn’t an official dance floor, there are still spaces for you to sprawl and get down as you wish! If you need a break from dancing, you can head on upstairs to the top floor to enjoy the view of its cool interior.
Directions:
Take the route 11, 12, 48 or 109 tram and get off at Stop 3 – William St. Walk along Collins St towards Market St. You’ll find the entrance of Ms Collins at the corner of Collins and Market St.
7. C H I N A B A R
257-259 Swanston St
235 Russell St
Feeling like bar hopping but hungry at the same time? Well, this is the bar for you!
After a night of drinking and dancing, you can always rely on China Bar to serve up a wide range of your favourite Chinese food at affordable prices.
Directions:
China Bar on Swanston – From QV’s main entrance, walk straight along Swanston Street towards Little Bourke Street. You’ll see it on your right as you’re walking!
China Bar on Russell – From QV’s main entrance, walk along Lonsdale Street in the opposite direction of Emporium then turn right onto Russell Street.
8. S T A L A C T I T E S
177-183 Lonsdale St
If you’re not up for Asian food, why not give this 24-hour Greek restaurant a go? After all, it’s right next to China bar. Stalactites’ classic lamb souvlakis is sure to sober fill you right up after a wild night out.
Directions:
Same as the one given for China Bar on Russell.
So there you go! Our picks on places to hit for some fun on the weekend. This list could potentially be places for you to visit over this mid-semester break ;) Party hard, but remember not to go overboard, you party animals!!
If you think we left out a bar or club that should be on this post, comment below!
Disclaimer: MoMU is not paid or sponsored by the above venues except Bond Melbourne, we are just merely giving suggestions from one Malaysian to another!