C&G’s Guide to the Best Themed Bars in Melbourne

Tips & Advice

It’s true Melbourne has no shortage of bars and nightclubs, but it’s worth mentioning the ones with an established theme adding to the charming and quirky landscape of Melbourne nightlife. In this C&G blog we round up some gems that are perfect for hangouts, dates - or perhaps for those occasions when you need to show an out-of-towner around our city. You’ll be the cocktail connoisseur of the group with these nifty suggestions!

Bartronica

Pacman, Streetfighter, pinball machines, old-school pixelated Mario Kart… nostalgia reigns in this retro gaming wonderland on Flinders Lane in Melbourne CBD. This is the place where grown-ups can enjoy the drink of their choice, forget the stresses of adult life, and relive the simpler childhood times of arcade and console games. The recent renovation means you can gather a group of friends and book a booth for a private game of Mario or Smash Bros!

Berlin Bar

Ring a doorbell at the top floor of 16 Corrs Lane in Melbourne CBD, and enter a world split between the Capitalist West or the Communist East of 1960s Berlin. Enjoy a selection of cocktails, spirits (gin being a specialty) and German wine. Since 2015 the talented bartenders have also been using ‘Cocktail of the Week’ as fuel to push boundaries on flavour and creativity. It doesn’t hurt to keep some historic trivia up your sleeve to wow your friends, otherwise you might just be wondering why the vibes are so juxtaposed in this quirky bar.

Holey Moley

With pop-culture references and turntable courses, rest assured you’re in for an enjoyable night – no golf skills required. Pick your closest Melbourne location and enjoy their selection of food and drinks, all named after crafty golf puns. This one is an option for the whole family as well!

Mjolner

Marvel fans with a Thor-level appetite will enjoy this restaurant bar inspired by Norse mythology. Its quirky features will have you feeling like a viking, such as drinking your beer from an animal horn and custom-made knives accompanying all meat dishes.

29th Apartment

A bit closer to home, 29th Apartment on Fitzroy Street St Kilda is a recreation of struggling artist Katishe’s home. This eccentric woman was an artist from St Kilda who mysteriously disappeared in the 80s, her oil paintings heavily inspired by the streets of New York City. You can enjoy old-school movies playing from the retro TV, as well as Jenga and Connect Four.