The Best Happy Hours in Melbourne for Post-Work Bevvies

Whether you’re after a budget-friendly Friday pick-me-up or celebrating with a round (or three), Melbourne’s happy hour scene has you covered. From sky-high sips at rooftop bars to laid-back vibes in hidden courtyards, and neighbourhood pubs slinging unbeatable deals, the city is teeming with spots that offer more than just a discount.

With drink specials and tasty bites flowing all week long, you can cheers to every occasion without breaking the bank.

Cocktail connoisseur, voracious vinofile or beer lover, this list of the best happy hours in Melbourne will have you raising a glass in no time. Cheers!

Yugen’s Kanpai Hour

Kanpai to that. Across two hours, Wednesday through Sunday, Yugen’s bar transforms into a sake-soaked prelude to the night — walk-ins only, no fuss. This is happy hour, reimagined the Yugen way: Sydney rock oysters with soy, ginger and shio kombu meet their match in a pour of Kazuma Chikuha, while that cult prawn toast finds harmony with a glass of Miwasakura Omusubi — a masterclass in small bites, big flavour, and exquisite restraint.

Happy hour: Wednesday through Sunday, 6pm to 8pm

605 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Little Hours at Cordelia

From Wednesdays to Fridays, 2pm to 5pm, Carlton’s newest neighbourhood spot is serving Little Hours — mini cocktails paired with snackable bites for just $20. Pick a Negroni or a martini with buttery fries or a slick mini wine and shellfish combo (oyster or scallop). It’s perfectly pitched: chic enough to feel special, casual enough to swing by solo or with friends. The ultimate happy hour in Melbourne. Tiny drinks, bold bites, and no fuss. Walk-ins welcome — this might just become your new mid-afternoon ritual.

Happy hour: Wednesday to Fridays, 2pm to 5pm

180 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

Lilac Wine Bar Aperitivo Hour

Lilac Wine’s happy hour commits to the hour, and it’s so good, you’ll want to be booking a table at 4pm on the dot. Slurp on $4 oysters, $10 beers and wines, $12 spritzes, a $10 tiny martini (it’s adorable), $12 negroni and a $25 Aperitivo plate. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it the perfect spot to unwind after work or kick off a casual evening with friends.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the chance to pair your drinks with their carefully crafted small bites that complement every sip.

Happy hour: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm to 5pm

31 Stephenson Street, Cremorne

Bar Olo

Bar Olo’s Aperitivo Hour is a masterclass in understated indulgence. Running Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm to 6pm, it pairs your drink of choice — be it a crisp spritz, refined cocktail or elegant wine — with complimentary gourmet bites. This generous gesture elevates the experience, transforming a simple pre-dinner drink into a charming early evening ritual.

The setting is effortlessly chic, with moody lighting, intimate corners and a hum of good conversation that invites you to linger. Sophisticated yet accessible, Bar Olo’s Aperitivo Hour proves that treating yourself needn’t come at a cost. It’s a little slice of la dolce vita, right in the heart of the city.

Happy hour: Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm to 6pm

165 Nicholson Street, Carlton

The Walrus

There’s nothing worse than spotting a great happy hour deal, but not being able to make it in time. The Walrus is providing the ultimate solution with a late night happy hour, from 10pm to 11pm. Perfect for night owls or anyone looking to keep the good times rolling a little longer, this savvy spot serves up a curated menu of discounted drinks that hit the spot after dark. Think $15 martinis and negronis and $3 oysters, as well as a supper menu that lasts until midnight.

Happy hour: 10pm to 11pm

9 Inkerman Street, St Kilda

Baby Pizza – Seasonal Aperitivo Sessions

While summer may be over, Baby Pizza isn’t letting the vibes drop. They’re bringing ‘la dolce vita’ to Richmond with their seasonal aperitivo held every day of the week—and this season, it’s Aperol hour. Celebrate the end of the work day with $9.50 cocktails, $7.50 wine and $6.50 beer, it’s no wonder Baby is a forever favourite. Sip on Aperols, Fragola Spitz, Agrumato Fizz and a whole range of other refreshing, fizzy delights that’ll help cast your mind to sunnier skies and hotter days.

Happy hour: Daily, 4pm to 6pm

631–633 Church Street, Richmond

Margarita Mondays at Hotel Nacional

Why let the weekend have all the fun? Kickstart your week at Hardware Lane’s only 100% gluten-free Mexican rooftop bar with all-day two-for-one margaritas every Monday. From classic lime to spicy chilli, creamy coconut, and frozen passionfruit, these margaritas are pure sunshine in a glass. Bonus points for their smoky mezcal and cheeky Lagerita twists!

Gather your crew and make Mondays feel like Fridays — because life’s too short for boring weekdays!

23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Shabooh Shoobah

We wanted to gatekeep this gem, but Shabooh Shoobah’s $10 happy hour is just too good not to share. With summer in full swing, their frozen pineapple margaritas and frozen mojitos are absolute hot weather game-changers—fresh, bold, and packing a punch. Happy hour runs 4–6pm every single day (dangerous, we know). Throw in a zesty grapefruit Paloma, a classic Negroni, and snacks that slap, and you’ve got yourself a vibey little haven. Trust us—this spot is your new obsession.

Happy hour: Daily, 4pm to 6pm

59A Melville Road, Brunswick West 

Marion

This isn’t your typical Melbourne happy hour. In fact, Marion’s La Hora del Vermut isn’t just any old hour at all — it’s a vibe, a ritual, and a damn good excuse to pause and savour life. Originally a pre-lunch aperitif moment, this vermouth-fuelled tradition is perfect for Melbourne’s balmy summer afternoons.

With vermouth served over ice (slice mandatory) and snacks that scream Spain—razor clams, confit seafood toast, and the iconic Gilda — it’s a full sensory escape.

Don’t miss their siphon-served cocktail, Preparado con Sifon, for a bit of tableside theatrics. We’ll cheers to that!

Summertime only

53 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 

Panacea Bar

If you don’t know, you should: every Wednesday, this under-the-radar Collingwood bar selects a few of its finest wines and offers them for just $10 a glass, all night long. It’s the perfect opportunity to sip some top-notch vino, whether you’re winding down after work, kicking off a dinner, or enjoying a mid-week date.

Sitchu Tip: Check their Instagram stories on Wednesday afternoons to see which bottles are being poured that evening – it’s always worth the peek.

Happy hour: $10 Wine Wednesdays

210 Johnston Street, Collingwood 

True South

$9 wines, $6 pints, and $15 cocktails? Yes, please! True South has you covered, Monday through Thursday, from 4pm to 6pm. Grab your crew and settle in at this super cool Argentinean restaurant and bar for a bayside happy hour in Melbourne you won’t forget. With stunning views and killer drinks, it’s the perfect midweek treat.

Sitchu Tip: Stay on Tuesday for trivia at 7pm — it’s a good time waiting to happen!

Happy hour: Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 6pm

298 Beach Road, Black Rock

Nina’s Bar & Dining

Brunswick’s new neighbourhood darling, Nina’s, has nailed the art of the knock-off. Tucked beside the bike path near Anstey Station, this spritz-slinging bolthole delivers $10 cocktails daily from 4pm–6pm — think spicy Margaritas, French 75s, and a Spritz line-up spanning Aperol to Amaro. Add a tidy wine list, charming locals, and a golden hour buzz, and you’ve got one of Melbourne’s most delightful happy hours. Affordable, delicious, and dangerously easy to make a habit.

Happy hour: Daily, 4pm to 6pm

11 Florence Street, Brunswick

Royal Oak Hotel 

What’s better than grabbing a pot with your mates after work? How about 2-for-1 pots! From Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 6pm, the beautifully revamped Royal Oak Hotel is serving up $4 pots and $8 pints of their crisp Oak Lager. It’s the perfect excuse to double up, kick back, and let the good times roll. Say less.

Happy hour: Mondays through Thursday, 4pm to 6pm

442 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North

Sushi Baby

This sushi spot and pastel-coloured dreamland makes one seriously delicious inside-out salmon aburi roll…but did you know that while you’re feasting on fresh finesse, you could also be indulging in one of the best happy hours in Melbourne? Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm to 6pm, Sushi Baby offers their delicious cocktails for next to nothing – $10 a pop! The best part? They’re magically delicious!

414 New Street, Brighton

Post Office Club Hotel 

A bistro-pub meets modern convenience store, the Post Office Club Hotel has been a St Kilda mainstay since 1871 — and its latest chapter is all about good food, good wine and seriously good deals. The happy hour offering? $15 cocktail of the week, $8 selected tap beers and wines, and freshly shucked oysters for $3.50 a pop. Swing by on a Wednesday and you’ll catch their $25 steak frites special — très magnifique.

Happy hour: Daily, 4pm to 6pm

306 St Kilda Road, St Kilda 

Prince Alfred Hotel 

Richmond’s beloved Prince Alfred Hotel — home to one of the city’s best beer gardens — knows how to do a weekday wind-down. From 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, you’ll find $10 pints, $8 house wines, and $8 basic spirits on pour. With laid-back vibes and pub classics on rotation, this is the kind of happy hour that feels more like a standing appointment.

Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm

619 Church Street, Richmond

Dolly 

From 5 to 7pm each weekday, this is the basement bar if you’re looking for a glamorous after-work or pre-theatre drink. Descend the Art Deco staircase and nestle into the 1930s-inspired décor to enjoy $15 specials on some of Dolly’s most cinematic cocktails and premium wines by the glass for just $10.

Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 5pm to 7pm

20 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Chancery Lane

This is happy hour in Melbourne, elevated. Every Wednesday to Friday, Chancery Lane serves up happy hour in Le Jardin, with glasses of $15 champagne or $6 Moon Dog lager paired with a selection of delicious treats like $3 Southern Rock oysters. Name a better way to kick-start your evening, or debrief over a long week in the office. Walk ins only. 

Happy hour: Wednesday – Friday , 5pm – 7pm

430 Little Collins Street

The Village Belle Hotel

Kick back with a cold one at the historic Village Belle Hotel — beautifully restored, always buzzing, and home to one of Melbourne’s best happy hours. Sip on $6 selected tap beers, $7 house wines, bubbles and basic spirits, $10 spritzes and $12 espresso martinis and select cocktails. All that’s left to do? Gather your crew, pick a perch across the multi-level space, and settle in with your favourite drink in hand.

Happy hour: All day Monday, Tuesday to Friday, 3pm to 7pm

202 Barkly Street, St Kilda 

Copycat 

Elsternwick’s Copycat is elevating the happy hour ritual, pouring $15 cocktails, $10 pints, $6 pots, and 30% off all wine — plus a menu of small plates to match. It runs every afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday, with classics and signature mixes in the shaker. Turn up the heat with the Copycat Margarita — a house-infused jalapeño tequila blend with ginger, lime, passionfruit and agave. A little bit fiery, a lot fancy.

Happy hour: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 6pm, Friday to Sunday, 4pm to 6pm

9B Gordon Street, Elsternwick

Good Heavens 

Get out of your office and into good spirits at Good Heavens, a retro rooftop bar in the heart of the CBD. Happy hour is delivering the goods with $8 wine, bubbles, and pints of beer or cider on weekdays. If you happen to stop in on Sunday, you’ll be delighted by the $10 Spritz specials. Walk-ins are welcome.

Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3pm to 6pm

2/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Evies

It’s happy hour every day of the week at Evies, Fitzroy’s colourful disco diner inspired by New York City in the 80s. Wind down with $6 wine, bubbles, beer, cider and seltzers – or get revved up for the night with $10 espresso martinis and other cocktail faves. While you’re there, grab some diner-style comfort food, with vegan options for almost everything on the menu.

Happy hour: Daily, 4pm to 7pm

230/232 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

The Moat 

Escape the city rush at The Moat: an iconic hideaway and intimate haven in the city’s literary hub. Book-lined walls and dark wood furnishings set the scene for stirring conversation over a gin martini, making The Moat the ultimate spot for after-work catch-ups.

Happy hour specials should keep the discussions flowing with $12 cocktails, wine from $8 and beer from $7.

Happy hour: Tuesday–Saturday, 4pm–6pm

176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Hardimans Hotel 

Built in the 1870s, historic Hardimans is one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues and, like any good pub, they’re serving up some sweet happy hour specials. Kick back with deals on beer, wine and spirits from Monday to Friday while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of a local hotspot.

Keep an eye on Hardimans socials to see when you can catch some live comedy too. 

Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm

521 Macaulay Road, Kensington

Prahran Hotel 

This historic Melbourne pub is now a modern watering hole, updated with a sleek industrial interior and a contemporary food and drink offering. Knock off and head to the Prahran Hotel for one of the best happy hours in Melbourne with $4 pots, $6 house wines, $8 pints and $10 Aperol Spritz.

Did we mention the Aperol’s are $10 all day, every day?   

Happy hour: Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm

82 High Street, Windsor 

Republica 

There’s nothing like a beachfront bev to wind down after work. Settle in at Republica, a relaxed St Kilda bar and restaurant with a courtyard that’s sought-after real estate on sunny days. Republica’s got happy hour sorted with $12 Aperol Spritzes and $15 espresso martinis – perfect prep for beach volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm. 

Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm

10–18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Made your way through the best happy hours in Melbourne? Continue your exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife with our roundups of the coolest pubs and underground bars in town.