The Best Bars in Richmond For Your Next Night Out

Richmond’s nightlife scene can be described as cool, but never stuck up or stuffy. The buzzy hub that is Swan Street, along with the quieter wine bars and intriguing cocktail bars that dot Swan Street and Bridge Road, mean that you’re never short of a new place to meet up with friends and sip on something special. We’ve collected all the best bars in Richmond, from funky microbreweries and specialty gin bars to multi-level partystarters, to suit every mood and occasion.

Clover Wine 

This vibey, light-filled modern bistro and wine bar has lit the match in celebration of plates of food cooked solely over fire, and for the love of the natural vinous world. A real-deal vin de cav, embodying the evocative wine bars dotted around France, Clover’s got a whole lot going for it, not least it’s exceptional French-inspired small plate menu and impeccable wine list, but even its beautiful courtyard that lingers out back, dreamily imbued with sunshine and shade. One the best new bars in Richmond. 

193 Swan Street, Richmond

Fraek Vin

Another wine bar in Richmond to take note of is Fraek Vin, a relaxing little spot found at the bustling intersection of Bridge and Burnley roads. A haven for all natural wine, it has a worldly selection of minimal-intervention bottles - and everything is served chilled, just how we like it. Inspired by the owners' time in Copenhagen, expect a cool but friendly atmosphere to envelop you as you step inside for you next post-work tipple. Coffee, snacks and wine for takeaway are also included in the package deal. 

488 Bridge Road, Richmond

The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling is that rare combination of sophisticated and homely, with a highly capable bar team shaking up exciting cocktails in a relaxed, almost soothing setting. Sip on salted watermelon Daiquiris and elderflower Southsides under afternoon light streaming in from the heritage glass atrium. The largely Victorian wine list explores orange wines and fizzy pét-nats while snacks range from black truffle crisps to saltbush-sprinked kingfish crudo. We also love that they do table service here, meaning precious catchup time isn’t wasted queueing at the bar.

238 Swan Street, Richmond

Untitled Richmond

Settle in downstairs at this strikingly beautiful, three-tiered restaurant and bar and watch the world go by on Swan Street. Untitled has you covered for all the things that make up a great bar in Richmond; comfy banquette seating and a curved timber bar with view of the kitchen; a unique energy and lively atmosphere that's ideal for smaller groups dropping in for a post-work tipple; and an impressive lineup of cocktails, wines by the glass, spirits and digestifs. Round of white basil Paloma's, anyone? 

Equally impressive are the share plates; think oysters with dessert lime mignonette, cacio e pepe croquettes, and lobster rosti with harissa and cucumber. Hello, elevated bar bites, dialled up to 11. 

236 Swan Street, Cremorne

Nice Guys Brewery & Bar

This funky, ‘70s inspired microbrewery and bar is nothing like the industrial, warehouse-y breweries you usually see. Sporting colourful local furniture, ample indoor greenery and a fireplace centrepiece, Nice Guys is the kind of place you’ll want to hang around all day. They’re pouring fresh beers from chilled tanks, including a citrus-forward American pale ale, mild kiwi lager and toasty oatmeal stout, alongside top-notch wines and cocktails. Dogs are also welcome in the alfresco garden area out front, making this a great pit stop on a weekend walk.

306-308 Victoria Street, Richmond

The Blacksmith

Warm, elegant and just a smidge fancy, The Blacksmith should be high on your night out rotation. The bar takes inspiration from its historic 1920s façade, built back when it was McNaughton’s Ironmongers, taking on a “quirky antique-prohibition style décor” that’s full of personality. House cocktails pay homage to the classics, with fun additions like the Vow of Silence which blends lemon sorbet from Gelato Messina with Yellow Chartreuse, citrus shrub and prosecco. Planning a party? Their private function space includes a built-in photo booth – perfect for capturing hazy memories.

69 Swan Street, Richmond

WAYGOOD

Richmond’s WAYGOOD is the ideal wine bar – a place where you can buy a bottle to go, but also drop in for a hearty, refined meal. The menu changes weekly, offering nourishing, approachable food that will convert one-timers into regulars. 

A palette of soft yellows, honey tones and timber makes the dining room feel welcoming. The space is also illuminated by vintage, art deco table lamps scattered throughout. The curved bar remains a centrepiece, encircled by floating bespoke metal shelves.

At its heart, WAYGOOD is all about community, when you go you are encouraged to put down your phone and connect. And for that, it's clear to see why it's one of the best bars in Richmond. 

213 Swan Street, Richmond

Atlas Vinifera

A Richmond favourite since day one, at Atlas Vinifera it’s all about wine. To browse through their 400-strong shelves is to take a trip to every winemaking corner of the world, meaning you can start with lowkey local Chardy and end with a drop-dead gorgeous Chablis. Nurse a glass or two with a charcuterie board at their long counter bar or the sunny courtyard. During the winter months, they also do a hearty mulled wine.

274 Church Street, Richmond 

The Palm Royale

The unassuming exterior of 438 Church Street belies the vibrant Cuban-inspired bar hidden within. Brought to you by the team behind Windsor’s Jungle Boy, The Palm Royale is every bit as playful with palm fronds and disco balls aplenty. Tiki cocktails full of fresh, tropical fruit will have you feeling like a million dollars, while rum boilermakers will please those without a sweet tooth. There’s even a garden-styled courtyard outside where you can light up real Cuban and Dominican Republic cigars between rounds, if that’s your thing.

438 Church Street, Richmond

Bowerbird

If gin’s your tipple of choice, Bowerbird has your name written all over it. The specialty gin bar stocks over 70 Victorian gins sourced from regions as far wide as Ballarat, Geelong, Mildura and Milawa. Try them in refreshing G&T form or in all your classic gin cocktails like the celebratory French 75, citrus-forward Gimlet and springtime Bramble. You won’t go hungry either, with Bowerbird’s satisfying bar menu plating up oozy triple cheese toasties and meatball subs alongside your classic cheese and charcuterie.

274 Bridge Road, Richmond

The Collection Bar

This neighbourhood cocktail bar has been a Richmond staple for over 20 years. It’s changed hands and been given a new lick of paint a few times over that period, but never strayed from its calling – good vibes and great drinks. Expect house cocktails that are big and bold, with options like the Perfect Chaos with rum, tiki bitters, honey and pineapple syrup, or the spicy Chockwork Orange with rum, cacao, cold brew liqueur and chilli bitters.

328 Bridge Road, Richmond 

Attria

A wine bar serving snacks and supper ‘til late is always a winner in our books. At Attria on Swan Street you can nibble on earthy black truffle salami, fluffy focaccia smothered in taramasalata and wild mushroom agnolotti while working your way through a lengthy wine list that traverses vineyards across Australia and the world. It’s a bar for every occasion, whether you’re catching up with mates (go for the al fresco outdoor tables), on a date (the vibes inside are cute and cosy) or just wanting a solo glass of wine (sit up at the bar).

107 Swan Street, Richmond

Corner Hotel

A longstanding institution of the Richmond community, the Corner Hotel is a local gastropub come live music venue, playing host to renowned Australian and International artists. Gigs aside, this beloved watering hole is highly rated for their classic pub fare, regular social events and afternoon sessions on the rooftop. It's definitely one of the most iconic bars in Richmond. 

57 Swan Street, Richmond

Annie Lewis Winehouse

This zippy little wine bar and shop on Bridge Road is a quiet overachiever, turning visitors into regulars with their exciting wine list, strong cocktails and warm atmosphere. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to share their passion and help you discover a new favourite bottle, with both classic wines and funky new natural drops given representation on the menu. For a low key catchup with friends or a post-dinner nightcap, Annie can’t be beat.

138 Bridge Road, Richmond

Fargo & Co

Bottomless brunches, glitzy décor and a roomy rooftop terrace – Fargo & Co is where Richmond goes to get the party started. The former heritage bank building has been transformed into a 200-seat, double storey bar glammed up with neon art, indoor greenery and a huge chandelier. There’s frosé in summer, boozy hot choc in winter and theatrical cocktails all year round. Resident and visiting DJs get the DF raring to go from Thursday onwards, while bottomless brunch is on every weekend without fail.

216 Swan Street, Richmond

Brogan's Way Distillery

Brogan Carr has forged her own path in the male-dominated distilling industry, starting from three gins back in 2019 to the expansive collection of craft gins and vodkas now available today. At this Richmond-based cocktail bar and distillery you can join the journey with weekly tours, cocktail making classes and gin-making workshops that’ll have you popping open a bottle at your next party and proudly declaring “I made this”. Alternatively, simply pop into the bar to sink a few G&Ts and nibble on cheese.

61 North Street, Richmond

The Bridge Hotel

A quintessential Melbourne pub, The Bridge Hotel is a bit like stepping inside Diagon Alley. Richmond's loyal local is a corner pub split in two, with a cobblestone laneway running straight through the centre. Given that dynamic design, a magical night out here is guaranteed, especially when met with old school hospitality, classic pub charm, a cracking seasonal menu, and all your favourites on tap. The multi-layered venue also has dedicated function, dancing and dining spaces wrapped around its iconic laneway, easily solidifying itself as one of the best bars in Richmond to escape into. 

642 Bridge Road, Richmond 

Mountain Goat Brewery

Tucked away down one of Richmond's industrial side streets, this striking venue is home to the Melbourne-born Mountain Goat Brewery; producers and servers of top quality original beers. Perfect for laidback afternoon sessions, settle in at The Goat Bar, where the Mountain Goat team serve a selection of all-time favourites and limited-edition brews, along with house-made pizzas and tasty food truck fare.  

80 North Street, Richmond 

The Royston

Year after year the Royston remains one of the coolest pubs in Richmond. Effortlessly combining a front bar that feels like a mate’s living room – complete with sunken couches, mismatched furniture and pot plants – with a classy old school bistro outback. Their insouciance hides a killer craft beer offering and top of the line cooking. But day in and day out, you’ll find the Royston milling with loyal regulars (their trivia night always books out).

12 River Street, Richmond

Prince Alfred Hotel

The Prince Alfred Hotel is a classic Melbourne pub with all of the trimmings. Authentic and rich in ambience, it’s a place for any occasion; with their cosy dining room and leafy beer garden serving up beverages and contemporary pub cuisine with a touch of class. 

619 Church Street, Richmond

Harlow

A pub, rooftop and beer garden all chicly rolled into one buzzy venue, Harlow is one of the best bars in Richmond. Not just for its cracking disco drag bottomless brunch weekend offerings, but also for it's lively atmosphere and stellar views across the city. 

Everyone is welcome to the Harlow house, where the food is to die for, the drinks are flowing and there’s always something fun going on. And there's only one rule - good vibes only! 

447 Church Street, Richmond

National Hotel

Classy cocktails and pan-Asian dishes abound in this hip concrete pub and bar in Richmond. Exposed brick and recycled wood mesh beautifully within, creating an ambient and classy space for you and friends to while away a few hours, glass of local brew in hand, crispy pork belly bao in the other. 

The best part? Come summer, the National's open air beer garden is the perfect gathering point for a Sunday session. We recommend staying until dark, to bask under the string of glowing lanterns and be charmed by the cacophony of laughter and cheers that only dim come closing time. 

344 Victoria Street, Richmond

Union House

Lively, easygoing and heritage-listed, this Swan Street favourite was recently transformed by the team behind Marquis of Lorne. It's a doozy too, featuring upmarket comfort food and a rooftop deck, plus cocktails, beer and wine in abundance. Seriously, if you're a wine lover, Union House is the Richmond pub for you. The food menu is hit after hit too - we're partial to their flavoursome snacks and starters, but mains are also brimming with essential yet elevated fare, including spiced chicken schnitzel, pork belly, and ricotta gnocchi.

Your beloved dog is also allowed on the roof with you, and there is sport on the screens - what more can you ask for in a new-classic Australian pub? 

270 Swan Street, Richmond 

We’ve got even more suggestions for going out this season. Who doesn’t love a cheap drink? Check out these great value happy hours that’ll have you clocking off early. On chilly nights you’ll find us rugged up in these cosy pubs with fireplaces, while weekends are spent exploring the best bars out in Footscray.