Where the tunes – and sound – are just as important as the food, drinks and everything else.
There’s something truly special about a bar that takes its vinyl stash as seriously as the drinks and food, so it’s exciting to see more of these venues pop up. These are the types of places with dedicated listening rooms, regular live DJs and simple yet sensational food that makes it easy to kick back with friends and lose a few hours while you soak it all up.
Whether it’s new indie albums, rock ‘n’ roll rarities or old-school hip-hop favourites, a host of bars have done the legwork in creating a killer music catalogue for you. They’re constantly adding to their collection, too. So, if you’re a vinyl collector, audiophile or would-be aficionado, there’s no better place to be than one of these top listening bars.
In Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll find the recently opened Baby Driver spinning ’70s hip hop and deep funk. It’s the soundtrack to a Euro-leaning wine list and rotating food offerings, with Detroit-style pizza from MILE9 among the most recent. Stop in for a drink before you move on to the next stop, but beware that you may end up cancelling your other plans and settling in.
For an intimate city experience, head for the Music Room (pictured) on the first floor of HER. Designed to feel like you’re inside a speaker box, this super comfy space often hosts local and international artists, and the decor and drinks will also have you wanting to stay a while, not to mention there’s also the drawcard Thai food from level three’s BKK.
The CBD’s Caretaker’s Cottage (pictured) has a standout vinyl collection, but it’s very likely that the world-class cocktails will steal your attention. Either way, this is absolutely worth the stop. At Disuko, which took over the space of the former Madame Brussels, the venue is complete with a moody Vinyl Bar channelling 1980s Tokyo. Throw in a creative cocktail list and excellent Japanese dishes, and it’s a must-do on a night out in the city. But if it’s a livelier atmosphere you’re chasing, Section 8 regularly hosts DJs and other live music events. The outdoor container bar is a city icon.
Even the suburbs are at it. Tucked away behind Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn is Bar Selecta. A serious Japanese lean shows here in the cracking cocktails, sake offering, whiskies, music and more. Just don’t bring a crowd – it has 10 seats for a cosy experience.
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Over in Collingwood, Hope St Radio is open from Thursday to Sunday, where DJs play while livestreaming to the online Hope St radio station. Natural wines and snacks are a focus, all while delivering great tunes and a great atmosphere.
In Northcote, audiophiles should head straight for High Note, where the speakers are a showpiece; co-owner Umut Turkeri restored and installed a set of vintage Altec Lansing horns here that once hung in the Sydney Opera House. Even if you don’t nerd out on the acoustics, you’re bound to enjoy the music, great drinks and food.
Further north in Brunswick, Waxflower (pictured) is proudly all about vinyl and wine, with a focus on lo-fi producers. A feature wall stacked with vinyl is a music-lover’s dream, and DJs take pride of place in the centre of the room. You can expect a wide range of genres here, and the snacks and drinks are worth the visit, too.
