7 editor picks across Australia.
7 late-night dives worth the night across Australia, editor-ranked. All Australia guides.
Brooklyn Standard, behind a secret laneway door on Eagle Lane, won Best Live Music Venue in Australia at the Australian Bar Awards in 2015, 2019 and 2021.
TipWeekly band lineups are posted on the bar's Facebook page, so check there before you go.
Heartbreaker on Russell Street is the city's best late-night dive bar, a red-lit room with a proper jukebox, DJs from 10pm, cheap beer and doors open until 3am every night of the week.
The Old Bar on Johnston Street is Fitzroy's authentic dive: live bands most nights from local and touring acts, sticky floors, a pool table and a crowd that knows the difference between a venue that has character and one that has only designed itself to look like it does.
Pleasure Club is a cocktail bar, live music and performance haunt in the basement at 6 Wilson Street in Newtown, part of the Odd Culture venue group.
TipA weekly showcase runs every Thursday and there is karaoke backed by a live choir; check What's On for the month.
Chuck Trailer's CBD, at 36 York Street, is a two storey dive bar with grub and booze upstairs, live bands on a half-pipe stage and over 300 American whiskeys.
TipChuck's house band, Trailer Made, plays free punk-rock singalong anthems every Thursday at 8pm.
Rocklea Hotel on Ipswich Rd has poured cold beers and served craft cocktails in the Southside since 1874, with wines and affordable pub meals.
TipTables in the bistro can be booked online, and the hotel is open until 2am from Tuesday to Saturday.
The Paddo at 186 Given Terrace is a Paddington pub with a spacious outdoor beer garden, a restaurant, bar, gaming facilities and 6+ function rooms.
TipFunctions of any size from 10 to 300 can be catered for, from meetings and conferences to a 21st birthday.
