Where to Go for the Best After-Work Drinks in Melbourne
It’s 5pm. The inbox is closed. The laptop’s shut. You step outside and Melbourne’s buzzing. The trams are full. The footpaths are alive. The city is switching gears from business to pleasure. And you? You’re ready for a drink, some good food, and maybe a bit of music to ease into the night.
You don’t want just any bar. You want a place that gets it. Somewhere close. Somewhere with a vibe. Somewhere that helps you forget about meetings and emails.
Good news. You don’t have to look far.
What Makes a Post-Work Spot Actually the Best?
It’s not rocket science. But it does take the right mix. You need it to be central. Walking distance from the office. Easy to get to, easy to get home.
The drinks should hit the mark. Crisp beers. Cocktails that make you smile. A decent wine list never hurts either. The crowd? Friendly. Mixed. No pretension.
The music? Always part of the mood. And don’t forget the food. If the snacks are soggy or the mains are boring, you’ll notice. It should be tasty. Fun. Something to talk about between rounds.
You want space to sit if you’re wiped. Or room to vibe if the night kicks on.
Tick all those boxes? Now you’ve got something.
Public Bar at Transport Hotel: Your After-Work Sweet Spot
Let’s make this easy. Head to Public Bar at Transport Hotel.
It’s right in Fed Square. Bang in the middle of the city. You can see it from Flinders Street Station. Step off the train, walk a few metres, and you’re there. No Ubers. No headaches. Just straight into your evening.
What’s on the Drinks List?
Everything you want, and then some.
Cold pints on tap. Local craft beers for the hop-heads. Crisp ciders. Curated wines that show off the region.
Cocktails? Bold and balanced. Made properly. Not the sugary stuff you forget the name of. Think seasonal flavours, premium spirits, and bartenders who actually know their way around a shaker.
Fancy a G&T? They’ve got good gin. Want something smoky? They’ll point you to the right whisky.
What’s for Dinner? Or Snacks. Or a Bit of Both.
This is not your average pub menu. The food here’s worth talking about.
You can keep it casual with share plates, crispy calamari, wagyu sliders, loaded fries with all the good stuff. Or go in with a proper meal. Either way, you’re covered.
Everything’s made to match the drinks. To be honest, you could come here just to eat and still leave happy.
What’s the Vibe?
Honestly? It shifts in the best way.
Early in the week, it’s chill. People come to wind down. Have a drink. Catch up.
By Thursday, the mood lifts. You feel the weekend coming. The crowd’s looser. The playlists get groovier. Sometimes there’s live music. Sometimes it’s a DJ spinning feel-good beats.
Inside, there’s lounge seating if you want to take it slow. Outside, you’ve got the Yarra in view and the skyline behind you.
There’s always a spot that fits the night you’re having.
When Should You Go?
Depends what you’re after.
Mondays are mellow. Great for a quiet drink. No pressure.
Wednesdays? Surprisingly buzzy. It’s the new Thursday, right?
Fridays go off. After-work drinks become weekend starters real fast.
Rain or shine, it works. The indoor space is warm and welcoming. The outdoor area? Perfect on a sunny arvo. There are often specials or happy hour deals floating around too.
Ready to Make Your After-Work Routine Way Better?
You could head home. Or you could make a little detour to Public Bar. Whether you're flying solo, meeting your work crew, or heading out on a casual date, it fits.
Book ahead if you want a guaranteed table. Or just rock up. They’ve always got room for a few more.
Work’s done. Music’s playing. Drinks are flowing.
Come see why Public Bar keeps topping the list of the best live music venues Melbourne has on offer, and why it’s the post-5 PM destination locals actually stick with.