Rooftop Bar

What to Expect @ Rooftop Bar

By kat Pollard

It appears that we Melbournians enjoy a good work out before drinking, to me the idea is stupid but to the owners of Rooftop bar it apparently makes perfect sense. You really deserve an internationally recognised medal ceremony when you reach the Rooftop bar; I honestly lost count how many flights I managed to gasp up. Never fear, this place is laziness and smoker friendly, with an oh-so tiny elevator that apparently runs too. Rooftop is one of Melbourne's most amazing venues during summer.

It looks a bit like a trashy motel scene with a huge stretch of faux grass and white tables and umbrellas but it works for them. On the green you can join the other sea of bodies for a nice cold cider or beer whilst embracing the killer views of the Melbourne skyline/concrete jungle. If you'd rather not risk the chance of getting grass stains, then head to the bar side, a super small area that realtors could only describe as truly intimate.

Drinks are standard, if you're looking for fancy cocktails then head down two levels to Cookie. You can get cider on tap though, which is always a plus.

If you're one to care about social etiquette then don't stress. The dress code is rather lax on Rooftop bar, jeans and shorts all entitle one to entry. The crowd is generally twenty somethings wanting to get street credit, early thirties grasping onto their youth without looking desperately out of place and of course you get the occasional fresh faced eighteen year old or quirky middle aged couple that most definitely took the elevator. Either way it's a seriously relaxed vibe filled with plenty of good times to be had by all.

If you make to down, or up, during summer then try and check out one of the films that they showcase during the summer season's Rooftop cinema. Book a seat though, they usually only take a certain amount of people. And be prepared to fork out $20 for the chance to watch a movie that you'll probably find in JB HI FI for $6.99, but trust me it's worth it purely for the experience to share your viewing of Fear and Loathing with 150 drunk people, all trying not to throw themselves over the edge.