KEY POINTS:
Madam Brussels
Level 3, 59-63 Bourke St.
Think astro-turf grass for carpet and indoor gazebos, staff in tennis gear and a young crowd. This slightly mad bar serves up $25 high tea on the outdoor terrace: cupcakes, cucumber sandwiches and raspberry and lime alcoholic punch. If it gets nippy at this kooky country club, blankets are thoughtfully provided.
Polly Bar
401 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Set in grungy Fitzroy, Polly Bar is a diamond in the rough. Chandeliers, plush red velvet and art deco ornaments give this an opulent, old-fashioned feel. Cocktails have a sexy twist. Kinky Miss Pinky, anyone?
Cookie
Level 1, 252 Swanston St
Unexpectedly large hangout, with a beer-hall good times feel. A cheap Thai canteen attached, makes it worth checking out for lunch as well as in the evening when its usually packed. A quieter cocktail lounge is found round the corner along the length of the vast counter bar. A vast wine list, takes in Slovakia, Romania and Lebanon. And an extensive spritzer menu is great for those who like their drinks light. Beware: this was smoke central, making it the perfect place for the nicotine-deprived/depraved.
Other options
The Croft Institute, Croft Alley, sounds a bit creepy, what with its lab gear as decor, but it's lively and upmarket. Order of Melbourne Level 2, 401 Swanston St, is another rooftop bar, this with great views and opening off an Asian-inspired warehouse. In Chinatown, 7 Waratah Place, you'll find Manchuria with a decadent feel. M.O.O at 318 Little Bourke St (enter off Driver Lane) was voted Wine Bar of the Year and cocktail lovers head to Tony Starr's Kitten Club, Level 2, 267 Little Collins St.
Fans of live music should head to ACDC Lane off Flinders Lane, where you'll find Honky Tonks club and Cherry, but if there's no lights on in the lane avoid, as it's a creepy alley.
