2009's Most Popular Bars

1

 

This place oozes wow factor. Coolest bar in Melbourne? I'd go so far as to say it is the coolest bar in the country, and it appears you, dear readers, agree. Rooms for every taste, eye candy galour, and if you can make it to the bar, some really yummy cocktails. BEST.

2

 

Adding to Perth's excitingly burgeoning after-dark scene, this bar (named after everyone's favourite sans-serif font) is sure to awaken the typeface-nerd within, as well as offer a nifty selection of beverages.

3

 

It may seem a bit wanky to have to wait in line in front of the Hilton Sydney while humourless bouncers check your shoes for designer labels, but Zeta is worth the extra effort.

4

 

This bar will take you on a journey to a more civilised time, when the grass (though faux) was greener, the tennis shorts were tighter and the Pimms flowed freely. Madame Brussels, named after the Melbourne brothel owner and entrepreneur from the 1830s, is a trip down the garden path into a world of whimsy, wonder and fruit punch.

5

 

You wouldn't take notice of Bar Europa on a casual stroll through the Sydney CBD, but the cavernous basement bar is one of the city's best (and most affordable) watering holes with a touch of class.

6

 

Possibly one of the most popular clicks due to patrons getting lost trying to find the place in Perth? Maybe. But once you arrive
(the entrance is behind the back wall of an old telephone box) the music, ambiance, and cool vibe will keep you coming back each Friday.

7

 

Another contender from Perth! Jeez. With its minimalist interior and laze-inducing chill-out music playing discreetly in the background, Pure Bar is ideal for discussing the stock market or the latest art gallery openings with your ponytail-sporting friends.

8

 

Perth's party crowd can recline on leather Chesterfields with tapas plates of mouth-watering treats or spill out into the brick laneway with wine and cocktails, at this European-inspired basement bar.

9

 

Melbourne's answer to the bustling, debauched and depraved beer halls of Belgium is Cookie. Located above several flights of old bluestone steps (the same steps you'll be cursing on your drunken way out), Cookie welcomes the weary traveller with the promise of cold beer served in the traditional beer-hall way.

10

 

Secret except to those in the know, Berlin Bar is well concealed: sneak up a Melbourne laneway and walk beneath the red star of communism to seek refuge from the busy world outside. With a firm nod towards postmodern German culture, the decadent decor has been themed to represent the particular half of Berlin one wishes to inhabit.