Best rooftop bars in St Kilda Melbourne

Take a step away from the beach, and elevate yourself above the buzzing St Kilda.

February 20, 2024
Best Rooftop Bars St Kilda Melbourne
Courtesy of Captain Baxter

Vibrant yet relaxing, St Kilda blends palm tree-lined beaches and heritage buildings. From the iconic Luna Park and historic St Kilda Pier, this part of Melbourne is great for outdoor activities. Whether you want to relax by the sea or experience the dynamic culture – St Kilda is the place to be.

For a relaxing afternoon or festive evening above it all, join one of the rooftop bars in the area.

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Here's our list of 4 of the best rooftop bars in St Kilda Melbourne

1. Ellora St Kilda

Best Rooftop Bars St Kilda Melbourne - Ellora St Kilda
Ellora St Kilda - Photo: www.ellora.com.au/

Right at the St Kilda waterfront you find this exciting cocktail bar and event space, spanning over two levels.

Called Ellora, the interior is chic and bright, while the expansive rooftop balcony offers breathtaking views of the ocean and city skyline.

Offering a vibrant, creative and refreshing selection of food and drinks, here you can sip house cocktails or something from the big variation of wine, paired with fresh tapas and house pizzas.

Step inside the lively ambience and enjoy the 4-5pm happy hour, a night out with friends and family, or the fun-filled 'Beachside Bottomless Brunch'.

Ellora St Kilda is also possible to rent for private parties and social gatherings.

ELLORA

2. Captain Baxter

Best Rooftop Bars St Kilda Melbourne - Captain Baxter
Captain Baxter - Photo: www.captainbaxter.com.au/

The perfect spot for panoramic views of Kilda Beach. Captain Baxter is a beachside restaurant, with a rooftop bar on the 2nd floor. This space is inspired by beach bungalows from the 1920’s and offers comfortable lounge seats and plenty of spots for the mingling hours.

From the menu you can order lighter snacks and small plates – or if you feel like ordering something from the grill you can get a full plate and order a side and salad. To quench the thirst the bar serves signature and classic cocktails – but also carafes with fresh lemonades and sangrias.

Join from 5pm during the weekdays or stop by for a lunch hangout on the weekends. Captain Baxter is open every day, ready to give you the best beach vibe.

CAPTAIN BAXTER

  • 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda VIC 3182
  • More info

3. The Local Taphouse

Best Rooftop Bars St Kilda Melbourne - The Local Taphouse
The Local Taphouse - Photo: https://thelocal.com.au/

The Local Taphouse is a European-inspired neighbourhood tavern specialising in craft beer, great food and a warm welcome.

Set over two floors, here you find rustic and charming interior seating, but also a lush and airy rooftop terrace, perfect to enjoy the St Kilda sun.

One of the most awarded craft beer venues in Australia, and the menu features and impressive and rotating selection of brews, showcasing the best breweries from Australia and around the world. The drinks are complemented with 'classic pub food done right'.

Always a great spot for relaxing bites and drinks, The Local Taphouse also offers weekly comedy night, 'Trivia on Sundays' and plenty of sports on the TV.

THE LOCAL TAPHOUSE

  • 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East VIC 3183
  • More info

4. Hotel Esplanade

Best Rooftop Bars St Kilda Melbourne - Hotel Esplanade
Hotel Esplanade - Photo: https://hotelesplanade.com.au/

Hotel Esplanade, or The Espy, is one of the most popular and happening venues in St Kilda, offering five floors of bars, food and entertainment in a 144 year old building.

Here you find Espy Main Bar & Terrace, a casual drinking spot with amazing views of St. Kilda Pier, the Italian American inspired bar and kitchen Louey's Bar & Kitchen, the flavour filled Cantonese restaurant Mya Tiger, and a secret top floor cocktail bar called Ghost of Alfred Felton.

There is also a beautiful function venue called The Balcony Bar, with an iconic view over St Kilda. The Balcony is also open to general public when events aren’t being held.

Apart from food and drinks with a view, Hotel Esplanade also invites to plenty of live music and events.

HOTEL ESPLANADE

  • 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
  • More info
Rikard Fredricson
Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.