Looking for a great sports bar in Melbourne? Here are 16 spots with the screens, the drinks, and the atmosphere.
By DineGuides Team·Updated March 2026
Finding the perfect live sports spot in Melbourne can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of options, and not all of them deliver. We’ve done the legwork, considering everything from vibe to value. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the first time, these are the live sports spots that consistently impress.
Which Melbourne neighborhoods have the highest concentration of venues showing live sports, and how do I get between them efficiently?
Southbank, the CBD, and the Fitzroy/Brunswick area have the most density of live sports venues, with Southbank offering the easiest transit access via tram and train. If you're planning to visit multiple spots in one evening, using trams along Swanston Street or the free City Circle tram is more practical than rideshare, especially during peak sports events when traffic congestion increases significantly around the MCG and sports precincts.
During Australian Rules Football season, how does the timing of games affect when these venues get busy, and should I plan differently on weekends versus weeknights?
AFL games typically kick off at 2:45pm, 7:25pm, or 9:30pm depending on the day and round, which means venues experience major crowd surges in the 1-2 hours before and after these times. Wednesday and Thursday night games draw different crowds than Friday-Sunday fixtures, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere while still catching the game, midweek matches are worth considering.
What's the local custom for settling payment at live sports venues in Melbourne, and does cash or card matter?
Most venues in Melbourne are card-first, though tipping practices differ from other countries—it's optional and typically 10% or less rather than expected on every transaction. During busy match days, having a card ready speeds up service significantly, as cash transactions create bottlenecks at the bar when venues are at capacity.
This Melbourne institution is a cricket lover's dream, blending a cozy, memorabilia-filled atmosphere with decades of consistently delicious North Indian cuisine. Run by a warm, family-like team, it offers a taste of authentic home cooking that keeps locals returning for over the years.
🍽️90Food
✨90Vibe
💰85Value
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“Best Indian food in Melbourne. We ordered the butter chicken and vegetable korma with rice and breads and loved every mouthful.”
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“My family & I have been coming here for many years. The service is always amazing especially from Nancy.”
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“This restaurant is the best indian food that I taste in Melbourne!! And the atmosphere is very cosy.”
Ideal for
Date nightWatching the gameCasual weeknight dinner
This Korean BBQ spot brings Sydney's popular K-BBQ energy to Melbourne with a vibrant atmosphere featuring large screens playing K-pop music videos. Diners celebrate the premium, fresh meats and generous, refillable side dishes, making it a lively choice for groups and families.
🍽️88Food
✨90Vibe
💰80Value
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“Such a good feed in the Melbourne cbd! A great place to come with a group. Beautiful food and atmosphere.”
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“The food here is incredibly fresh, and they even served complimentary steamed egg. The Ginseng Chicken soup tasted amazing!”
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“This place has some good quality meats. Cozy environment and service was really nice as well! Definitely will recommend someone who wanna try some kbbq in cbd!”
This East Melbourne spot is a charming local with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, particularly in its sun-drenched courtyard. It's a go-to for delicious, well-presented food, with standout dishes like the pan-fried gnocchi and steaks, all served by a friendly and attentive team.
🍽️88Food
✨90Vibe
💰80Value
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“I've had both dinner and drinks at The Tippler & Co many times over the years and have always loved the experience.”
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“It's so close to the MCG and the city. Perfect for a pre-game meal.”
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“The staff were very friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed or pre-football lunch which was a great start to an excellent day”
Fortress Melbourne is a gamer's haven, blending a lively tavern atmosphere with a vast array of entertainment options. From arcade machines and console booths to board games and live e-sports, it offers a unique, immersive environment for both casual hangouts and dedicated events. The food and drinks complement the playful setting, making it a go-to spot for themed celebrations and group gatherings.
🍽️85Food
✨92Vibe
💰80Value
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“Food was delicious but unfortunately we couldn’t finish due to a small quantity of people in our booth, sorry team!”
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“Matt, Taisa and the team were fantastic !! The 25, 11 year old boys had a ball !!”
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“Kris and Heather are an amazing employee and they make every time I go to Fortress wonderful”
This Port Melbourne pub blends a cozy local feel with restaurant-quality dishes, making it a versatile spot for everything from a casual pint to a celebratory dinner. It's a place where you can catch live sports in the front bar or enjoy a more refined meal in the dining room, all while being looked after by attentive staff.
🍽️88Food
✨85Vibe
💰80Value
🔊65Noise
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“Honestly had the best meal in my entire life. Beyond tasty, its I've died and gone to heaven tasty!!”
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“Morton bay big slider was amazing. The chicken Parma also one of the best ones in the area.”
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“Max, our waiter was magnificent, next level service. The food and wine were delicious. We will be back.”
Korchi City is a no-frills Korean-Chinese spot in Melbourne's CBD, serving up hearty, generously portioned dishes that feel like home. It's a go-to for authentic flavors, especially their signature jajangmyeon and jjambbong, all offered at remarkably affordable prices.
🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
💰90Value
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“This place is amazing for food and price!!! OMG best food I have eaten in Melbourne. Big servings and great flavours.”
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“Service was friendly and efficient, and we loved the k-pop channel they had on the tv – it completed the experience!”
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“The "Original Jjambbong" is amazing; the combination of spice, seafood, and noodles makes for an unforgettable gourmet experience.”
Ideal for
Families with kidsLate-night eatsWatching the game
This cozy Korean spot is a Melbourne favorite, particularly celebrated for its intensely flavorful, boneless chicken feet. Portions are generous, offering great value, and the atmosphere is casual and lively, often featuring K-pop music videos.
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✨80Vibe
💰85Value
👋65Service
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“The boneless chicken feet are so delicious. And the braised back bones are a lot, so try it!!!”
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“This place is definitely the best in Melbourne for chicken feet with that perfect smoky flavor.”
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“This dish is incredible! The flavors are perfectly balanced, with every bite leaving me wanting more.”
The Leveson is a bustling North Melbourne pub that shines with its friendly, accommodating staff and a lively atmosphere, making it a go-to for casual get-togethers. While the pub fare is generally solid, particularly the highly-celebrated parmas and burgers, some dishes can be inconsistent or overpriced for the quality. It excels as a group-friendly spot with ample seating options, including a popular courtyard, and a good selection of drinks.
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✨80Vibe
💰78Value
⏰65Wait
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“We had the most amazing experience at The Leveson - fabulous service from John, Emma and the team and the food is senstational.”
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“Archie was an absolutely amazing young man. The service he provided was outstanding and he was so good with my young children.”
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“My steak sandwich was delicious, and we both enjoyed the chips, hot and crispy, as all chips should be!”
This Federation Square spot offers a lively atmosphere, especially during live sports events, with a full bar and ample seating options. It's a convenient stop before shows or games, known for its quick service and extensive menu catering to various dietary needs.
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✨78Vibe
💰70Value
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“Amazing tasting food with plenty of coeliac safe gluten free options. I could even grab sushi from the sushi train, which was amazing!”
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“The food was so good and amazing. So many dietary food options. The serves were fast and the staff was helpful.”
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“Sue is an amazing server! Very professional even in the face of disrespectful customers (The table behind us). An angel sent from heaven!”
Langlands offers a sophisticated urban escape with stunning city views, making it a prime spot for romantic evenings and special celebrations. The kitchen delivers generous portions and a menu that caters well to various preferences, including vegetarian options. While the ambiance and views are well-regarded, service can be inconsistent, with some diners experiencing significant delays.
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✨88Vibe
💰80Value
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“Our table was right by the window, giving us a beautiful view of the city, which made the evening feel even more special and romantic.”
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“The service provided by Diego and the food and drinks at Langlands was outstanding. Highly recomend for anyone after a nice dinner overlooking Melbourne CBD.”
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“The steak itself was absolutely delicious, although one of the steaks for the table that was ordered rare did come out medium rare.”
Il Duca offers a traditional Italian dining experience, often enhanced by impromptu opera performances from the staff. It's a place where the owners, Dom and Lino, are frequently mentioned for their warm hospitality, making diners feel like family. The restaurant is particularly noted for its risotto and seafood dishes.
🍽️78Food
✨80Vibe
💰68Value
🔊60Noise
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“We came 30 minutes early, but they still let us in. The food only took around 10-15 minutes, the bread they served was amazing!”
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“Eaten here 3 years ago, good quality food. Went back with my partner night food was average at best:”
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“A wonderful restaurant to enjoy stunning Italian food Beautifully clean and convenient, parking after 6pm Recommend.”
This is a lively spot for Chinese BBQ skewers, offering a casual atmosphere where groups can gather. Beyond the food, you can play pool, mahjong, or catch live sports, making it a versatile hangout.
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✨85Vibe
💰85Value
⏰55Wait
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“The lamb are particularly delicious! You can also play billiards while dining in the store. I'll definitely come again next time!”
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“The food was amazing! The barbecue was incredibly authentic. As a Northeasterner, I thought it tasted fantastic, just like home!”
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“It felt like stepping back into China in an instant! It's the perfect place for a get-together with friends, I'll definitely come again!”
This Vietnamese spot brings a lively karaoke and gathering vibe, making it a fun place for friends. Expect generous portions of flavorful pho and other authentic dishes at reasonable prices.
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✨85Vibe
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🔊55Noise
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“This was the best pho I’ve ever had! I got the lemongrass chicken and it was amazing.”
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“The food was delicious and full of flavour, Portion sizes were generous and the prices were reasonable.”
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“Both the soupy noodles and the fried rice were really delicious and flavorful.”
This East Melbourne spot captures classic American diner vibes with hearty comfort food and a lively atmosphere. Burgers are a highlight, juicy and generously portioned, with a full bar and a new shisha lounge adding to the casual appeal.
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✨80Vibe
💰80Value
⏰60Wait
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“The juiciest and delicious chicken I have ever had. The salad was also amazing wasn’t dry at all and very flavourful.”
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“Food was amazing loved the service atmosphere was great but music was a bit loud hard to talk amongst group”
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“This restaurant is a top spot! The food's amazing, service is friendly, and the flavours are spot.”
This family-run Warrandyte spot serves up generous portions of wood-fired pizza and Italian classics. It's a casual, welcoming place that feels like home, with friendly staff who often remember regulars' orders. While the food is generally well-loved, service can be inconsistent, especially during busy periods.
🍽️82Food
✨85Vibe
💰88Value
⏰55Wait
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“Pizzas were ready for pickup within 15 mins from ordering online. I recommend the one with The Lot!”
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“One of the best pizzas I ever had. The guys in store were super friendly.”
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“Great pizza. One of the best I had. Their pizza dough is delicious”
This Federation Square spot is a go-to for its prime location and casual, bustling atmosphere, especially when events are on. It offers a wide variety of food and drink options, making it a convenient meeting point for groups or solo diners.
🍽️78Food
✨75Vibe
💰70Value
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“Herb Crusted Salmon included pesto, almond and macadamia encrusted salmon, on a bed of saffron rice. $38 10/10”
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“Workers were some of the nicest workers i’ve ever seen food came really fast and was so delicious.”
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“Great location, relaxed vibe, and quick service, a perfect spot for a short break in the city.”
