The humble bar snack has grown up. These standout venues are shaking off old expectations and rewriting the rules on what it means to dine at the bar. It’s not just about knocking back pints - it’s about refined bites, nuanced flavours and drinks that demand your full attention. Whether it’s a rooftop retreat in Melbourne or a heritage haunt in Rockhampton, this is bar dining done differently.
Skyring’s Restaurant & Bar – Rockhampton, Qld
Perched along Victoria Parade and tucked within the historic Motel 98, Skyring’s Restaurant & Bar effortlessly marries Rockhampton’s storied past with modern dining elegance. Once the domain of pioneering surgeon Dr Doris Skyring, the space now channels that legacy into a refined yet welcoming experience, with indoor and outdoor settings perfect for long lunches or sunset sips.
The menu leans into the comfort of global flavours, yet it’s the confident execution that elevates it beyond the expected. Char-grilled prawns meet a vibrant mango, chilli and avocado salsa, setting the tone for mains like confit duck pappardelle - tender duck ribbons swimming in a creamy mushroom, garlic and tarragon sauce. Bar fare never tasted this luxe.
With prime views over Wallis Lake and a bright, breezy fit-out, Modan Kitchen in Forster is the coastal bar-meets-bistro venue that proves casual can still be cutting-edge. Large windows flood the space with light, while alfresco tables offer front-row seats to one of the region’s most serene waterfronts.
The views are only half the story. Dive into a bowl of market fish ceviche bursting with lime and whipped coconut, or get your hands messy with birria beef tacos - cheesy, saucy and unapologetically bold. The standout? The big BBQ brisket, slow-cooked to melting perfection, doused in housemade sauce and stacked with seeded mustard, pickles and fries. Sunset sessions have never tasted so good.
Plan your lakeside feast - book now, then rate your dining experience with a review.
Wakefield’s Bar – Ainslie, ACT
Tucked above Edgar’s Inn in Ainslie, Wakefield’s Bar is a hidden gem that oozes neighbourhood charm with a splash of downtown sophistication. Think exposed brick, moody lighting and the kind of well-curated wine list that invites lingering. Whether it’s an intimate date or a late-night hang with friends, the vibe here feels personal, polished and perfectly low-key.
Food-wise, it’s an eclectic tour through antipasti, artisan pizza and elevated pasta dishes. Picture crispy five-spice duck wings, sticky with honey and lime, or refined pasta dishes that channel trattoria energy through a swanky New York lens. Pair with a cocktail like the ‘Pretty Little Ditty’ and you’ve got the makings of a night worth repeating.
Bar Hugo Vermouth & Wine – West End, Qld
Cool, compact and quietly confident, Bar Hugo in Brisbane’s West End has carved out a space for the Vermouth connoisseur and cocktail enthusiast alike. Dark timber tones set a moody backdrop for conversations that stretch long into the night, while the bar hums with the energy of perfectly poured Negronis and crisp white wines.
Food comes in waves of punchy, tapas-style bites: sardines with tomato and chilli, pickles with sharp mustard and pork belly skewers that hit every note from smoky to sweet. For something extra indulgent, try the tuna baguette layered with piquillo, capers and a vinegar edge that cuts through beautifully. Sophistication, in snackable form.
Time to sip and savour? Book your spot at the bar making sure to leave a review after you leave.
Up on the rooftop at the back of the Preston Hotel, LULU Bar is where Melbourne’s inner north lets its hair down. Equal parts cheeky and stylish, this sunset-friendly spot brings board games, cocktails and tapas together under a canopy of umbrellas and a soundtrack of weekend-ready beats.
The food doesn’t play second fiddle. The grilled calamari is lifted with chilli and lime, the sliders burst with bold, smoky flavour and the pork ribs? A slow-cooked spectacle slathered in sticky BBQ sauce, served with pickled cabbage and a touch of heat. It’s the kind of place where one drink turns into dinner and dinner turns into dancing.
Gather the crew and lock in your next rooftop session, then review your dining experience.
These venues prove that bar dining isn’t an afterthought - it’s an art form. Sophisticated, soulful and full of flavour, this is where casual eats go to grow up. Whether it’s fine wine, clever cocktails or dishes that hit every note, you’ll find your new favourite hangout right here.
