Best Melbourne bars for Melbourne Cup Kick Ons

Searching for a late night spot for your Melbourne Cup afterparty celebrations? We have the perfect spot that will keep you buzzing. Led by the mastermind who has also brought us Madame Brussels and Gin Palace (Vernon Chalker), Bar Ampere is a combination of just that with its Parisian look and feel. The menu is short but perfect for sharing – so expect plenty of snacking to get you through your soiree. As for drinks, absinthe and plenty of signatures make its mark too. Open till 3am, walk-ins only.

Bopping around for the best spring racing afterparties in Melbourne? Then be sure to bounce your way into Bomba Bar! Located on Lonsdale Street, Bomba Bar is described as a buzzing tapas restaurant and bar that blends industrial furnishings with plenty of colourful features. Their rooftop space is open daily from 3pm for walk-ins and, if you visit, we recommend trying the Snapper Tartare with seaweed crisps, the Smoked Almonds, Chorizitos and, to wash it all down, the Solsticio Spritz that’s made with gin and hibiscus. Yum!

After a full day of Melbourne Cup fun, there’s no better way to finish it all off than with a feast at one of our favourite Italian restaurants and bars in Melbourne, Marameo. The food, despite having some traditional aspects, is fun and funky with sharing in mind. Highlights include the Pizzutello with balsamic onions for starters, the asparagus and lemon mascarpone Gnocchi as well as the 10-cheese Lasagna for mains. And, to finish. the salted caramel Cheesecake. The drinks list is just as dreamy with over 200 wines and plenty of spirits and spritzes to keep you sipping.