Top 5 Secret Bars to Meet Women in Melbourne

1. The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club

Location: South Yarra, Melbourne

The Emerson is a hotspot for socialising, offering a sophisticated blend of elegance and fun. Located in the bustling neighbourhood of South Yarra, this bar offers a rooftop that showcases stunning city views, perfect for striking up conversations with fellow patrons. With its open-air atmosphere, chic design, and a mix of locals and travellers, The Emerson provides a relaxed yet vibrant setting ideal for meeting new people, including single women.

On Friday nights, especially after 10 p.m., The Emerson is known for having a social crowd with a roughly 55% female ratio.

Moreover, many women here are in small groups, mostly girls in their 20s and 30s, making them more approachable. This creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where starting a conversation feels natural. Whether on the rooftop or inside the club, intimate social settings and energetic vibes make The Emerson a prime spot for meeting singles.

The best time to meet single women is between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., the sweet spot. By this time, with a few drinks from both guys and gals, the atmosphere loosens up, making it easier to approach and chat.

2. The Toff in Town

Location: Swanston Street, Melbourne

For a more eclectic and intimate experience, The Toff in Town is a fantastic venue to meet singles. This multi-level bar features live music performances and a sophisticated cocktail bar where people tend to gather in cozy booths or at the main bar. The atmosphere is relaxed yet artistic, attracting a creative and friendly crowd.

The Toff is known for having an even 50/50 split between men and women, providing a balanced social scene. However, our contributors have noted that the women here are often much friendlier when cold-approached, making it easier to initiate conversations.

Whether you’re enjoying live music or sipping cocktails in one of the cozy booths, The Toff’s warm and open-minded crowd makes it an excellent venue for meeting new people, including singles.

The best time to meet single women is between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.; the vibe is just right for casual conversation. With a few drinks in the mix, the crowd becomes more relaxed, making it easier to connect.

3. Harlow Bar

Location: Richmond, Melbourne

Nestled in Richmond, Harlow Bar is an energetic venue with a reputation for attracting a young, fun-loving crowd. The bar has a 52% female to 48% male split, making it slightly more favourable for men looking to meet single women. However, the venue’s layout, with its rooftop terrace and indoor seating, offers limited opportunities for cold approaches. Many groups keep to themselves, so striking up conversations can be challenging unless you meet women at the bar area while ordering drinks.

Despite this, Harlow has a lively and friendly crowd. If you find yourself at the bar, it becomes much easier to engage with people. It’s a popular spot for after-work drinks and weekend outings, so the vibe is always buzzing.

Best time to meet single women: The rooftop terrace comes alive between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Chatting with women while waiting at the bar or mingling around the seating areas is easier with a few drinks flowing.

4. Leonard’s House of Love

Location: South Yarra, Melbourne

Leonard’s House of Love combines retro vibes with a modern, friendly crowd, making it a top choice for those looking to meet singles. The bar is designed like a 1970s suburban home, with comfy couches and a relaxed atmosphere. Leonard’s is a popular spot for young professionals and creatives looking to unwind and meet new people after work.

The menu includes an impressive selection of cocktails, beers, and comfort food, which helps keep the atmosphere light and friendly. Leonard’s is especially packed on weekends, and the cozy environment encourages interaction. If you enjoy a laid-back, nostalgic vibe, this is your place.

Best time to meet single women: The best time is between 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. when the crowd is loosened up after a few drinks, making it easier to strike up friendly conversations in the bar’s laid-back atmosphere.

5. Naked for Satan

Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne

A quintessential Melbourne experience, Naked for Satan is a bar with a unique atmosphere and an unpretentious vibe in Fitzroy’s hipster heart. The rooftop bar, aptly named “Naked in the Sky,” is one of Melbourne’s best places to meet singles. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and a lively atmosphere. It’s a popular hotspot for women aged 18-30, many of whom are fit, friendly, and open to meeting new people.

The venue boasts a 53% female to 47% male ratio, a key factor in its social scene.

Our blog contributors say they have picked up more women here than elsewhere.

The combination of good music, affordable drinks, and a fun, casual crowd makes Naked for Satan an ideal venue for those looking to mingle in a relaxed, non-pressured environment.

The best time to meet single women is prime time, from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. With a few drinks, guys and gals tend to be more open to casual conversations, and the rooftop setting creates a great social atmosphere.

How to Cold Approach a Woman at a Bar: A Few Hacks for the Less Gutsy Guys

Not everyone is a smooth talker regarding cold-approaching women at a bar. If you’re an introverted or less gutsy guy, here’s a surprising hack that’s worked for me at least three out of five times.

This approach might seem unconventional, but it works because women at bars are incredibly observant. Here’s what you do:

Tip the Cute Female Bar Staff or the Dude Who Has All the Women at His Table (this one is from my experience going to bars in Australia and the US.

Instead of focusing all your energy on the women around you, build rapport with the bar staff—especially if you notice the bartender is a cute girl or the guy serving has women’s attention. The idea here is simple but effective. Women at bars notice everything, including how staff treat you.

Start by tipping $20 when you buy your first drink. You’ll notice how the bartender remembers you the next time you come up for another round. They often go out of their way to ensure you’re taken care of, giving you preferential treatment. This catches the attention of nearby women.

Be friendly and chat with the staff, but do what is necessary. Sometimes, female bar staff will even come out from behind to chat with you when taking a break. This makes you look like someone important, and the more attention you get from the staff, the more other women will notice. It creates a subtle aura of social proof you’re worth talking to.

As the night progresses, you’ll likely start getting more stares, and women will become more curious about you. Some may even approach you to discuss, especially after seeing how well the staff treat you.

This hack works because confidence and attention from others are magnetic. It helps you stand out without having to approach a woman directly right away, easing the pressure. Once you’re more confident, starting conversations naturally will be easier, knowing you’ve already made a good impression.

Once you have phone numbers, use our texting technique to move the conversation to dates and intimacy.

Conclusion

Melbourne is a city that offers something for everyone, and its bar scene is no exception. Whether you’re after stunning views, laid-back vibes, or a bustling club scene, the bars listed above provide the perfect settings to meet single women and enjoy engaging social interactions.

From rooftop terraces to intimate lounges, these venues offer a variety of atmospheres, all conducive to striking up conversations and making new connections.

Please note: The above recommendations are based on feedback from our local contributors, and individual results may vary. Each bar has its unique vibe, and while some people may find success at one venue, others may have different experiences.

So, if you’re ready to meet new people, head to one of these top Melbourne bars and enjoy everything the city’s vibrant nightlife offers.

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