The incredible Japanese whiskey at Hihou - Image courtesy of Drink MelbourneThis will be a reoccurring segment outlining my 'Top Five,' in various categories. This week, I give you my current favourite bars in Melbourne, in no particular order.V. Lui BarSitting across from the ever chic (and expensive) Vue De Monde this bar is something else. Once arriving on the ground floor of the RialtoTower, you are greeted by a staff member who calls the bar requesting permission for your group and for the elevator. Once it chimes open, you're ushered in and told to not touch any of the buttons. 55 floors later, the doors open and you have arrived. When you walk into the bar, you're greeted by a cloud high view of Melbourne's South. Stare over the bay whilst sipping on one of their many cocktails, whiskeys, wines or try the beer that tastes like bacon and sets you back $20 a bottle (we bought a case from the local bottle shop when we got home). Despite offering the ducile tones of live Jazz every Sunday afternoon, you go to Lui Bar for the view. IV.Rupert on RupertNamed after the narrow street in Collingwood it's nestled in, Rupert has a very welcoming entrance. Large glass windows and doors allow you to peak deep into the enclosed, outdoor styled atrium lined with beautiful layers of living greenery. Like a greenhouse. Walking through the door and to the right, the indoor section is large, open, perfectly lit and garnished with a bar running the length of the longest wall. A good selection of beers on tap, in the bottle and all other forms of white, brown and red liquids the colourful drink menu compliments their well sized, prepared and delicious menu. Their wood fire pizza is particularly good. Grab a drink, order a pizza and relax on a couch whilst you enjoy the ambiance and original design of this reborn factory space that is very, very Collingwood. III.Boilermaker House Also known for the best mulled cider I've ever tasted, Boilermaker is primarily a whisky house. Situated on Lonsdale street near Swanston, it has a sort of Wild West vibe whilst paying homage to the best Whiskey makers of the word (Scotland, America & Japan). It's sister bar is the glorious Eau De Vie, which is also a favourite but hasn't quite made the cut this time around. Also claiming a vast selection of meats and cheeses to match their various and sometimes unusual beers on tap they offer set menu options, dedicated tasting and pairing sessions and a stunning selection of wines. What more do you need? Boilermaker House - image courtesy of Boilermaker HouseII.Harley HouseCreated by artist Vincent Fantauzzo (also known as Asher Keddie's husband) this place would be my dream home. Exposed brick, concrete pillars, bold artwork and a very well stocked bar. Harley's menu has the classic chips and aioli option but is, for the most part, a south American kitchen pushing out some of Melbourne's best ceviche. With an entrance hidden from sight, Harley House relies on it's street sign to pull in the crowds. For them it can't be a great thing, but for me it means I've never not been able to get a table. I'm yet to have required a reservation. Next time you find yourself near the corner of Collins and Exhibition, think of Harley House. Grab a luxe leather booth or take a table for two against the wall and look up through the ceiling windows to see the traffic of Collins St walking above you. I. HihouThis bar is even more difficult to find than Harley House. Press the doorbell and a staff member will greet you and may ask you to remove your shoes. Chicly Japanese, Hihou has a very impressive line-up of Japanese Whiskey's and other spirits imported from the country. Their menu is small but undoubtably delicious. Unfortunately, due to it's popularity and my lack of foresight, I haven't yet tried it as on all my visits there's only been space for a drink at the bar. Nevertheless, Hihou has great views at the top end of the CBD into Fitzroy Gardens from it's second floor. It has a series of private rooms for group bookings, each with it's own dedicated shoe rack and low table with very soft looking cushions spread around the table on the floor. No doubt, shortly after my first dining visit to Hihou I'll be writing about what I can only imagine, is a fine example of some of the best Japanese dining Melbourne has to offer.

@wildebyzoe

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