Happy hour

Melbourne CBD is not short of watering holes for Friday night knock off drinks, however some seem to provide more cheap drink options in a bar slash pub atmosphere than others. Wanting to avoid standing side-by-side with suits? Or somewhere the tourists don't flock to? Whilst it's no secret by any means, Society gets my vote. There's an outdoor smoking verandah slash alleyway (for all those rich people who can still afford a darb), multi level interior set up with side rooms (clad with arty wall paper) and bars that don't take forever for service. And the return of the dry bar - best solution for minimal space in standing rooms for those who need both hands to talk and somewhere to plonk the beer down.

Verdict: Love

Also try The Carlton Hotel (Bourke St), Workshop (A'Beckett St) and 3 Below (Swanston St)