Where’s the best happy hour in Melbourne? Head to The Emerson Rooftop

If you’re the kind of person who starts thinking about their Friday knock-off drink on Tuesday… we get it. And if you’re searching for happy hour Melbourne to lock in your weekend plans, there’s one spot that keeps delivering the goods (and the glasses): The Emerson.

Perched high above the heart of South Yarra, The Emerson’s Rooftop delivers sweeping city views, a generous cocktail list, and the kind of energy that turns casual drinks into a standing date. It’s your end-of-week ritual, your go-to with the group chat, and your excuse to stay for just one more round.

With Happy Hour stretching across three days, this is where cocktails flow, tunes spin, and the city skyline puts on a show.

A happy hour Melbourne locals can rely on (and it lasts all weekend)

Forget blink-and-you’ll-miss-it drink deals. At The Emerson, Happy Hour comes with room to breathe and room to dance.

Fridays | 5 pm to 11 pm

Wrap up the workweek with a six-hour happy ‘hour’ of bubbles, cocktails and cold beers, made even better with cheap tacos and free pool for that first taste of weekend freedom.

Saturdays | 5 pm to 8 pm

Ease into your Saturday evening with golden hour cocktails, share plates and a rooftop soundtrack that builds with the sunset. Perfect for pre-party catch-ups or staying right where you are.

Sundays | 3 pm to 11 pm

Take your time. With eight hours of Happy Hour, Sundays at The Emerson are made for kicking back with mates, gorging on $5 tacos and making the most of those last weekend hours—no rush, no pressure, just good drinks and good company.

Rooftop views, cocktails and weekend energy—what to expect

There’s a reason people head straight for The Emerson’s Rooftop when embarking on their happy hour in Melbourne.

The drinks list has range—cocktails, wine, beer and bubbles—all included in the Happy Hour offering and all served with a side of city skyline. It’s relaxed, easy to get to, and exactly what you want after a long week.

The Rooftop itself is fully enclosed and heated for comfy vibes year-round. Whether you’re lining up a sunny Saturday afternoon or rolling in on a cooler night, the setup’s got you covered.

Weekends come with a live soundtrack—DJs set up on the Rooftop to bring the energy and keep the good vibes going.

Alongside the drinks, you’ll find a Latin-American fusion menu packed with bold flavours and share plates. Order a few for the table and make a night of it.

And if you’re in on a Friday or Sunday, there’s also free pool on the Rooftop. No bookings, no coins—just mates and a little friendly competition.

When Happy Hour ends, the night doesn’t have to

Just because the specials wrap up doesn’t mean you have to. Once Happy Hour winds down, there are still plenty of reasons to stick around.

You can stay on the Rooftop, order another round, and soak up the city skyline as the music shifts into night mode. Or, if you’re ready to change gears, head downstairs. The Lounge offers a more intimate setting for drinks and conversation, while The Club brings the late-night energy for those who aren’t calling it early.

When to go? Pick your vibe

If you’re wondering when to take advantage of the greatest happy hour in Melbourne, it really depends on what you’re after.

Friday is for unwinding after a long week—with six hours of Happy Hour, it’s easy to stretch a knock-off drink into a proper night out.

Saturday brings a mix of day-to-night energy. Get in early, take in the sunset, and either keep things low-key or lean into the buzz.

Sunday is the sweet spot for laid-back sessions—fewer crowds, longer chats, and no pressure to rush. Perfect for catching up with mates before welcoming the following week.