Three Below

One of my regular little haunts for a Friday Night. Get in quickly because on really, really nice days, it is packed.
Also quite convenient if you are looking for a nice little post theatre drink during the week.
Great for people watching.

A perfect Melbourne Saturday afternoon, people watching and a well manicured cocktail. What else could you ask for!

It’s practically a gay bar — love it

Seriously cool spot but boy does it pack out fast! Nice and intimate if you manage to get into one of the booths.

Located in City Square right next to Starbucks and the… Hotel, 3 Below is the bar of the 3 pronged venue that also includes Caboose (the little train that could) and La Vita Buena (boutique winestore and bar). Because of its prime location (its vicinity to the high rise working blocks of Collins Street and being a stone’s throw from Flinders Street Station), it is clear to see why 3 Below makes for a popular spot for a host of young professionals and the after work crowd. They have an impressive range of beers — both local and imported — and their staff makes a mean cocktail. The wine list is also very comprehensive. And you can order some snacks from their other venues next door.
It would be a place I’d come here for chilled drinks during the week. On weekends you don’t really know what kind of crowd to expect.

If you are a bar located on one of the busiest streets in all of Melbourne you are bound to gather a quirky crowd with a variety of people.
On Fridays you will find yourself in a sea of suits, most likely discussing the stock market, but you will no doubt get caught up with the rowdy footy goers who are arguing about the umpires. And Saturdays? Make sure you bring your Lonely Planet guide of Melbourne and be wearing a bum bag because you’ll be hanging with a bunch of tourists.
I’ve mentioned before my distaste of bars that are in the city centre. More often than not they are uninspiring, expensive and just plain boring — unfortunately Three Below is no different.
However, the bartenders at this Swanston street lounge are clearly experienced and knowledgeable of their craft — always shaking up a cocktail or up-​selling the latest Swedish cider. There is a huge variety of imported beers and delicious cocktails available, but be sure to bring your credit card, as you’ll probably have to max it out to spend the night here…

Located on Swanston Street in a heavy foot traffic square, Three Below was once a boutique beer bar, but in the last year has revamped its image and now calls itself a ‘public bar’ and ‘diner’. I’m unfamiliar with the term ‘public bar’, but it’s probably a fancy word for pub.
Luckily for me (the beer lover), Three Below hasn’t diverged much from their boutique beer idea during their revamp — they still continue to stock some decent European style beers ($ 9-​$ 14). Their wine list is always going to be good (their sister venue La Vita Buona has a huge wine list). And their cocktail list is created by award winning cocktail maker Jason Chan (I got this from their website). But seriously, their friendly bartenders make a good martini — that’s my quality indicator.
My favourite thing about the change is the food. Previously, the food was well… edible, but not the best. The food is now more varied and is aiming for a higher quality. Great wagyu burger!
Filled to the brim on Fridays, Three Below is definitely a favourite of the 9 to 5 crowd. Saturday = touristy.