19 Footscray Bars You Need To Visit For a Fun Night Out

Footscray isn’t just a mecca for some of Melbourne's greatest eats; it’s also home to a thriving bar scene. Whether you're into wine bars, dive bars, breweries or musically inclined venues, Footscray offers a vibrant nightlife that guarantees a fun time in Melbourne's wild west, day or night. Here’s our quintessential guide to the best bars in Footscray.

Misfits 

It’s beats, bevvies, and a celebration of local arts at Misfits, the vibrant new bar in Footscray that has taken over from Baby Snakes. This lively neighbourhood hotspot is dedicated to championing both art and live music.

The venue exudes a cosy yet dynamic vibe. Outside, the courtyard boasts a striking mural by Melbourne artist Drez. Inside, a raised stage and wooden DJ booth, adorned with tapestries by artist Reza Hasni, set the scene for a captivating experience. Here, you can enjoy inventive cocktails and eclectic performances in an inviting atmosphere that truly reflects the spirit of the community.

30 Chambers Street, Footscray

Jambo 

A music venue, cafe and hangout spot all in one, Jambo is one of the most underrated bars in Footscray. The best part? Every fortnight it transforms into a hub of laughter and conviviality, paving the way for one of the coolest nights out in the west.

This inviting Ethiopian spot combines a vibrant atmosphere with Melbourne's freshest stand-up comedians, celebrating both diversity and community. 

Enhance your evening with a delectable pre-show meal, featuring Jambo’s renowned Injera platters and plates of tibs. Complement your meal with a refreshing beer for a truly satisfying experience.

Sitchu Tip: At just $15 for tickets and with a special dinner-and-show deal, Comedy at Jambo promises an unforgettable night. Act quickly—tickets sell out fast!

195 Barkly Street, Footscray

Mona Castle Hotel 

We're big fans of this friendly corner pub in Seddon. While not technically in Footscray, it's close enough, and the fresh new look, sun-dappled courtyard, and laid-back atmosphere make Mona Castle Hotel a winner any day of the week. This charming spot offers an array of fantastic weeknight specials, perfect for any occasion. The front bar is a true delight, featuring sports on the TV and staffed by friendly bartenders. With its inviting atmosphere and comfortable setting, Mona Castle Hotel stands out as one of the finest bars near Footscray. We'll certainly raise a glass to that.

45-53 Austin Street, Seddon

Moon Dog Wild West

Moon Dog Wild West is an epic adventure across three levels of cowboy-themed extravagance, housed within Footscray's iconic former Franco Cozzo building. With over 100 taps and space for 800 patrons, it would make Clint Eastwood proud. 

Swing through saloon doors to find the ground floor adorned with a bucking bull and western-inspired décor.

The first floor boasts a Honky Tonk bar, live music stage, and secret Pianola Bar, while the rooftop offers a desert oasis with city views and cacti. Sip on tantalising cocktails like Tequila Sunrise Slushies, on cowboy shots served in miniature cowboy boots or on the Moon Dog craft beers you know and love. 

Whether it’s a casual visit with family or a session with your best mates, the gastropub classics like burgers and parmas will tickle everyone’s cravings. 

54 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Hop Nation

At Hop Nation's Footscray Taproom, the vision of a Brooklyn warehouse meets a Melbourne brewery has come to life. Tucked away in an industrial locale, this spacious, open-plan brewhouse offers 19 beers and seltzers on tap, complemented by delectable square pizzas crafted by chef Alex Addams Williams. Indulge in Good Pizza's inventive creations like the miso mushroom and mozzarella topped with confit garlic, ricotta, truffle oil, and gremolata, or savour the classic vodka sauce pizza that has bewitched our tastebuds.

Perfect for catching up with friends or hosting events for up to 50 people, this spot is a standout destination for exceptional beer and pizza Melbourne, and one we’ll definitely return to.

Unit 6/107-109 Whitehall Street, Footscray 

Back Alley Sally's

Low key yet vibey, Back Alley Sally's is hidden in the heart of Footscray’s River Precinct. It’s the perfect place to bring your crew for a round of 2-for-1 cocktails and a few Slice Girls West pizzas. A former old t-shirt factory, the upstairs space has been lovingly transformed into something of a Footscray institution. Which begs the question: If you haven’t been to Sally’s, do you even Footscray? During summertime, they also have an outdoor extension called Yewers Street Dining, which spills out onto the laneway from mid-afternoon well into the evening and is great for pairing sunshine with your sips.

4 Yewers Street, Footscray 

Bar Josephine

Another low-key local favourite, Bar Josephine on Barkly Street is filled with personal touches from the bar owner and serves well-priced pints, classic cocktails, and glasses of vino that make for perfect post-work tipples.

There are three areas to enjoy: the front bar room, ideal for quiet catch-ups and chats with the bartenders; a charming middle room with plenty of seating, blue décor, books, games, and continuous movies on the back wall; and a great beer garden to relax in well into the evening.

295 Barkly Street, Footscray

Bar Thyme

A fun local bistro meets wine bar in Footscray, Bar Thyme is an excellent date spot where natural wine, great cocktails, delicious eats, and groovy vinyl come into play. Start with a gin martini, then dive into their thoughtfully curated, sustainable wine list featuring crisp whites from the Mornington Peninsula and juicy, herbaceous blends from the likes of Scintilla Wines.

Indulge in progressive bar snacks like nduja scotch eggs, pickled, saffron-infused mussels escabeche, and smoked beetroot salad with almond cream and caraway. For something heartier, try their steak with peppercorn sauce and chips, weekday pies, and porchetta roasts on Sundays.

227 Barkly Street, Footscray

Hail Lilith

For viciously good vegan eats, sinfully tasty bourbon cocktails, great music, and good times aplenty, Hail Lilith is Footscray's best bar by far. Perch yourself on the oh-so-comfortable corner sofa and order up a cocktail or three. Highly recommended are the Hail Lilith (bourbon, vanilla vodka, pomegranate, and black cherry) and the Femme Fatale (dry gin, sweet lemon, shiraz gin float).

The entirely plant-based snacks list is also elite. Think saltbush focaccia with bourbon butter, stracciatella with pickled tomato, pepperberry, and black salt, and black sesame hummus. For dinner fare, the watermelon tartare, mushroom ceviche, and spicy wings are just the ticket. It's super close to Footscray Station, making it an easy post-work option away from the CBD.

40A Leeds Street, Footscray

Lay Low

Enter through the hidden door to find Seddon’s favourite minimal waste cocktail bar, a vision of polished concrete and ambient light. The drinks at Lay Low are spirited in more ways than one, always striving for creativity without throwing out the rulebook.

Sip on house cocktails infused with native ingredients like the Umami Mary, a take on the Bloody Mary spiced with pepperberry, or the Macadamia Edna Beverage, which blends brandy with wattleseed and macadamia liqueur, Australian Amaro, and fig bitters. They also do fantastic zero-alcohol cocktails that put mocktails to shame.

93 Buckley Street, Seddon

Lickety Split

Quickly, as fast as possible, make your way to this fun Footscray bar. Lickety Split is an open-air venue that's all about refreshing sips and good times in the sun. Enjoy ice-cold beers over shared plates of pizza and pasta while drinking in the relaxed, vibrant surroundings of shipping containers and festoon lights aplenty. Because life is better when you spend it outside.

38/40 Moreland Street, Footscray

Littlefoot Bar + Kitchen

Littlefoot is a local Footscray bar with a ton of personality. From its neon lettering and red silk lantern lighting to its red velvet curtains and striking murals, Littlefoot delivers big on eclecticism. Down the fairy-lit hallway, the gorgeous courtyard is comfortable and fully covered, and there's an exciting new popup “Littlefoot Next Door” with a large marquee for undercover outdoor dining.

To drink, you'll find mostly Australian brews, wines, and handmade cocktails including Treasure Island (a delicious blend of pineapple rum, mango nectar, Angostura bitters, and lime).

223 Barkly Street, Footscray

Mamma Chen's 

Good times, good music, and good vibes await at Footscray's newest bar and inclusive live music venue, Mamma Chen's. The community-minded venue is designed with accessibility in mind - there's a beer garden accessible via a ramp, wider doorways, and a dedicated space for wheelchairs during gigs. Be sure to catch some great live music, with the small-but-mighty bandroom promoting a diverse range of acts. Mamma Chen's truly is one of the friendliest bars in Footscray.

42A Albert Street, Footscray

Mr West Bar & Bottleshop

This lively yet low-key local bar in Footscray's centre is a go-to spot for many in-the-know Melburnians. The folks behind Mr West have done lots to introduce the inner west to the pleasures of natural wines and quirky spirits, spreading their passion and knowledge from their spacious, industrial-style bar and bottle shop.

Pick anything that catches your eye from the downstairs bottleshop and crack open in the bar for a corkage fee. Or simply taste your way through their 24 rotating taps or delicious cocktails in the moody bar upstairs.

106 Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray

Mrs Mutton's Bottle Shop

Housed in a charming old building on the border of Footscray and Seddon, Mrs Mutton's is a cosy corner wine and beer bar and bottle shop, perfect for your next impressive tipple. The relaxed space features rotating craft beers on tap, a welcoming beer garden, and plans to expand with a new back bar.

Owner Luke Mutton, a Melbourne hospitality veteran, is renowned for co-owning iconic establishments like Common Galaxia, Dead Man Espresso, Sun Moth Canteen & Bar, and Waxflower.

Drawing inspiration from post-World War II Japanese listening bars, Mrs Mutton's is filled with warm vibes, vintage wooden tables and chairs, and easy-listening tunes. Enjoy delightful drops ranging from natty wines and unique bottles to yuzu spritzes and local brews. 

65 Victoria Street, Footscray

Pride of Footscray Nightclub & Bar

The nightclub of the west, Pride of Footscray is famous for its drag shows, DJs, and pumping dance floor. But did you know it's also home to community bar and hidden cocktail lounge Superbia? Meaning 'pride' in Latin, this bar-within-a-bar is a luxurious escape, and a calm eye within the Pride of Footscray storm.

Thursdays are the days for Superbia to shine, when Pride has a night off from the events on its main stage. Drop in for the cheeky 2-for-1 cocktail special, and say hi to the friendly gang on hand!

Level 1/86-88 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Sloth Bar

Cruisy vibes, a leafy courtyard, and cracking trivia night are the cornerstones of this fun Footscray bar, but there are many areas to enjoy a drink or two with friends at Sloth Bar. On-street tables, a bar room, lounge, and upstairs balcony are also available, and while they don't have a kitchen, you're welcome to order in.

Kitschy, colourful interiors and an array of indoor greenery give the space a beautiful ambience, while the great range of rum cocktails and beer provide plenty of options to quench your thirst.

202 Barkly Street, Footscray

Trouble in Dreams

An ode to the world's greatest speakeasies, cocktails, and their inventors, Trouble in Dreams is a surreal bar by Pie Thief's Aaron Donato and cocktail-book author Chad Parkhill. It's a lavishly furnished, tiny space, seating up to 25 only, and it shakes up highly original cocktails and slings out eclectic, predominantly natural wines.

Be whisked away to another time and place, as the talented bartenders serve you anything from rye-infused sips to coffee-hued drinks, with flavours always changing and evolving.

297 Barkly Street, Footscray

West Footscray Wines

Another wine bar and bottle shop hybrid, West Footscray Wines is a clever neighbourhood spot to head to for a post-work sip, focusing on interesting and approachable Australian produce. Take a seat and enjoy their rotating list of wines by the glass along with a range of nibbles including freshly shucked oysters, cheese plates, and charcuterie boards.

You’ll also be able to select from over 300 wines by the bottle, just at $15 corkage to their take away prices.

Shop 1/578 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Now that you’ve explored our guide to the best Footscray bars you need to visit, why not venture a bit further and check out Geelong's top drinking spots? Or, discover the must-do experiences in Ballarat for a delightful day trip.