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Inner North › Carlton › Cherry
CherryC-Worth Trying
68 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
· Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1048 reviews)
Iconic rock bar with loud live music, late hours, friendly bartenders, and a gritty vibe; great for gigs and dancing, but noise, crowding, and some door-policy complaints make it a love-it-or-leave-it pick.
Why it gets a C- for overall quality
Cherry delivers what it promises: a rock bar institution with electric live music energy and engaged bartenders who know their craft. Strong destination appeal and loyal repeat following reflect genuine community connection around bands and themed sets. However, cramped, sticky conditions upstairs, inconsistent door staff interactions, and occasional cleanliness and safety concerns prevent a higher grade. This is a drinks-and-gigs venue, not a dining destination—grade C- appropriately reflects solid execution in its category with meaningful comfort and consistency gaps.
Restaurant Summary
From the street it hums like a beacon of guitars and neon, an institution for rock lovers where bartenders swap song tips and the upstairs room feels intimate and alive. Expect loud sound, packed dance floors, and a vibe one guest called "the best kind of chaotic." It is unapologetically grungy—sticky floors, dark corners, and late nights that keep going. The cooking is not the draw here; this is a drinks-and-gigs hangout with classic bar pours, themed DJ sets, and local bands. Beer can be cheap, cocktails sit mid-range, and occasional cover charges buy you proximity to the stage. If you crave polished mixology or fine dining, you will not find it. If guitars and singalongs are your therapy, you just might. Families should look elsewhere. It is loud, late, and focused on alcohol and music, with no clear food offering and crowded rooms that would challenge kids. Save this for adult nights out and bring teens only for specific all-ages events if announced.
At a Glance
- Electric live music energy with intimate upstairs room
- Friendly bartenders who engage on music and drink choices
- Door and security interactions vary from smooth to confrontational
- Very loud and crowded; comfort depends on rock-bar tolerance
- Cleanliness and heat upstairs can disappoint on busy nights
What Sets It Apart
- institution-status-rock-bar
- intimate-upstairs-band-room
- late-night-DJ-themes
What People Love
- That it feels like a Melbourne rock institution
- Bands that sound big in a small room
- Late hours and lively dance floors
- Bartenders who keep the fun easy
Points of Concern
- Some guests report rude or dismissive door staff, including refusals without clear reasons
- Very loud, hot, and crowded upstairs during peak; sticky floors noted
- Occasional cover charges even when free was expected
- A few alarming reports of drink spiking and poor incident handling—isolated but serious
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$30-45 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Based on reviews, plan for drinks only; eat before or after nearby.
- If cocktails, ask staff for lighter options and alternate with soda water.
Perfect For
- Pre- and post-concert bar hopping
- Late-night dancing to themed rock sets
- Casual meetups where volume is not a concern
- Solo night out with live music
Location Insights
Area: Central CBD laneway vibe with nightlife foot traffic, suited to late-night bar-hoppers and gig-goers.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked core; typical late-night crowds, some rowdiness possible near clubs.
Nearby: Near theatres, bars, and restaurants; close to tram corridors and City Loop stations.
MelbourneMelbourne's CBD offers a dynamic dining and nightlife scene with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. The area is lively day and night, catering to diverse tastes and featuring both casual and upscale options.
Little Collins StreetLittle Collins Street is known for its boutique shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife spots including bars and live music venues, making it popular for after-work drinks and evening entertainment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday19:00–03:00
Tuesday19:00–03:00
Wednesday19:00–03:00
Thursday19:00–03:00
Friday18:00–05:00
Saturday18:00–05:00
Sunday19:00–03:00
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