Ten late nights out without booze
You don’t need to get drunk to have fun during Febfast.
Let loose at a karaoke bar
Open until 3.30am
‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ ‘Rock Lobster.’ ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ What do these songs have in common? They’re all A-grade bangers that will help you slay your next karaoke set. Who needs alcohol when you’ve got clean, wholesome sing-offs? à Around Melbourne.
Shoot pool and sip milkshakes at Red Triangle
Open until 2am This Fitzroy pool hall has barely changed in years – and that’s why we love it. Order an oldschool milkshake and while away a few hours carving up the felt. à 110 Argyle St, Fitzroy 3065. 03 9419 7330. www.redtriangle.com.au.
Stay in your lane at Strike
Open until Late
Strike QV is heaven for adults who never really grew up. Knock ’em dead at the bowling alley, belt out karaoke hits, challenge your mates to laser tag or race against the clock in one of Strike’s three escape rooms. Just think of how much better your sober self will be at these activities. à 245-247 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000. 1300 787 453. www.strikebowling.com.au.
Expand your mind at Readings
Open until 11pm
Warm, welcoming and packed with great magazines, books, music and gifts, a trip to Readings is a joy at any hour. à 309 Lygon St, Carlton 3053. 03 9347 6633. www.readings.com.au.
Grab a scoop of fresh gelato at Pidapipó
Open until 11pm Metres up the road from Readings is one of the best gelaterias in Melbourne (which you can tell from the queue out front). Lisa Valmorbida’s fresh, delicious gelato ranges from the traditional (trust us, get the banana) to the adventurous (rosemary and chestnut, for starters) – and you can (and should) top it off with warm Nutella. à 299 Lygon St, Carlton 3053. 03 9347 4596. pidapipo.com.au.
Treat yourself to a fancy dessert at Om Nom
Open until Midnight (10.30pm weekdays) Did you know that the Adelphi Hotel, home to that famous cantilevered swimming pool, also has a specialty dessert bar? Just try to resist the rich, chocolate-filled ‘nut bomb’ or the silky panna cotta. à 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne 3000. 03 8080 8827. omnom.kitchen.
Sing along to your favourite showtunes at the Butterfly Club
Open until Late The home of cabaret in Melbourne has shows every night. Friday after 10.30pm, musical theatre-lovers and cast members from all over town flock to the kitsch-themed club for a night of sing-a-longs and performances – no alcohol necessary. à Carson Pl, Off Little Collins St, Melbourne 3000. 03 9663 8107. thebutterflyclub.com.
Feast on pastries at Balha’s
Open until 11pm (midnight Friday)
There are plenty of excellent bars on Sydney Road – but Brunswick’s main strip is also home to top-notch Middle Eastern cafés where drinking isn’t an option. Our pick is Balha’s, where you can go to town on baklava and other sticky, sweet Lebanese delicacies. à 761-763 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056. 03 9383 3944. www.balhaspastry.com.au.
Pig out on pizza at Café Romantica
Open 24 hours (closed Mon 5pm-5am) Late-night dining doesn’t get more wholesome than Café Romantica: Brunswick’s haven for hungry hospo workers, revellers and locals. They offer gluten-free and vegan options on their pizza and gelato, and use local produce whenever possible. à 52 Lygon St, Brunswick East 3057. 03 9380 4437. www.caferomanticabrunswick.com.
Pass the hours with coffee and cake at Brunetti
Open until midnight Ending an evening with an espresso and cake at Brunetti is a Lygon Street rite of passage (the ganache inside the macarons is perfection). These days, this famous pasticceria is a triple threat with a café, piazza and restaurant. ■ à 380 Lygon St, Carlton 3053. 03 9347 2801. brunetti.com.au.