A nice place for a lunch time beer.. I normally drink Carlton dry but they have other beers that I've never had before like Brooklyn largar witch is nice but abit heavy Overall I think it's a great place for a nice lunch time drink. read more

I do like the vibe of this place, though most I the time that I end up here it tends to be pretty chockers. Okay, most times usually equate to Friday Nights, which I have discovered can be a really bad time to go drinking in the city. Still, I do quite like the place, though as some have suggested you do need to time your visits (which generally involves avoiding the place on Friday nights - though most pubs in the city seem to end up being like this). The inside seems to be quite eclectic, with numerous stuffed animals around the place, and there are also a few private booths, if you can grab one that is (you generally have to arrive pretty early). There is a balcony but all the smokers tend to gravitate out here, even on the less crowded times. It's a great pub, but only when it isn't packed. read more

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Considered to have completely bizarre interior and an exciting rooftop, the Carlton Club has never really given me the buzz that it probably should. However I still enjoy a bevvie or three at this Bourke St pub. The Carlton Club is the place we send our international celebrities when they touch down in Melbourne (Lady Gaga had a night out here), and the high priced drinks don't suggest any different. Even a pot of Carlton Draught is a little pricey - but when you look around at the vast amounts of taxidermy on the walls and the very pretty bar staff, it's not hard to see where your cash is going. This is a perfect bar for after work drinks (especially considering it's location) but is notoriously hard to get into on a Saturday night. Boys, if you are wearing anything with a visible label you've got absolutely no chance. A friend of mine was turned away for wearing Converse sneakers... read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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We ended up here at 7pm on a Friday night for dinner because we'd failed to plan ahead and had tickets to an 8pm show nearby. Cool atmosphere, but expensive for pub food, and even though it was pretty empty for its size, the noise level made it difficult to have a conversation. The amber ale listed in the menu that I wanted was no longer on tap, tap beers come only in pints or jugs, and the chicken parmi included a surprise layer of ham that I did not see on the menu. Apparently this is a standard Aussie dish, but I wouldn't have ordered it if I'd known, and surprise ingredients seem risky in general. For $27, this dish fell short, despite the addictive Macca's style shoestring fries. Overall, those who don't plan their meal in advance shouldn't have high expectations, I guess, but I wouldn't rush back here even if it was just for a drink. read more

The Carlton Hotel - $27 chicken parmigiana - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

It's a relief to know that places like the Carlton Club still exist. Each time I have ventured through its jungle like décor I have been pleasantly surprised with the turnout reaching maximum crowd capacity, on both a Friday and Saturday night. An extremely popular night spot for hipster's young and old. Cocktails at The Carlton doesn't have to be your standard pre-drinks gateway to a bar hoping catastrophe, why not stay put, stay sipping and let your imagination run wild. The atmosphere and its intensity is enough to keep you inspired. If it's a hot night why not venture outside onto the roof top decking and soak up the ambiance. read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I really do love the Carlton Club. While it may be self-consciously kooky with its excessive use of velvet upholstery, it still manages to retain a really great vibe. Old school boudoir style on acid is probably the best way to describe the design concept. The staff are nice to look at and the crowd is friendly, although navigating your way around the barrage of suits smashing Friday night drinks can be a little overwhelming. As Jackie mentioned, the drinks are overpriced and ultimately what you're paying for is the luxe setting. But really, this is what the Carlton Club is all about. A taxidermist's delight, the emu's and giraffe's adorned with strings of pearls are part of what makes this place so much fun. On a balmy night the palm-tree lined balcony is a dream. All in all, it's probably best to stop by Carlton on a weeknight and avoid the teeming crowds and overzealous bouncers that reign supreme on a Saturday night. read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Dear The Carlton: INSTALL A DAMN ELEVATOR PLEASE! Sincerely yours, Clarissa --- No but seriously, install an elevator. I like The Carlton. ~ Beautiful rooftop scenery. ~ Great-looking venue. ~ Constantly busy. ~ Always a great place to meet new people. CONS: ~ Drink prices are expensive. ~ There is no elevator. read more

Two weeks in Australia=completely fucking awesome. First up for my merry band of travelers was Sydney, which had some great spots too (ingredients for other reviews). Upon arriving in Melbourne though we more quickly acclimated and assessed our surroundings. Somehow, whether by local recommendation or other, we ended up at The Carlton. And by "ended up", I mean we went twice nightly almost each night of our stay. The staff was so killer and down for our version of yankee fun. Each night we attended we brought a growing crowd of folks and it was absolutely bonkers each night. I have hundreds of photos from our stay, and they're mostly from The Carlton. yeah. read more

Went on the bar/club several time and it is really cool. Security is respectful and polite and staff is pretty cool. There are 3 levels, first floor is like "commercial" music, more like rnb rap there is a dance floor, some comfortable seats and a balcon , second floor it is depending sometime it 's deep house and sometime it is more "funny" and third floor is a rooftop. The view on the city might not be the best but the rooftop is really cool and warmed by light. As music is not too loud it is perfect to talk. Last time I went a saturday the rooftop closed around 2:30am, the second floor 3am and first floor is probably around 4-5 pm. Price are average but be careful minimum by card is 15 dollars, and you cannot bring your drink in the stairs between the first floor and second floor ( no problem between the second and rooftop) so be sure to know which part you prefer. I went there on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and it was always busy. Good place to go if you wanna dance (two different atmosphere) or chill on the rooftop. read more

Great location.. I like the balcony area - accommodates smokers (both part time & full time!) and nice trees!! Cool interior with its stage next to the bar for a band whenever, lights are a bit dim but that, along with the couch-tables set in the corner, will suit those seeking some privacy.. It got a lot busier after 9pm but you wouldn't really expect otherwise on a warm Summer Saturday night in Melbourne.. read more

I have to admit that my Carlton ventures have not gone beyond The Carlton itself, but there is such a rich variety of bars squeezed into the CBD that I don't think I need to. The times I have ended up at The Carlton, it has started with being sized up by the door staff then onto a fairly expensive drinks menu, continuing on to admire the menagerie of taxidermied zoo animals, then onto noticing I can't hear what anyone is saying over the excessively blaring music and hoping we get to visit at least one more place for a decent cocktail before the night is over. I always walk out of The Carlton thinking I should rethink my venue choices - although I'm not often there by choice. read more

Like most big CBD bars & pubs, you have to really choose when to time your visit to The Carlton Hotel. Most weeknights and Sat/Sunday early arvo I love the place. It's not packed, has attentive bar-staff, and you can start on the roof-top until the sun goes down and Melbourne Spring chill hits and then nestle into a velvet red booth back downstairs, taking in the quirky and over-the-top decor with music at a level that isn't obnoxious and allows chatting with ease. Friday nights though I stay away as it can be packed with knock-off work-drink douchbaggery crowd that can get rowdy pretty quickly, and Saturday nights you get the drunken idiots that stream into and take over most big city venues and (subsequently) you get the aggressive security guards that make everyone feel unwanted and bar-staff which can turn a little short, no doubt a direct result from dealing with said idiots. But as I said, that's not really a critique of The Carlton as much as it is our city weekend binge drinking culture. All other times I find the place kooky & charming. read more

Don't you love it when you've visited a place upwards of a year and a half ago and been there several times but decide to write the review much later? I did actually end up here as of a few days ago. Luckily they have Amaro Montenegro. Friend; "What are you drinking?" Me; "Montenegro on ice." Friend: Man, you gotta find a new drink" Me; "Okay, double Montenegro neat with lemonade Friend: Hugh, that doesn't count." Still on this occasion via a number of twists and turns I think I experienced every corner, level, setting, bar and room of this venue, But I'm determined that's there's still some yet undiscovered secret rooms and even entire floors. Much like a movie in which there is secret gold hidden. I've also been here to eat, very fleetingly, and on more occasions then there are stairs at the Carlton, to drink. On the busy Friday and Saturday nights, of which Melbourne is so in rapture of, it is extremely common to find hub-bub, commotion and inappropriate large groups of people mincing about outside the entrance. It is also common for this place to be screamingly busy to the point of over kill. All in all you'll find some nice things to drink, the outdoor areas are great and it works if you keep moving about. The rooftop is great as well. (Why can't you be more European and be busy all the nights?) For first timers all the odd decor and random objects they have managed to shove into every possible corner nook and cranny may be a little alarming. I don't even notice this now. You will get a workout from using the stairs all the time, just be mindful of the other patrons on the stairs. Chose your night wisely depending on what you want to become of it. read more

You know those places where you just always have a good night. The Carlton club is that place for me. From my first experience on the rooftop consuming a few too many cocktail jugs to discovering they do food & trying out a sensational steak for $14 on Tuesday night's, always always a good time. The decor in this place is on point, from the big giraffe , the cosy booths, funky rooftop & a nice balcony area. I think the layout of the main bar is well done & allows for plenty of serving room & you never have to wait overly long for a drink. They occasionally do table service , I am not sure if this is throughout the whole night as they get busier or just during quite time but I find this a nice little touch as it's pay as you go which takes the hassle out of going to the bar or dealing with the dreadful split bill scenario. All in all a winner in my opinion. read more

Carlton Club is one of my favorite places to go in the city. It's location is prime and so easy to get to. From my experience, it's a bit classier than a normal pub. On occasion, I've even thrown a pair of heels on to meet up for ' a date' which was really more a mix of casual drinks and banter. Though there's a big florescent sign on the main street giving you the feel this place would be pretty seedy, it's definitely not. When you walk up the first flight of stairs to the Carlton Club area, you walk into a room filled with stuffed animals from the jungle along with a collection of other interesting pieces. The decor is one of my favorite parts about coming here because it provides some what of psychedelic experience for the human eye. Drink's aren't cheap but I'm not complaining about $8.50 Gin and Tonic's out in this city. The outdoor deck area is a great socializing spot and I've definitely shmoozed with some randoms over drinks out here. Just a few staircases up you'll find a rooftop bar, I'm pretty sure it's called the Palmz. I'm a big fan of rooftop bars but this one is one of the best. Overall, between the first floor & this rooftop bar, you're sure to get a mix of everything needed for a proper night out. Enjoy some drinks, fresh air, good music but be selective on when you go, this place gets PACKED! read more

The Carlton Hotel is a quirky space for those wanting to look hipster quirky indie cool but don't actually want to leave the CBD. Which I totally understand as The Carlton is just around the corner from dumpling heaven-China Town. Or maybe it's just for those people who aspire to be different but are happy being the same? Yup we were brave enough to fight the crowds and stumble into here on a chilling Melbourne Saturday eve to celebrate a friends birthday. Have to admit being rather disappointed that we couldn't reserve an area for the 10 of us. Despite happily offering to meet ridiculous conditions. Was blatantly told that no reservations. Oh so very Melbourne of you. Only to discover once inside that yes you can reserve areas. We were fortunate enough to watch staff members put up signs to inform you that certain booths/tables were reserved. The drinks menu here is fairly basic and fairly Melb-hispter wana be. Good selection of beer, wine, cider and flavored vodkas. The staff are a little lacking on the speed skill side of things. Cocktails took up to 20mins to arrive. Despite the fancy vodka list many weren't available. My CreamySoda vodka concoction tasted more like vanilla coke watered down with tears from small children. After 10 we barely bothered trying to buy drinks as it really did take a considerable amount of time. On the upside it was entertaining to watch a group of young males display signs of aggression (which one can only assume was other a spilled diet cola or a broken nail) in front of the bar. More entertaining was watching the security guards watch the fisty cuffs and the scantily clad young ladies trying to avoid being thrown into the brawl. 3/5 stars for the decor. I won't spoil it for you, go and meet the girrafe yourself. read more

Let's talk about The Palmz. It's separate to the rest of the Carlton, and up quite a few stairs so watch out ladies, heels aren't fun. I went on a muggy Sunday afternoon. Climbed the steps to the top, and then went DOWN again to get to the rooftop bar. Rooftop? Down to a rooftop? Not really on the top, then, eh? The Palmz outside room bar is squished in between lots of other tall buildings. There's shade to keep out the rain and the sun, nothing to deal with the wind (but, let's face it, there's not really going to be any). The decor suits a muggy day, it's dressed up quite like an island resort. Pity about the view. And the staff, who looked incredibly unhappy to be there. And the cider, which tasted like beer. Not in a yum way, either, but in an "I forgot to clean the taps" kind of way. read more

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What a pity this place is so far up it's own backside. It's gorgeous, the stylisation is absolutely incredible (although I've been told the animal artefacts are real, which is eerie.) Snooty bar staff and a pretentious attitude. Bulky security guards with bad attitudes too. Overpriced and hoity toity. Ugh. We're in Melbourne, some sort of service should be expected... shouldn't it? Personally, I don't like being looked up and down when I enter a venue and a smile never goes astray from a friendly bartender. Heck, you might even get a tip. No thanks. Unless of course there's nowhere else to go. One star for the elephant head - but only if it's fake. read more

A Contiki reunion with Melbourne residents here- such a funky place. They had several levels with different clubs and bars as you walked up the stairs. We went straight up to the top with it's rooftop bare. Unfortunately it started to rain lightly so we moved the party indoors but it was not a loss- as it was a very cool space. Ordered vodka lemon lime and bitters and our friend did the jokes-abound Minimum chips Melbourne craft beer. Sensed a jungle sort of theme with a giant elephant head coming out from one side of the room. Both sides were bordered by several fake rock walls that created a barrier around the several couch seatings available. Fake greenery hung up around the trimming of the ceiling and neat hanging lamps. Interesting choice of purple walls with pink leopard print- very unique! Had a good night- would say check it out read more

So i went to this place last night, withdraw money from Atm. Atm gave me a only half $50 bill, then i asked the bar manager about it and asked what i am supposed to do with that. She kept saying it is impossible to get ripped money from Atm basically calling me a liar, like i saw a hallucination or something. After that of course she went to the bouncers and told them to kick me out. She came with me downstairs and called me a smart ass too. I had a drink upstairs which I hadn't touched They should approach these kind of situations in a more positive way instead of having an attitude like "oh we can do anything we want" Fail read more

Was here last night for a friend's 30th... well to be clear, I was at the Hasti Bala on the 3rd floor and spent a little time at The Palmz which seems to be the rooftop deck.... Then stopped in at The Carlton on my way out just to have a touristy nosey and to take some photos... Absolutely loved the decor... They really have done a great job... and the animal/jungle theme is carried out through the while place. We had Hasti Bala to ourselves for most of the evening so not sure what it's like normally, The Palmz seemed to be heaving with a variety of clientele and The Carlton was quite busy with what looked like quite a preppy crowd. Music was good, tho quite loud... not the place to go for a catch up with friends! Def worth a visit for the novelty factor if nothing else! read more

What a wonderful rooftop bar the hike up the huge amount of stairs becomes worth it once you get to the rooftop with palms and a tropical feel then the middle bar is very exciting a quirky with a wild design going on very cute booths to share with friends and a great big deck area as well read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

When I first got to Melbourne, I frequented this place pretty much due to lack of knowledge about anywhere else to go. And its on Bourke Street which is pretty much the first street that you learn in Melbourne. I must admit that for a first timer, especially someone who hasnt experience Melbourne multi level, themed bars before, this place impresses. Nowadays I visit the Carlton Club Hotel on a much less frequent basis. Its more that I end up there than plan to visit. There are a few things I can clearly recall from my most recent visit 1. The doorman are VERY choosy when they want to be and start talking about members cards (which is complete crap) 2. The Pumpkin Pizza is in fact a small piece of bread with some very small (im talking pea sized) pieces of pumpkin on top. On top of a green puree (which I am imaginging is the Brocolli part of the dish..?) with a couple of lumps of cheese on top. 3. The bartender was a legend and gave me a free drink because I said please. What a champion. All in all, the Carlton Club has got to be done. Probably better done 3am when immune to the fact that there are hundreds of people packed into a hot, loud room, but worth a visit all the same. In my opinion, a great place to visit with people who don't know Melbourne and on a very sunny afternoon when you can't be bothered venturing much further. read more

i used to love the Carlton for its great music and nice staff. This all changed tonight. While I was waiting in line with a group of friends, I was on the phone with my bank to try and cancel my credit card that I had lost at the previous bar. The security guard, who hadn't even gotten to check our ID's, told me to leave and to "come back when I had some manners." I have never been talked to so disrespectfully for doing nothing except waiting on the phone while in line (I wasn't even talking as I was on hold). Such inconsiderate staff that made terrible comments about my character as well as the characters of my friends, based on our attire, even though Carlton never explicitly designated a dress code. DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU RESPECT YOURSELF OR YOUR FREEDOMS. read more

I've been coming here since I turned 18, 5 years ago. Probably, I would say, at least once a week, if not twice. I've watched it change over the years. It used to be quite a cool scene - the people who went were interesting to talk to. In recent years it now makes for after work suits, and the girls who don't seem particularly interested in you if you're not wearing one. The drinks are pricey as shit. The bouncer's are dicks. They used to have really cool ones who remembered me every time and were happy to strike up a conversation. But I don't come here to meet bouncers. The music is still a great selection though, that much hasn't changed. It will always have a place in my heart to the day it is rubbish. Not yet. read more

Came on a beautiful day in Dec and the atmosphere was perfect. Cool day drinking spot and a must do when in CBD area. read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

The more I find out about this city, the more I realize that there's quite a few hidden rooftops around the CBD. The Carlton Club doesn't stand out in any amazing way, as it's a good pub in the CBD. What makes it stellar is it's huge roofdeck. You'll really think you're on an island, or at a luau in Hawaii. It's got fake grass on the floor and tons of tiki torches. Here's the catch...walk past all the other floors. Don't look in, don't stop and have a drink, even if your friends are awaiting you there. Get upstairs because they fill up and stop new people from entering so get there and stake your claim! read more

A great venue for after work drinks, especially during the warmer months when the balcony packs out quick smart. Get in early if you want a booth inside. The bar area itself packs out quickly too which does make it annoying to get a drink. Nice for a couple of drinks, but may send you broke if you spent too long here. read more

Why the Carlton isn't actually in Carlton is a bit of a puzzle to me. That said, it's not something I sit at home wondering about. As conundrums go, it's okay, but it's ultimately not that interesting. And it once barred entry to a friend of mine (admittedly, he was dressed a bit like a bum). Then again, the main room of the conundrum is quite swanky, and the rooftop garden's all happy and relaxed. read more

The Carlton Hotel - Dance Clubs Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I haven't really seen the Carlton through sober eyes, so here goes: This place is in a super central location, which I think is a blessing and a curse. Melbournians aren't, for the most part, that into really obvious, centrally located places. I would take a little laneway bar any day over a really loud, obvious place like the Carlton. But, the Carlton has its place in Melbourne's nightlife scene. It has a very cool interior, good cocktail list and cool balcony. In my opinion, it is definitely the perfect spot to either begin or end your night. read more

Loving the roof top bar with its heated out door area filled with plants (pretty sure at least some of them were real). The decor inside is quite sheik with a (taxidermy?) giraffe for added drama. Drinks are about the same as everywhere else and they have a nice cocktail list. Nice place to pop in for a drink with friends. read more

Wednesday night $15 steak night comes with fries and a decent salad. Don't let the three flights of stairs to get to the restaurant put you off. Think of it as a good way to build up an appetite. Recommend read more

Nothing beats chilling on a rooftop bar in the summer. My friends and I drained at least half a keg of the cider trying to get our cool on. Long story short: I ended up drunk dialing all my besties back home in the Northern Hemisphere. The decor was super chill and the clientel were super chatty. Staff were alright more just going threw the motions but nice enough anyway. Will be back again on the next sweltering afternoon although I'll try to be on the roof before 3 to grab some eats. read more

Cool place if you like mice. Probably won't return as the bouncer said they have been there for years. Cool giraffe head though!

I came here on a windy afternoon before heading to the theatre, it had been a while between drinks for me and the carlton and what a change since I was there last time! The same stuffed animal theming still remains which i kinda like however they could do a little bit to brighten up the interior. What surprised me the most was the food. Long gone are the staple pub food items (they are still on the menu) however have been over taken by a selection of quality small plates and sharing plates. We arrived expecting to have a bowl of chips and maybe share a pizza (or similar pub grub dish) but instead were greeted with pulled duck steamed buns, pumpkin and goats cheese pies and some of the best spring rolls i have ever had! My company also agreed it was fantastic food especially for a pub style venue. The drinks list i think has changed a little as well but don't quote me on that. We sat on the balcony which had a chilled vibe that sunday afternoon with a few small groups meeting for a sunday bevy. The balcony is great as although there wasnt much sun about, the balcony was covered in it and the palm trees that surround the balcony protected us from the nasty wind of the day. Overall a nice little oasis in the CBD away from the hustle and bustle and perfect for an afternoon drink as well as a nighttime night cap. read more

Rooftop bar is fantastic in summer, a real inner city oasis! The Carlton gets busy on a Friday and Saturday night, but drink prices are definitely fair and the bar staff have always been friendly and accommodating to my unusual cocktail requests! I'm not a big fan of crowds, I'd recommend The Carlton for a midweek drink, you'll really be able to appreciate the great decor inside that way. Suggest having a meal or snacks there too, the food was seriously. Bonus points for the taxidermied animals and artifacts, love it! read more

If you can't get away to an island resort this year, don't worry just come to the Carlton Club on a nice sunny day and escape with a cocktail on one of the many rooftop bars. You will feel like you are in Thailand anyway as there are so many Australians at the bars there. This is a great place to come after work for drinks, unwind and either forget about the week that was or celebrate the week that was, depending on the type of person you are. All depending on how much you have had to drink or the amount of sun you get on the rooftop, you might end up talking to an emu or giraffe. Tell the giraffe he owes me $50. read more

Nicely set up inside. Can get super noisy. Has different themed nights. The rooftop is quite nice and has a great view.

Absolutely love the atmosphere here, and I went here for the first time on a Bumble Date. Now I can't stop going back! Love the drinks, snacks and good tunes xx read more

Great place to have a beer but food is expensive. Parma was $26 and was small and burnt.