The Red Hummingbird
Editorial
Up the second flight of stairs is an outdoor rooftop deck with views of the city skyline, and is happily sheltered by tall buildings on both sides so you can be out there on the breeziest nights, making this is probably the cosiest rooftop bar in the city. Great for you die-hard smokers too. There's a super-chic tropical resort vibe with wooden slats on the floor and swinging rattan chairs - you could almost kid yourself that you're in Thailand and not in the Melbourne CBD. The huge Buddha backing onto the tall city buildings is a nice juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane.
I went on a quiet Thursday night and found the staff to be super friendly, unpretentious and eager to please. Call me old fashioned, but great customer service is still important to me.
The Bird has a range of interesting beers, and wine by the glass is available. But really you come here for the cocktails - the list has over 30 to choose from - including the signature 'tail, The Red Hummingbird: Bacardi Gold blended with strawberries, vanilla and guava. Want some vitamins with your alcohol? I do, so next up I had the almost Green Bison with apple Bison vodka, cucumber and kiwi fruit.
DJs in the main bar play chilled out Latin and French grooves on Fridays and Saturdays. There's not much in the way of food, but the staff can order you take out from nearby.
Meri Harli, March 2010
User Feedback
Nik
May 17, 2007
Nice afterwork bar with a great rooftop. Gets a little bit busy but not as uncomfortable as other Firday night venues. Good selection of cocktails, I seem to remember a morning martini being a favourite of mine one Friday.
Sharon Kaur
June 05, 2007
I adore this venue, it is a great city secret! The ambeince is great, the crowd is funky and the cocktails are divine. I especially love the French Martini!
LM
June 19, 2007
I love this place. Lovely warm fire and fantastic cocktails (try The Red Hummingbird - devine)! Will definitely visit again and can't wait to check out the rooftop in summer.
Phillip
June 27, 2007
TRHB, is a great place to visit during the week days for a spot close to the Fire place & a good old chinwag with the 2 most entertaining bar staff there is in melbourne(that at least i found). If you go there you have to try the Caribbean Blazer, surly a experince to remember.
Ash
January 22, 2008
Great staff, great vibe and the view from the rooftop is fantastic! The best part for me was the fact that the bar staff didn't look down at me like many cbd bars do... no attitude! great!!
Penelope
March 06, 2008
I hesitate to write this review on Citysearch, becuase I don't want this place to be discovered. The rooftop bar is great, but the whole place allows for whatever experience you want. The 2nd floor lounge inintimate for a group of four. And get this: you can hear your friends speak! This place is a gem; just don't go when I'm there.
Martin
April 23, 2008
What a hidden gem, went there for the first time a couple of weeks ago and Im hooked. Was a bit weird to see a girl on the door, but she was great and really friendly once i got inside i realised why she was there, to keep it a great place with great crowd! Its not often you find a place where everyone in there is so friendly and having such a great time. sorry to ramble but i love this place and the chick on the door!!
Mika
May 21, 2009
Love the red hummingbird have been a regular there for a long time! Recently visited the new place the emerald peacock and found it to be just as individual and impressive, if only they did the pizzas at the red hummingbird I would be so happy! Went to the bird on Friday and they seem to be having something done to the rooftop it looks like it's going to be exciting. Definately a place to go and chill out after work on a Friday just don't engage the bartender in conversation or you might never leave!
cc
May 23, 2009
Don't even bother the pretentious bartender would only make comments about you. I'll be staying at cookie from now on.
Maarten
January 30, 2010
Can't remember a place that was worse... Cocktails tasted like water, personnel was really unkind. Wouldn't turn back there even if they'd pay me!!
aveair
June 20, 2010
The Red Hummingbird came with all the hype. Having had it recommended, it was disappointing to have it not live up to expectation. The decor is very impressive throughout, with the birdcages holding the many candles littered throughout the bar. It's dim lighting highlights the deep reds and browns of the room. The mulled wine was a welcome introduction to the bar on a cold night, and at $6.50, a reasonable price. The cocktails on the other hand, lacked the personality, punch and flavours promised on the menu. The service was unintrusive but also somewhat impersonal and cold. Though the venue is aesthetic, the whole package is lacking. A disappointment of sorts given the hype.
Carly
June 30, 2010
I have always had a soft spot for The Red Hummingbird since coming to Melbourne 3 years ago. Perfect place to come with friends and relax over a a bottle of wine. The bar staff are friendly and experienced. Had a great chat to Sebastian, Luke and Geoff. Telling us all about their new upcoming cocktail list and even asked our opinions. Will definetly be back and be telling everyone about the continued great service and atmosphere.
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