Union Electric Bar & Rooftop image

Union Electric Bar & Rooftop

Bar Cocktail bar Wine bar

Stylish bar with exposed brick walls and a rooftop garden serving a wide variety of cocktails. People often mention staff, cocktails, drinks, friendly, good, great, rooftop, night, music, service,


Address

13 Heffernan Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

www.unionelectric.com.au

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (966 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Monday: 5 PM to 1 AM
  • Tuesday: 5 PM to 1 AM
  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 1 AM
  • Thursday: 5 PM to 1 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (24) cocktails (20) drinks (19) friendly (15) good (13) great (13) rooftop (12) night (12) music (9) service (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 爽爽Jack 1 year ago on Google • 416 reviews
    Their music are spot on! Plenty of seatings downstairs and upstairs, and lots of fantastic cocktails to choose from, gin and some beer to choose, upstairs are not very spacious but they are perfect line up
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 George S. 1 year ago on Google
    Union is a Vibe (even if it’s slightly hard to find). Calling it a “rooftop” is a bit of a stretch, but nevertheless this place has nice drinks and really friendly service! The music is good too, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 A W. 1 year ago on Google
    DISGUSTING service and drinks at this bar. Bar is small and cramped. Drinks took ages to come out, I asked the staff 3 times where our drinks were and they said they'd bring it it out. Half an hour later, turns out they had given away our drinks to another table. By the time our drinks arrived, they had missed some of our orders. They weren't even busy. Also ordered a vodka soda, I saw the bartender literally pour tap water into our drink because they ran out of soda water. Place was awful, especially considering it was a Saturday night. Don't waste your time here. Pathetic excuse for drinks and even worse staff. Additional: I asked 3 separate staff members who gave me the same reply, so instead of blindly trusting them take the criticism and move on. The vodka soda was flat, the in-house soda clearly isn't working. You're the one who's doing the personal attacks. What I wrote was an honest review of what I experienced on the day. What good would contacting you directly do? Especially if this is how you react to a bad review.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joy L. 3 years ago on Google
    Wasnt a fan of Gin until I came here! The cocktails were amazing. Highly recommended :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David A. 1 year ago on Google
    Just an unmarked door off a laneway, up a few stairs and you'll find this hidden rooftop bar. Great atmosphere, helpful, knowledgeable bar staff. Willing to help if you aren't quite sure what you want to drink. The Never Never Gin suggested was nice just on ice with a touch of tonic. Glad we found this little bar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dano B. 2 years ago on Google
    Mostly gin (is a gin bat after all) but beer (on tap and bottled) wine and other spirits available, went the afternoon they do $5 dollar drinks and burgers (unsure of how often this is, we were there on a sunday) and burgers were fantastic value and yummy. Very friendly atmosphere, staff were very good. Continually filled up our glasses of water and asked if we wanted more drinks. Little bit of a wait at the bar but very busy so understandable. Venue is on the small side with up and down stairs, but bars on both floors and day we went they had a bar outside front with the burgers cooking. Only down side I could find was the toilets were like a sauna. Not bad, would go again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry M. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a good place to drop in for a cocktail or five. Recent visit saw table service only and a limited printed cocktail menu. Staff can make cocktail recommendations but would be nice for more options in front of you. Still there was a good vibe and staff were friendly so would continue to recommend as a solid bar hop location.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Enoki N D. 4 months ago on Google • 207 reviews
    Great place for a drink or two. Really chill but can be busy at night. So many options on cocktails and beer. Staff are always helpful here too.

  • 4/5 Brian B. 6 months ago on Google • 171 reviews
    Great little rooftop gin bar. Huge selection of gins, friendly staff and great atmosphere in melbournes Chinatown. The cocktails were delicious and looking forward to a return visit

  • 5/5 Fernando G. 9 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    This is such a cool little bar! As the name indicated, they specialise in all things gin. They do the classics very well (my boyfriend loves a good dirty martini), and their signature cocktails are also fantastic. I recommend the Lola: coconut, ginger, citrus. The atmosphere is great, even in winter you'll be cosy with blankets and heaters. The staff is happy to make recommendations and they're super friendly. If anything, it can be a bit on the overpriced side, but still well worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Georgia L. 8 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    A big thumbs up for this cool bar in the backstreets of Chinatown. An incredible assortments of gin and a chic cocktail menu with great tunes and fun wait staff! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 pastelsparkles 5 months ago on Google • 72 reviews
    We had a BUNCH of cocktails. The best one by far was this Pandan tiki sort of drink that came out with a flaming cinnamon stick. It was amazing. I still think about that drink all the time. The staff are amazing. Super friendly. The vibe is immaculate. Great energy.

  • 5/5 Kimberley 7 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    A glorious spring day and went to meet friends after work, and Molly behind the bar was so friendly and approachable. Was great to ask her for cocktail recommendations and the presentation and taste was spot on. Would go again but may be wary on bad weather days - natural for a rooftop bar.

  • 5/5 Matt B. 3 months ago on Google • 60 reviews New
    Best gin selection ever! Bar tenders know everything there is to know about their gin selection and what a great venue!

  • 5/5 Pavneet Singh P. 3 months ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    Excellent little rooftop in the city, was fairly busy in the middle of the week as well. Must visit if you love your cocktails, usually visit places and order the simplest of cocktails up first ie the espresso martini just to see how well the staff can make it, and to be honest, they did an exceptional job. One of the best espresso martinis I've had in a long time. Must try different cocktails as well!

  • 5/5 Armmie R. 7 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Such amazing bar ever and bartender so friendly ever honestly hor bartender as well and I am recommending to come this place if you if time or day off . So good for chilling and good music.

  • 5/5 Jesús D. 1 year ago on Google
    Thanks for a quintessential Melbourne experience. Hole in the wall cocktail bars with interesting people, great cocktails, and friendly wait staff! The apple is juiced in front of your eyes, and honestly really delicious.

  • 5/5 Pahade B. 10 months ago on Google
    Me and my friend sat at the rooftop bar. Small but very cool space. Loads of options for drinks. Unfortunately we didn't try their cocktails, will do next time! Super friendly staff. Excellent choice of music. The only downside was they didn't have any food but you are allowed to bring food from outside and eat while enjoying the drinks.

  • 5/5 Tim M. 7 months ago on Google
    Went early in the night and had an amazing time catching a few drinks and a bit of banter with the awesome staff. Came back later on the evening, but it was a bit busy.

  • 5/5 Dmd T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great rooftop bar, good music and most importantly good cocktails. Table service and toilets on same level. Recommended!

  • 5/5 Eric G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little venue in China Town. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. The drinks were delicious. And I'll certainly be back to try others soon. The cocktails are priced at $18 to $25 and plenty of other options too.

  • 5/5 susan v. 7 months ago on Google
    This is one of the best roof top bars that opens early! One of the best Martini … dirty I ever had!

  • 5/5 Arpan D. 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommend!! Amazing experience overall. Cocktails were awesome, decently priced. Cozy set up, clean and tidy with sweet staff and great music !!

  • 5/5 Campbell S. 2 years ago on Google
    Really lovely staff, amazing drinks, good vibes and music. Customer service unmatched, in comparison to a lot of other bars In Melbourne, this place is really welcoming

  • 5/5 Neilsen M. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect place to chill! Super love the vibes and atmosphere of this bar! Posh and cosy :) been here three times in a week and I’ll be back very soon :)

  • 5/5 Benjamin B. 2 years ago on Google
    Exquisite bar. Sunny, the manager, provided extraordinary, knowledgeable and charming service, full of passion and evident pride in what the team has accomplished. For a night out in Melbourne you can do no better; the drinks are alchemical, complex and downright delicious. A chance google brought us to this bar for a consolation drink; four unique and sublime concoctions this night went from a downer to exquisite. Everything is thoughtfully provided, drinks presented with attractive artwork and explanations, and while the bar doesn't wave a flag about it, they are justifiably proud of their work in disaster relief and supporting indigenous culture and industry. Five stars barely begins to explain the total package offered here. I'll be back.

  • 5/5 Julian R. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Experience!! We were warmly welcomed from the get go! the staff were instantly accommodating to all out needs! Very approachable and listened to us. bringing your A-Game after a lock down! A special thanks to Navarre (our amazing server, probably spelled it wrong, sorry!) who helped us through, and was a part of an amazing night, a real testament and asset to the business! You are missing out from a quintessential Melbourne experience by not going here! Cocktails are on point too! Well done bar team! Looking forward to our next visit!

  • 5/5 Curtis A. 2 years ago on Google
    My buddy Eric and I stumbled onto this place by chance on Monday night and we were completely blown away by everything. Shimmy and Sarah are absolute gems for taking care of us and gave us a really fun end to our night out. The cocktails were sophisticated and amazing, the atmosphere was electric and I will definitely be coming back with my friends and family. This is THE best bar in the Melbourne CBD!!

  • 5/5 Mo A. 2 years ago on Google
    Second to non vibes & atmosphere. Great music and Gin cocktails. Super friendly bartenders. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Jessica C. 2 years ago on Google
    This upstairs, rooftop bar is a local gem! It's very small, but the open-air environment makes it feel less noisy and crowded. The gin menu is extensive so if you like your gin, this is a place to go and try some new makers. Service is attentive, friendly, and they certainly know their gin. I always go with their recommendation.

  • 5/5 Shuichi Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Been there about 3 times and keep wanting to go back there, it has a very cozy vide during the night and that's about it, cozy vibes. Take a shot, take your friends and chill

  • 5/5 Benjamin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Everytime I'm going out to the city I always have to go to this bar. Always awesome service and great cocktails. Can't wait to go back!

  • 4/5 Malcolm Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Intimate lil' laneway bar in Chinatown. Tantalising range of cocktails and gin's from all corners of the globe. Staff are most hospitable and friendly.

  • 5/5 Leonie B. 1 year ago on Google
    The service was great, very helpful bar staff and the cocktails are to die for, so delicious. The Union Electric rooftop bar is a hidden little gem, a must do when in Melbourne.

  • 4/5 Angela H. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a great little bar. Wonderful cocktails. Awesome Gin list. Excellent for a chat and laugh.

  • 5/5 Luke W. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favs, nice little rooftop, loads of different gins, quality made drinks, knowledgeable staff, great on a sunny day

  • 4/5 michael k. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely little rooftop bar very friendly and efficient barman made great cocktails great music very enjoyable

  • 1/5 Laura S. 2 years ago on Google
    Disrespectful staff and management. We loved this place until today. From the sudden the waiter told us the table was reserved and we only had half an hour. The way she told us wasn’t right at all. Looking at the website it says they do not make bookings but apparently if they have a VIP booking they can do that. Just leaving this review so you are mindful and ask before sitting and ordering. Getting into the dramatic side, staff reported it we were abusing here after asking about it, why our table, why none one told us about it. The supervisor reaction couldn’t be worst than aggressive, zero problem solving and customer friendly. They did refund the money after that was the first we request after being absolutely disappointing on the idea of leaving.

  • 5/5 Luke G. 2 years ago on Google
    Dependably good drinks and really nice rooftop. Bartenders really know their stuff so feel free to ask for anything, or even describe a mood you are in. They will deliver. The lower bar can get a bit crowded at times, but the top bar is really worth it if you can get a seat.

  • 5/5 Bea de G. 1 year ago on Google
    Drinks were on point and you’re allowed to bring any type of food you want! (They don’t serve food, just drinks). Worked out perfectly because there was an Asian shop just in front and night market food stalls on a regular basis in the alley. Great service too! Would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Kingston L. 2 years ago on Google
    The most chillest staff that will serve your drinks with wondrous passion and kisses. I always can't wait to return by telling my friends of this place.

  • 5/5 Will C. 8 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    It was a dark Wednesday night, the Matilda’s had just lost to England and here we stand. Cold and heartbroken, stranded in the big Melbourne city. A Beckon of hope in the night, Cerys, a manager to behold, took care of our group and made up feel exceptionally looked after. If I could I would sponsor her citizenship just to ensure the Melbourne bar life is saved, without her, Melbourne crumbles along with union electric. I hope to the staff that Union Electric personally promotes this perfect human. Cocktails were good too.


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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