The StandardX's new rooftop will transport you to LA

The StandardX, Melbourne has opened its rooftop to the public, bringing the buzz with cocktails on tap, DJ sets and skyline views.

Fitzroy just scored a new perch for golden hour. Boutique hotel The StandardX, Melbourne has flung open the doors to On Top, a rooftop space previously reserved for hotel guests. And it’s bringing a sun-drenched hit of LA cool to Melbourne just in time for summer.

The reimagined rooftop, which originally opened in Fitzroy in 2024 as part of the hotel brand’s first opening in Australia, now welcomes locals and out-of-towners from Thursday to Sunday, accommodating up to 60 people.

What to expect

food at On Top, The StandardX Melbourne — All-day dining with a side of city views. (Image: Pete Dillon)

The vibe is decidedly playful: Aperol spritzes and yuzu margaritas flow on tap, while a Japan-style vending machine adds a dose of novelty. On Top’s suggestive name is equally on brand with The StandardX’s cheeky and charming tone.

Come Friday and Saturday evenings – and languid Sunday afternoons – DJ rotations set the tone, drifting from ‘90s Brooklyn to Lago beaches. It’s a relaxed social space that knows exactly when to turn up the energy and captures Fitzroy’s social spirit.

The design

On Top is The StandardX, Melbourne's new rooftop. — The StandardX’s new rooftop overlooks Melbourne’s stunning skyline. (Image: Supplied)

With architecture by Woods Bagot and interiors by Hecker Guthrie, On Top brims with a summer-ready edge reminiscent of the sunset bars of downtown LA. Plush lounge seating, bistro tables and bar stools overlooking Melbourne’s captivating cityscape shape the space, while warm terracotta tones and arid plants create a lived-in elegance.

Designed with Melbourne’s mood swings in mind, the space is fully weatherproof thanks to a retractable roof and heating system that includes a Corten fireplace. While there are endless chic bars in Melbourne, this one holds year-round allure.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

The dining and drinks

The StandardX, Melbourne rooftop food — Expect American-inspired bites at On Top. (Image: Supplied)

The StandardX, Melbourne’s all-day menu riffs on the hotel brand’s American heritage, spanning Wagyu sliders and hot-sauce-slathered fried chicken to oyster mushroom skewers marinated in shio koji and topped with chilli crumb. And for those who can’t refuse a sweet treat, fret not; cinnamon doughnuts served with warm chocolate sauce and mascarpone tart with salted caramel ensure you’ll end on a (sugar) high.

But what’s a great meal without flowing drinks to accompany? On Top serves Aperol spritz, yuzu margaritas and lager on tap, alongside a suite of signature cocktails. Nude & Rude is Mexican inspired (Mezcal, amaro, lemon, agave and bitters), while Cloud Cover is a heady mix of apricot brandy, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, ginger and lemon.

drinks at On Top, The StandardX Melbourne — On Top offers some cocktails on tap. (Image: Supplied)

Vino lovers won’t be disappointed either. Designed collaboratively by The StandardX, Melbourne and Australian-based wine importer Lo-Fi, the wine list heroes local Victorian producers that focus on sustainable wines. To keep the fun rolling, the space even has a Japan-inspired vending machine stocked with pre-batched cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic drinks.

Opening hours

Monday to Wednesday: Exclusive access for hotel guests, no service (self-service from vending machine, The Box)

Thursday to Friday: Exclusive to hotel guests until 5pm, open to the public from 5pm to 10pm

Saturday: Exclusive to hotel guests until 12pm, open to the public from 12pm to 10pm

Sunday: Exclusive to hotel guests until 12pm, open to the public from 12pm to 8pm

Walk-ins are welcome, but the hotel recommends booking for groups of six or more.

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Where is The StandardX’s rooftop bar?

On Top rooftop is located within The StandardX, Melbourne at 62 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.

Here’s how to turn your next work trip into a Melbourne city break, with market lunches, rooftop bars and gallery visits fitting neatly around the odd meeting or two.

A long weekend in Melbourne is an easy sell. Begin with a coffee prepared with the precision of a laboratory experiment, before disappearing down the rabbit warren of graffiti-covered laneways. Explore the cutting edge of Australian art and culture in museums, and spend sunsets with a rooftop cocktail in hand.

Follow our guide to the perfect weekend stay in Victoria’s capital.

Where to stay

lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne

Make the short stroll from Melbourne Central Station towards Queen Victoria Market to arrive at lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne, a 90-room hotel whose communal spaces are a siren call for remote workers and travellers alike. Parked in the free tram zone and right beside Queen Victoria Market, it’s as central as it gets.

Designed by DKO Architects inside a heritage 1975 building, lyf’s interiors lean into warm Japandi-like styling, colourful art and flexible shared spaces. Whether you’re settling into the Collab workspaces, cooking in the Bond communal kitchen, squeezing in a workout at Burn gym or catching up on laundry at Wash & Hang, the hotel is built around sharing and spontaneous connections.

Where to eat

Bonnibel

First stop is lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne’s neighbourhood kitchen and bar, Bonnibel. Like any Melbourne spot worth its truffle salt, Bonnibel serves a cracking coffee alongside an all-day menu that runs the gamut from barbecue beef brisket benedict with jalapeño salsa and gochujang hollandaise to coconut chia nourish bowls.

Bond

If the freshly baked sourdough, local produce and fresh fruit on offer at Queen Victoria Market have your fingers twitching towards your wallet, no need to hold back. Pick up, then head back to lyf’s Bond communal kitchen to cook it yourself. Fully equipped, it’s designed for guests to prepare meals together – and if you forget that dukkah for your avo and eggs, Queen Vic is only next door.

Soi38

Stretch your legs and make your way to Soi 38, one of Melbourne’s favourite Thai lunch spots. Specialising in street food-style dishes, the sprawling menu can feel as busy as a Bangkok market. Just know that the boat noodles are a must, alongside the Crying Tiger with marinated Black Angus brisket, crispy pork belly with house dipping sauce and a glass of sweet pink nom yen.

Shanghai Street

At Shanghai Street, order the xiao long bao as soon as you sit down at this cult restaurant; the delicate-skinned soup dumplings remain its signature. Don’t overlook the crispy-bottomed pan-fried pork buns or the homemade dumplings, served boiled, pan-fried or coated in chilli oil.

Where to drink

Fleet Rooftop Bar

Sitting 22 floors above Flinders Street, Fleet Rooftop Bar pairs Southbank views with one of the city’s best rum selections. Thanks to its retractable roof and glass panelling, the terrace works in Melbourne’s famously unpredictable weather. If rum isn’t your thing, flag down the martini trolley for a classic, oyster shell or olive leaf martini, then settle in with snacks like torched salmon caviar.

Goldilocks Rooftop Bar

Hidden above the Denyers Building, Goldilocks Rooftop Bar is one of the CBD’s favourite spots for bottomless brunch. Expect shared plates of spinach and mushroom bao, fried chicken ribs and xiao long bao alongside free-flowing mimosas, peach and yuzu spritzes, Aperol spritzes and Bloody Shiraz jugs. It’s just right for a long afternoon in the city.

Fifty-five Bar

Swap rooftop views for basement vibes at Fifty-five Bar, where dim lighting, rotating craft beers and DJs create one of the CBD’s cosiest late-night hangouts. The cocktail list is just as fun, with drinks like the Silk Road Sour, made with pomegranate molasses and sumac, and frozen white peach cosmos.

Things to do

Free City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram passing along Swanston Street, an iconic sight on the ultimate Melbourne weekender. — Travel between landmarks for free. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Say hello to every Melbourne traveller’s new best friend, the free City Circle Tram. This magic carpet of Melbourne transport loops around the CBD and Docklands, getting you from landmark to landmark without dropping a cent.

Melbourne Central

Carve a chunk of time out of your schedule because all work and no play makes anyone a dull Melburnian. Instead, visit Melbourne Central to crack on with vintage shopping, duck into colourful laneways, wander through the grand 19th-century arcades and get to know its many museums. The architecture and people-watching aren’t too shabby either, whether you’re watching the crowds spill out of Flinders Street Station or gathering in Federation Square.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – new Cartier exhibition

Striking artwork inside the National Gallery of Victoria's stunning red gallery. — Explore one of Melbourne’s must-see exhibitions. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

The jewel in Melbourne’s art scene, the NGV has welcomed one of its most glittering exhibitions yet: Cartier. Created by London’s V&A, it showcases jewels worn by some of history’s greatest divas, from Elizabeth Taylor and Rihanna to Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Windsor. Sketchbooks, photographs and original designs from the Cartier archives reveal the skill behind the sparkle.

Explore Melbourne’s arty laneways

Colourful street art lining Hosier Lane, a vibrant highlight of the ultimate Melbourne weekend. — Follow the city’s vibrant street art trail. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Start at Hosier Lane, the undisputed heart of Melbourne’s laneway art scene, where fresh murals appear thick and fast. From there, wander over to the music-themed AC/DC Lane, then duck into Union Lane, where independent artists constantly layer new works over old.

Start planning your ultimate Melbourne weekender at discoverasr.com.

Melbourne’s new rooftop bar will transport you to LA this summer

The StandardX, Melbourne has opened its rooftop to the public, bringing the buzz with cocktails on tap, DJ sets and skyline views.

What to expect

The design

The dining and drinks

Opening hours

Where is The StandardX’s rooftop bar?

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Your guide to the ultimate Melbourne weekend

Here’s how to turn your next work trip into a Melbourne city break, with market lunches, rooftop bars and gallery visits fitting neatly around the odd meeting or two.