st. jerome's is the best place in melbourne by far - in my experience. which isn't huge, since i tend to stick with what i know, but it really is a superb little enclave, as long as you can get a table.
i really like the lounge too, even though it often gets a bad wrap (omg it's like so totally mainstream!).
revolver is awesome, but only for a particular state of mind (thank you for that hoptis
) - generally when your mind doesn't really know what state that is.
bimbo deluxe is pretty sweet too: relaxed, trashy-but-cool decor, and tasty pizzas. plus it's on brunswick street, which is also good.
cherry bar is great, but it's more full of indie kid cliches (like myself) than ever, which is a bit of a turn off for some. take your friends and it's fun though.
the clare is my favourite place in sydney, but i haven't been to many. well, i haven't been to many and remembered them afterwards, anyway.