1. State of Grace
Set in the heart of Collins Street, State of Grace is a stunning venue with serious allure in it's secret cellar bar housed behind a bookshelf. Should you be able to pick the right book off the shelf, you'll be greeted to a winding marble staircase which descends into Fall From Grace, a cocktail experience like no other.
477 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Gin Palace
As with so many of Melbourne's best bars, Gin Palace is tucked away in a discrete alley way in the CBD and when you find it you'll feel like you've entered another world. Follow the big red doors down the rabbit hole to an intimate venue with lush sofas, hidden alcoves and of course, a whole lot of gin.
10 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Black Pearl
Whilst seemingly a standard bar downstairs at Black Pearl, venture upstairs to the restrooms without keeping your eyes peeled and you may just miss the best feature, an award winning cocktail bar. A door at the end of the corridor reads The Attic and when curiosity takes hold, ring the doorbell as instructed to enter a stunningly decorated and intimately personal space that will not disappoint.
304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
4. Golden Monkey
Set in a basement venue on Hardware Lane, Golden Monkey is a treat for lovers of cocktails and delicious Asian tapas. Red and black oriental decor compliments the quirky design features so don't be surprised to see a few bicycles hanging from the ceilings. It's all part of the appeal.
389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. The Everleigh
Hailed as one of the world's best bars, the Everleigh is worth every bit of praise it receives. The venue is effortlessly decked out with warmly lit rooms, classy furnishings and bartenders who are willing to bend over backwards to make you a great drink. Come for the reputation and stay for the world class service and sophistication.
156/150 Gertrude Street, Melbourne VIC 3065
6. Polly Cocktail Lounge
Paying homage to 1920's Parisian chic, Polly is a step back in time to a luxuriously decadent era. Chesterfield lounges fill the venue while chandeliers hang overhead and enormous paintings line the walls. Decked out in velvet as far as the eye can see, this classy cocktail bar which has long been a favourite of Brunswick Street will no doubt get the tick from anyone who frequents it.
401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
7. The Noble Experiment
A bar that could easily be missed despite its prominent location on Smith Street, The Noble Experiment boasts a restaurant with wonderful food and as the night rolls on, a bar with an intimate atmosphere and great service. A venue with a homely feel, The Noble Experiment is the place you go to unwind and relax over a cocktail or two.
284 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
8. Double Happiness
Resembling what can only be described as somewhat of a Chinese opium den, Double Happiness is a small and cosy venue that will impress with its bubble cup tea cocktails and exciting atmosphere. Something a little different that will be pleasantly surprising.
21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Charlie's Bar
Escape the chaos of Hardware Lane and let Charlie make you a nice drink in this comfy and warmly lit basement bar. Get in early for the evening and set up camp at one of the tables which quickly fill up, making the most of the happy hour specials.
71 Hardware Lane, Melbourne VIC 3001
10. Aloha Sailor
There's definitely street cred to be achieved by having the inside scoop on a NEW bar that's opening soon. Coming May 8th, Aloha Sailor is the Noble Experiment's downstairs counter part. Boasting an authentic Tiki bar experience, Aloha Sailor is all about quality ingredients and premium spirits. As well as bamboo furnishings, liquid nitrogen laced cocktails in skull heads and treasure chests. Cool level 10000.
284 Smith Street, Collingwood 3066
11. Bad Frankie
Buried amongst Smith Street's eateries and nestled in a side street, Bad Frankie is the bar you stumble upon and keep a secret amongst friends. Mixing boutique Australian spirits and the iconic Jaffle? A match made in heaven if we've ever seen one.
141 Greeves Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
12. Union Electric Bar
Latin/jazz tunes and a killer cocktail menu make Union Electric bar the best new kid on the block. Set in Chinatown, the space is quaint and light-hearted while still remaining serious about its alcohol. While Union Electric doesn't have it's own kitchen, they're so chummy with New Kum Den next door that dumplings can be ordered from the bar and they'll be delivered to your table. What more could you WANT?!
13 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Goldilocks
Located on the 4th floor with a rooftop boasting views of the CBD, all you'll be stealing from Goldilocks is a great time. Unique cocktails are stirred up in the cottage and can be enjoyed inside or in the overgrown forest.
Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
14. Eau De Vie
Somewhat of an icon, Eau De Vie is the perfect mix of sophistication and playfulness. Take a seat at the Main Bar housing 700+ spirits and let one of the experienced bartenders play to your tastes with one of their signature cocktails. If you can find it behind their fake book case, head to the Whiskey Room and if you're a regular, store and stash your favourite spirits in a personal locker for next time.
1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
15. Le Bon Ton
Le Bon Ton is a unique and interesting venue with a little bit of attitude inspired by its roots in the deep South. Make your way to the Absinthe Salon or Cocktail Bar to be served up some oysters and matching spirits. Sah fancy.
51 Gipps Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
16. 1806
When the first cocktail was documented in print in the year 1806, they definitely couldn't have imagined this bar would be doing their thing so damn well. For drink connoisseurs after something a little fancy, look no further. 1806 have got this down pat.
169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
17. The Croft Institute
Hiding in an alley way in Chinatown, all bets are off at The Croft Institute where anything goes. This mad scientist's old school science lab has been decked out with beakers and test tubes, and if you're game enough to experiment, choose your poison that'll arrive in a plastic syringe. Because straws are for suckers.
Croft Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000
18. Seamstress
Go on a journey at Seamstress through a number of levels evoking different atmospheres. Starting at the level two Cocktail Bar, this fancy establishment is reminiscent of Colonial "private members clubs," serving classic cocktails to a soundtrack of jazz and blues. Take a walk down to the basement Sweatshop Bar that is the complete opposite of it's upstairs counterpart, rife with 90's beats, loud banter and free flowing whiskey.
113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
19. Less Than Zero
Serving drinks until late every night, Less Than Zero is an easy going watering hole that will impress with it's style and attitude to alcohol. Exposed bricks, a stained wooden bar and retro posters which line the walls make it interesting and a little laid back spot to bring a mate you want to impress.
153 Commercial Road, South Yarra VIC 3141
20. Siglo
Boasting views over Spring Street and Parliament House, Siglo is the kind of bar where you'll receive dedicated attention from staff who are knowledgeable in alcohol and everything it takes to make a great drink.
2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
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