Specialty Bars

One of Melbourne’s many underground bars, this one is fully decked out to look like an eclectic 1920s living room. They feature a huge amount of gins from all over the world, over 20 different tonic waters to match and pages and pages of gin based cocktails include 10 different martinis, 2 pages of negronis and more. They also have drinks other than gin. Well worth checking out for the atmosphere and the drinks.

10 Russell Pl.

https://www.ginpalace.com.au/

One of Melbourne’s great bars for whisky. They stock of 1000 bottles and the knowledgeable bartenders can point you in the right direction for what drop is best for you. They also have a big range of craft beers, wine and spirits.

270 Russell Street

https://whiskyandale.com.au/

Housed in an old brothel house from the 1870s, they are a small batch gin distiller with wonderful unique drops and captivating stories. You can also do gin masterclasses and a distillery tour.

17 Casselden Place (enter from rear gate in Gorman Alley) 

https://www.littlelondistillingco.com/

If distillery tours are your thing, you do also have Four Pillars Gin in the Yarra Valley and Starward Whisky in Port Melbourne.

Designed and decorated like a divided Berlin in the 1960s, they feature a cocktail of the week that is always pushing boundaries, a large beer and spirits menu and cool and relaxed atmosphere.

Top Floor, 16 Corrs Lane (just off Chinatown)

https://berlinbar.com.au/

Also check out the Fad Gallery next door

Wonderful  cocktail bar, clean and modern. They keep a very seasonal cocktail list and even have the option of an aperitif cocktail (get it)

87 Little Bourke St, Melbourne

https://barclara.com/

Opened in 2006 as a temporary bar, the whole bar is contained inside a shipping container and the seats are made of pallets. Locals have fallen in love with it and it is still here after 13 years. Great atmosphere with DJs and music and dancing and great drinks on offer. Get in early or be prepared to wait in line.

27-29 Tattersalls Ln

https://section8.com.au/

Also check out Ferdydurke, Goldilocks and Rooftop Bar nearby

Funky Spanish joint dishing up classics from pork belly to paella, plus a wide choice drinks and cocktails, including a whole range of different Gin and Tonics, all overlooking the Comedy Theatre.

103 Lonsdale Street

https://bombabar.com.au/

A brand new brewery that won “Beer & Brewer Magazine’s Best New Brewery 2019”, cool atmosphere, great food, 

648 Bridge Rd, Richmond

https://burnleybrewing.com.au/

If you want a some places to explore the breadth of Melbourne/Victorian craft beer, check out: Green Man's Arms, Beer Mash (https://beermash.com.au/), Naked for Satan.

Not sure what to try? Just ask the bar staff. They're normally happy to give you a taste of any tap beers if you're not sure.

Killer cocktails, Extensive Bar & Restaurant Menus, Craft Beers, House Infused Vodkas, and Melbourne’s best view. There are two main areas to the bar complex Naked Downstairs and Naked In The Sky. Both offer great food and drink options but upstairs is where you get the great view. Can be busy but always worth it.

285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

https://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/

One of Melbourne’s first cocktail bars, they specialise is making great new cocktails including the “Bartender’s Special”. The bartenders will as you some questions and then come up with a new and unique cocktail based on your specific tastes. They also have the most extensive absinthe list in Melbourne as well as a cigar menu.

401 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

https://www.pollybar.com.au/

These above here barely even scratch the surface. You will find so many more around Melbourne like Pizza, Pizza, Pizza, Eau de Vie, Beneath Driver Lane and others.

https://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/food-drink/melbournes-best-underground-bars-that-are-actually-underground

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/guides/best-bars-fitzroy

Also check out:

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Smith Street and Johnston Street, Collingwood

Toorak Road and Chapel Street, South Yarra 

Acland Street, St Kilda 

Richmond