The Thrill of the Hunt: Discovering Hidden Bars in Melbourne
Melbourne's nightlife industry is bolstered by a slew of "hidden bars" tucked away in its small streets and back lanes. Discovering these secret bars in Melbourne is a wonderful and enthralling experience that fosters a deeper connection to the place. Below is a list of the best speakeasy bars in Melbourne that you should definitely visit.
Bar Margaux
Allow your eyes to adjust as you descend the unassuming staircase. This French bistro, influenced by New York, lacks natural light, making it easy to become distracted and lose track of time. It is also renowned for serving one of Melbourne's most well-known late-night burgers.
The entrance of Bar Margaux is unadorned, simply bearing the inscription 'MGX.' However, as you enter this underground bar in Melbourne, you are welcomed by a lively blend of music and conversation. The interior is designed to replicate a late-night French café in New York. Whether you arrive at 5 p.m. to kick off your evening or depart well after nightfall, the ambiance remains consistent, allowing you to savor it at any hour.
Address: Basement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Tues & Weds: 5pm to 12am, Thurs: 5pm to 1am, Sat: 5pm to 3am. Closed on Sun & Mon
Goldilocks Bar
Goldilocks is a hidden rooftop bar in the center of Melbourne's CBD - but you'll need to uncover its location first. Ride the elevator to the fourth floor to unveil the charming cottage-style bar, and then ascend to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the complete experience, especially at sunset.
Address: Denyers, Building Level 5/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 12pm to 1am, Sat: 1pm to 3am, Sun: 1pm to 1am
Jungle Boy
Jungle Boy is another hidden cocktail bar in Melbourne, concealed behind an unexpected entrance. This petite tiki cocktail bar is tucked beneath a New York-style sandwich shop.
Enter Boston Sub on Chapel Street and turn to the right, where you'll find a massive coolroom door that serves as the Jungle Boy entrance. Uncover a secret paradise where tropical beverages and bite-sized American snacks are served.
Address: 96 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Open daily: 5pm to 1am
Berlin Bar
Berlin takes themed pubs to new heights. One side symbolises East Berlin during the Cold War; it's dark and rugged. The opposite side represents the Democratic West and is dominated by capitalism; it's adorned with stones and exudes grandeur.
You can enjoy excellent cocktails regardless of which side you choose. Even their cocktails are named after historical figures, such as the whisky-based John F. Kennedy and the rum-heavy Nikita Khrushchev.
Finding Berlin might be a bit challenging, so take the stairs and ring the doorbell after spotting the glowing bear sign. When the staff is ready, they will admit you.
Address: Level 2/16 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs: 5pm to 12am, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 1am
Loch and Key
Loch & Key is discreetly positioned behind a bookcase within the Captain Melville tavern, accessible via a steep and slightly worn staircase. The interior boasts an inviting ambience characterised by rich wooden decor, mounted deer heads, a spacious deck adorned with reclaimed coffee tables, a weathered peacock-blue sofa, and plush wooden banquettes. While Loch & Key is renowned as a vibrant late-night destination, its early-evening charm should not be underestimated. As the sun sets, the balcony bathes in soft light, and the music transitions from electronica to the groovy tunes of the '70s funk era.
Address: 34 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs: 8pm to 5am, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 7am
New Gold Mountain
This Chinese-themed cocktail and wine bar ranks among Melbourne's best-kept hidden laneway secrets, not solely due to its discreet crimson entrance and complete absence of signage.
The atmosphere becomes increasingly captivating as you approach the establishment, a converted tailor's shop, and ascend to the first floor, referred to as the "green level." This ambience is accentuated by its old-world Shanghai design, jade-green décor, and soothing ambient music.
Patrons here are presented with a splendid array of liquors and cocktails, complemented by a limited selection of wines and exotic beers. The house's speciality lies in crafting sours.
The tranquil enclave on the "red level" is an architectural marvel adorned with magnificent lanterns and crepe paper decorations. This opium den-inspired interior, accommodating up to 80 people, attracts a discerning and diverse crowd of individuals in their twenties and thirties who sincerely appreciate the quality of their libations.
Address: Level 1/21 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sat: 6pm to 5am, Thurs: 5pm to 3am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Juliet
Juliet, Punch Lane's downstairs sibling, places a strong focus on supporting and promoting female cheesemakers, winemakers, and distillers.
Walk down to the best underground bar in Melbourne on Little Bourke Street for a taste of lady power and, really, just an unforgettable night with good vibes — it's all pink neon, concrete and hand-blown glass down here.
The bar serves a variety of speciality drinks, as well as cheese, charcuterie and appetisers, such as salt cod croquettes, freshly shucked oysters and a gammon terrine. You won't want to emerge from beneath after you settle in with a delectable snack and a few mandarin martinis.
Address: Basement/37 - 41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Weds & Thurs: 5pm to 12am, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 1am. Closed on Sun to Tues
Dessous
As its name suggests, this charming wine bar and café falls into the underground category (Dessous is a direct translation of 'underneath' in French). The sibling restaurant of Hazel located above, Dessous occupies a delightful space deep within the heritage-listed T&G Building. The interior of this concealed Melbourne restaurant is crafted by the award-winning design firm, The Stella Collective.
Select a comfortable banquette seat at this Melbourne subterranean bar and indulge in XO lobster doughnuts, confit duck leg, sambal char-grilled squid, and fiery pork katsu sandos. Anticipate a world-class wine selection and an array of refined cocktails, such as the Mary Pickford, a blend of white rum, maraschino, grenadine, and pineapple, an ideal choice for an underground sipping experience.
Address: Basement/164 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Thurs: 5pm to 12am, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 1am. Closed on Sun & Mon
Bar Clara
This Chinatown watering hole features a constantly evolving cocktail menu that combines fresh ingredients with sophisticated techniques, all in a basement beneath Little Bourke Street.
Bar Clara's fine selection of beer, cider, and wine is a noteworthy highlight, as are the kitchen's delectable snacks, including sweet potato chips, a truffle cheese toastie, and baked brie served with melba toast and honey. If you're on a hidden bar tour in Melbourne, this establishment should be on your list.
Get ready to indulge in drinks and snacks amidst an ambience adorned with plants, concrete beams, a copper countertop, and plush green velvet sofas, all set in a softly lit environment.
Address: 87 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs: 5pm to 12am, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 1am
Pearl Chablis Oyster Bar
The sibling establishment of Pinchy's, Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar, is, to say the least, unassuming.
Look for the concealed entrance of this hidden Melbourne CBD bar on the first floor of MidCity Arcade after ascending the escalator.
Discover this distinctive, softly lit lounge specialising in French wine, caviar, and premium oysters. And seettle into a velvet stool, pour yourself a glass from the country's finest Chablis collection, and sit back, relax, and unwind.
Address: L1 Shop 108/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Weds to Fri: 5pm to 10.30pm, Sat: 5pm to 12am. Closed on Sun to Tues
Heroes
Heroes has reopened with a new design, replacing the former Nitro Lab ice cream shop with a petite dumpling cocktail bar. Board the neon-topped elevator and venture through the various levels of this multi-story party palace. Ascend to the top floor for city views from the rooftop or arrange for a basement karaoke session at this hidden rooftop bar in Melbourne.
Address: L1 Shop 108/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Thurs: 5pm to 10.30pm, Sat: 4pm to 3am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Pizza Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza Pizza is a New York-style eatery located in Meyer's Place. This hidden gem of a restaurant in Melbourne offers substantial pizza slices sold individually.
It's discreet, yet there's more to it. Summon your courage, move beyond the 'staff only' sign, and navigate through the black curtain. Here, you'll discover an intimate, unbranded cocktail bar.
While this bar technically lacks a name, its creative cocktail menu provides everything necessary for an outstanding (and late) night out
Address: 16 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Thurs: 5pm to 11pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 1am. Closed on Sun to Mon
The Black Pearl Attic
The Attic, situated upstairs above Black Pearl, is a not-so-secret Fitzroy pub. Despite its longstanding presence, it still holds the reputation of being one of the best hidden bars in Melbourne. The decor at The Attic is unmistakably inspired by the speakeasies of America's Deep South, featuring wooden furniture, opulent leather accents, vintage hanging lights, and an impressive selection of spirits. We recommend trying their whisky tastings or indulging in a Death Flip cocktail - since they won't disclose its ingredients, it's best to just go with the flow.
Address: 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 5pm to 3am. Closed on Tues
Trinket
This underground bar resembles something straight out of Narnia. Trinket is an exquisite cocktail bar on the ground floor; however, there is a spacious wardrobe next to the door.
Push past the hanging clothes, and the rear of the wardrobe will slide open. Descend the steps to access this secluded cocktail lounge. Because the bar is compact, it is advisable to visit during off-peak hours to secure a seat.
Address: 87 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Mon & Tues: 4pm to 10pm, Weds: 12pm to 10pm, Thurs: 12pm to 12am, Fri & Sat: 12pm to 1am, Sun: 12pm to 9pm
Eau de Vie
Eau de Vie (French for 'water of life') is renowned for its theatrical flair; this concealed whisky bar in Melbourne serves up drinks infused with liquid nitrogen, fire, and fairy floss. It's a beloved local spot and ranks among the city's finest laneway bars, having earned numerous bar accolades since its establishment in 2011.
The only clue that Eau De Vie occupies Malthouse Lane is a vintage street lamp above the wooden door. The same team also manages Mjølner, a Viking-themed restaurant and tavern that is one of Melbourne's premier themed bars.
Address: 1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Thurs: 5pm to 1am, Fri & Sat: 4pm to 1am. Closed on Sun & Mon
State of Grace
State of Grace combines three distinct venues into one: a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a concealed underground bar. The subterranean pub, aptly named Fall From Grace, features one of Melbourne's finest hidden entrances.
On the ground floor, you'll encounter a bookshelf; by selecting the correct one, it will slide open to reveal a staircase. If you descend the stairs, you'll find yourself in Fall From Grace, the concealed cellar bar.
Address: 27 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 12pm to 11pm. Fri & Sat: 12pm to 12am. Closed on Sun
Robot Bar
Robot Bar is a hidden Japanese pop culture bar in a Melbourne alleyway.
The bar offers an impressive selection of wines and beverages alongside various Japanese sake and Asian beers.
Robot also serves delectable snacks, including house-made gyoza, deep-fried chicken prepared in the Kyushu style, potato salad, and grilled chicken skewers, all sourced from a menu that showcases distinctive Japanese bar dishes.
Address: 12 Bligh Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Thurs: 6pm to 12am, Fri: 5pm to 1am, Sat: 6pm to 1am, Closed on Sun & Mon
Yarra Falls
Within the historic Tavistock House on Flinders Lane, you'll discover the brand-new 25-seat bar and eatery known as Yarra Falls. The venue is best known for its spectacular water feature - an indoor waterfall, no less - positioned behind the bar. This is a tribute to the long-lost waterfall that once flowed from the Yarra.
In the 1800s, this natural wonder was dismantled to prevent floods, as Melbourne's rapid urban growth was focused on meeting the infrastructural demands of the gold rush. As one of Melbourne's newest hidden pubs, we believe it's worth the visit.
Address: 381 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 4pm to 1am. Closed on Sun
Above Board
This is one of our favourite hidden bars in Melbourne, boasting an exceptionally sophisticated ambience to complement it. Hayden Lambert, a distinguished bartender (previously of Bar Americano) with an impressive track record, is the mastermind behind Above Board.
Stumbling upon this bar is not random; it entails navigating Chopper Lane, a graffiti-adorned back alley, and climbing the stairs at the rear of a beer bar. Nonetheless, upon arrival, you'll discover an elegant and intimate space - and with roughly 16 seats, you know you'll get A+ service.
Address: Chopper Lane" , Behind "Beermash Through the back door, 1/306 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 6pm to 1am
Madame Brussels
Madame Brussels, a well-known hidden bar in Melbourne, is perfect for those seeking an intriguing and extraordinary experience within a Melbourne hidden bar that feels straight out of a storybook. The interior design, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, transports you to another world. To access their stunning yet concealed rooftop bar, you'll need to use an unmarked elevator that whisks you away into the Madame Brussels experience.
Address: 3/59 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Closed on Mon & Tues. Weds & Thurs: 5pm to 11pm, Fri: 4pm to 1am, Sat: 2pm to 1am, Sun: 2pm to 11pm
Bonus Bar & Cafe Hopping Experiences in Melbourne
Oakleigh Food Tour
Oakleigh is well-known for its strong European influence, and much of the region's food can be found there. There are Greek cafés, French eateries, and Italian pizzerias to choose from. However, one significant culture in the neighbourhood is Greek, which is still gaining traction as a major Hellenic district in Oakleigh.
On this Greek food walking tour, you'll learn about migration stories and the importance food has played in preserving culture and tradition. Your host is well-versed in gastronomy and Mediterranean culture and is eager to share her experiences with you.
Walking Food Tour at Night
Dark lanes, rowdy taverns, and enthusiastic theatregoers are all city characteristics at night. You'll be exploring a metropolis coming to life against this background. Duck and weave past the crowds to three unusual hole-in-the-wall dinner restaurants for a nibble.
This isn't your normal walking tour where you sit and wait an hour for lunch. No, you'll push through crowds to locate the greasy pizza shop behind a dive bar. Your guide will translate the Mandarin menu from a trash house. You'll investigate a restaurant that appears to be just on the correct side of the health code.
Coffee Lovers Paradise
On this interactive walking tour, you'll taste Melbourne's world-famous coffee culture and your morning caffeine fix. Visit four coffee shops and cafés across the city to try various coffee flavours. Meet skilled baristas and brewers to learn about creating the perfect cup of coffee. Discover Melbourne's thrilling crop-to-cup narrative with your friendly local guide and enjoy some bonus pieces of local history.
Walk Around and Explore the Hidden Bars
Spend a few hours visiting Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), viewing historic buildings, studying history, admiring street art, perusing arcades, and seeing Chinatown. Your tour guide will provide a complete picture of everything that makes Melbourne the "most livable city in the world." Try a renowned coffee within the first hour, and finish the trip with a beer in a classic Aussie manner. Your beer will not be at just any old bar; it will be at Melbourne's oldest and most historic pub, where you may ask for tips on how to tour the city best.
Wrapping up our list of Melbourne hidden bars
Hidden pubs in Melbourne's vibrant neighbourhoods are like precious gems, providing a tantalising glimpse into the city's enigmatic nightlife. From concealed entrances in tranquil alleyways to speakeasies veiled behind bookcases, these mysterious drinking establishments exude an irresistible charm.
Whether you're a local seeking a new adventure or a traveller, whichever Melbourne hidden bars you come across promise splendid evenings filled with inventive drinks, an intimate atmosphere, and a sense of exploration that will entice you to return. So, the next time you explore this captivating city, embark on a quest to unveil Melbourne's best-kept boozy secrets.