There’s so many incredible bars to check out in Melbourne, but there’s just something thrilling about stumbling upon a hidden space. And the city is full of secret spots for you to discover. Wander down laneways, peek behind unmarked doors, step through fridges and discover a whole world of hidden bars in Melbourne. Some of these are vibey speakeasies and others are bars within bars. Impress a date or a visiting mate with your cool knowledge of the hidden bars around Melbourne. Just remember, it’s a secret! 😉
1. Mill Place Merchants
This speakeasy is hidden behind a mirror inside a heritage-listed building. Walk through a monogrammed red door at the end of Mill Place, into an old dressing room filled with mannequins and other paraphernalia. At the end of the passageway, you’ll see a grand mirror, which is the secret entrance to cocktail bar, Mill Place Merchants. Now that you’ve found it, reward yourself with a drink or two.
📍Ground Floor/2 Mill Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Eau de Vie
It’s easy to walk past this non-descript door on Malthouse Lane. But, if you know where you look and step through the door, you’ll be transported to 1920s prohibition America at Eau de Vie. You could stop there and enjoy a tipple, or, you could go even further and go behind the bookcase. There, you’ll find the Whisky Room, an intimate space that houses a large collection of rare and exclusive whiskies. See more here.
📍1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. State of Grace
You might have eaten in the ground floor level of State of Grace, or enjoyed the view from the rooftop. But, have you found their hidden subterranean bar, Fall from Grace? Step into the library, find the secret door and descend down the staircase and into a cellar bar. Sit down in the candle-lit lounge and savour this secret space with cocktails and nibbles. Learn more here.
📍27 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Pizza Pizza Pizza
The next time you’re grabbing a slice at Pizza Pizza Pizza, and you’re feeling thirsty, head to the back, and step through the black curtain. There, you’ll find an unnamed bar, slinging plenty of refreshing cocktails. See more here.
📍16 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Trinket Bar
Trinket has plenty of cool food and drink available to try on their ground floor. But if you’re looking for hidden bars in Melbourne, you’ll want to walk through the wardrobe. Go down the stairs and hang out in the hidden cellar bar. See more here.
📍87 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Loch and Key
The next time you’re dining at the Captain Melville restaurant, head up the creaky stairs and check out their balcony bar, Loch and Key. This comfy space has drinks to suit every mood. When you’re not relaxing indoors, head out to the undercover balcony and take in the view. See more here.
📍34 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000
7. Berlin Bar
Ring the bell and feel transported back in time at Berlin Bar. Split between West Berlin and East Berlin, you’ll find opulence and freedom on one side and restrictive propaganda on the other. Whichever side you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy plenty of cocktails, whisky, beer, wine and bites. Learn more here.
📍Level 2/16 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Aster
The old Ferdydurke space has transformed into Aster. To find this hidden cocktail bar in Melbourne, enter a side door on Tattersalls Lane and head up the stairs. Continue up until you reach this dimly-lit loft. Warm up by the fireplace, grab a drink and enjoy some light bites. There’s also curated music sets for you to enjoy. See more here.
📍Level 1 & 2/31 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Beneath Driver Lane
Head down the stairs and unwind with plenty of booze and blues at Beneath Driver Lane. This underground space has over 500 spirits for you to try, as well as a seasonal cocktail list. If you’re hungry, there is a French bistro menu, with some items available until 3am.
📍Shop/3 Driver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
10. Bartonica
Find the door, go down the stairs and enjoy a blast from the past with this awesome arcade bar below Flinders Lane. Bartronica has an assortment of pinball machines and arcade games for you to play, as well as plenty of beer, cocktails and bites. See more here.
📍Basement/335 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
11. New Gold Mountain
It might be a bit tricky finding New Gold Mountain, but it’ll be worth it. Take a stroll down Liverpool St just off of Chinatown, and look out for the number 21 and a bicycle above a metallic door. Head up the stairs and check out their lush green level or their opulent red level. Enjoy cocktails made with Australian ingredients, as well as tinnies and wine. See more here.
📍Level 1/21 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000
12. Arlechin
The European-inspired cocktail and wine bar, Arlechin, might be hard to find if you’re not sure where to look. This intimate venue by the Grossi family is tucked away on Mornane Place in Melbourne CBD, with just a small identifying logo on the glass door. Sip on signature and classic cocktails beneath the curved, corked roof, and treat yourself to some comforting Italian food while you’re there. See more here.
📍Mornane Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Above Board
The intimate Above Board cocktail bar is certainly not a secret, as it has made an appearance on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. But finding it is another matter entirely. If you’d like to pay a visit, walk down Chopper Lane, just off Smith and Perry Streets, and climb the stairs behind Beermash. This space fits just 16 people, and is open to walk-ins only. See more here.
📍1/306 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
14. Jungle Boy
The next time you’re getting something to eat at Tully’s on Chapel Street, take a peek into the fridge. You might just discover a tropical hideaway. Heat up with their flaming cocktails, enjoy a rum or two, and have a merry old time at Jungle Boy. See more here.
📍96 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
15. Black Pearl
The Black Pearl in Fitzroy has been serving up drinks for 21 years. This award-winning institution has regularly appeared on the list of World’s 50 Best Bars, and has launched of some of Australia’s best bartenders. On the weekends, pop upstairs to their ‘hidden’ Attic for even more drinks. Reservations for The Attic are recommended. See more here.
Please note: Black Pearl is currently undergoing a refurbishment.
📍304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
16. Lay Low Bar
This westside gem invites you to step through the hidden door and enjoy their extensive range of cocktails, wine and beer. If you’re hungry, they’ve got a stacked selection of food available, thanks to their neighbours The Brotherhood Yiros. Lay Low Bar also holds regular events, like singles parties. More info here.
📍93 Buckley St, Seddon VIC 3011