Which Are Laneway Bars In Melbourne?

Melbourne Laneway Bars

Specifically when it comes to the city's nightlife, Melbourne is known for its tendency to play hard to get. All of the places are in obscure alleyways and suffer from a frustrating absence of signs. Here are the top 10; just make sure to bring your GPS device.

Romeo Lane

Romeo Alley is the place to have a drink with your out-of-town pals that are visiting Melbourne for the evening. Exactly why is this the case? It has the typical characteristics of a Melbourne bar (a laneway setting, cryptic signage, civilised hours of operation, knowledgeable provider from tattooed but also bearded barflies), but it goes above and beyond these expectations through its near-obsessive care for detail, making it a truly great bar.

This street, now known as Romeo Lane, was previously the front parlour of a house built in the 19th century. The room's close quarters, common table, open fireplace, and lighting—including a splash of red light from the Pellegrini's sign across the lane—create an intense, appealing intimacy. Beautiful cut crystal glasses and decanters, as well as the low sheen of dark wood, reflect the flickering candlelight.

When a Martini is delivered, it is served at the ideal temperature and strength, on a gold coaster designed for the task, with a tiny glass dish for the olive pits. The bar has an undeniably vintage feel, yet patrons who drink here will feel like they've been transported to another era. In this case, cocktail hour is essential. Both owners have a sophisticated palate and recognise the value of moderation and harmony.

Using proper glassware, excellent ice, minimal garnishes, and only two or three components, these cocktails are a tribute to classic cocktail culture. These ingredients were selected not for their brand name, price, or prestige, but because they were the best for the task. And they are never limited by convention.

They may create a sweet and smokey marvel by combining Mezcal with Amaro Montenegrin and passionfruit, or they may alter a Mai Tai by adding sparkling water and making it into a spray when the temperature rises.

They make their beverages with the same meticulous attention to detail as their Martinis, and they serve them with the same dependable, understated charm. Romeo Lane's food list reflects the same sobriety. It's a little, sharable platter of savoury meats and cheeses, like a reputable French cheese, some mandarins or pears, and maybe some saucisson with mustard and parsley. Succinct and to the point. Having a perfect synchronicity.

The benefits of visiting a great bar extend beyond the alcoholic ones. Whether you've had a fantastic day or a bad one, they're the ones you should go home to. In a word, Romeo Lane is perfect. They know how to make a bar serve its purpose while making the hard work seem effortless. We lucked out by including it in the recipe.

Section 8

Places like Section 8 are what immediately spring to your mind when you think of authentic laneway bars.

It debuted in an empty parking lot in 2008 with the intention of being a temporary bar, but it quickly became a neighbourhood favourite.

Section 8, located on the picturesque Tattersalls Lane, is furnished with wooden pallets and features a bar made from a shipping container. Even though there isn't much to it, it's consistently full.

Their other establishment, Ferdydurke, is right next door. Similarly eccentric, but little more staid.

Bar Tini

Many young couples choose Hosier Lane as the backdrop for their wedding photos because of its colourful and flamboyant street art. And more crucially, Movida has called this place home for the better part of a decade. Considering all the passing foot traffic (as well as the excellent Spanish cuisine), it's not surprise that Movida is always packed. In fact, they've seen such success that they've opened a second location, taking over the laneway institution Misty, which has through more makeovers than.

Bar Tini takes its cues from the casual bodegas in Spain, where sherry & vermouth are served freely, cured legs from Iberico pigs make a fine meal, and premium fish comes out of a can. Fortified drinks are the speciality, and the bar offers a wide variety of white wines (six but by glass and thirteen by the bottle), as well as a lengthy wine list that you'll need to request; it's organised by Spanish wine region and includes a helpful overview of the region's geography and typical wine styles.

Considering that all of the service takes place behind the bar in keeping with the laid-back ambience, this is a great perk. What should I drink? At $14 for a 100mL drink served over ice, the rich, black vermouth Vermut Negre from Casa Mariol is a nice method to whet your hunger and lead you towards the munchies.

Croquettes, tortillas, and tiny foods are standard fare, but you should make room for the canned seafood, such as salty and sweet razor clams, oily baby anchovies, or stuffed calamari. They don't pretend this is the greatest option; rather, they specialise on fresh seafood gathered and prepared by hand, then preserved and presented on its own with their signature bread.

No way you're dropping that kind of cash on tins, right? The $25 seafood platter includes light pickled fillet of sardines and anchovy with guindilla peppers & martini onions with more of that characteristic loaf, and features daily delicacies such as a powerfully spiced, fatty, creamy salmon pastrami.

The molette ($7.50) is a little toasted sandwich stuffed to the brim with mozzarella, kimchi, anchovies, and ham, an essential foundation for any drinking session and a wonderful spin on the Andalusian sarnie.

The Bar Tini staff is hoping to open a bottle shop as well as a pantry once the necessary permits are secured from the local government. It's not like Melburnians need a another reason to visit Hosier Lane, but we'll gladly take it.

Bar Lourinhã

Iberia on Little Collins Street is a classic tavern that has been there for ten years and is still going strong. In addition to a great range of European wines and some of the city's greatest bar food (the kingfish "pancetta" with lemon oil is a staple), the place is decked out in a wacky assortment of knickknacks from thrift stores. To accommodate the growing number of patrons, a new bar was opened on the second floor.

Arlequin

Some of the most unique gems in Australia's hospitality business may be found tucked away in Melbourne's laneways and along seemingly dead ends. It's encouraging to see that the Grossi family, who have long guarded the service lane beneath their upper Bourke Avenue empire, have come to terms with their responsibilities to the people of Melbourne. Mornane Place, formerly a rundown alley with trash cans strewn around, has now blossomed with the entrance of an extremely late evening pub serving up some very delicious food.

Arlechins are the kind of locations that a city can never have too many of. So, it's like discovering an underground clubhouse beneath its sexily arched cork-lined ceiling. A substantial portion of the Piu cellar is displayed behind glass as a sort of libation to the deity Bacchus; the bar is long and made of marble, and there is seating for forty people. The wine selection is just as Australian and Italian as that of the Grossi family; you'll recognise many of the labels, but there will also be those that will need you to look up unfamiliar grape varieties.

Grossi, a neighbour of Juliet Lane, has enlisted in the effort to break into the world of drinks. Enjoy the Half Moon, a cocktail made with mescal, cynar, orange bitters, grapefruit twist, and one of those holographic Navy Strength crushed ice, and commend the wisdom in outsourcing.

You may make a midnight spaghetti order and it won't care if you're supposed to be in bed at 10. Rather than being a heavy sauce that soaks up all the alcohol in the bottle, this dish is a delicate spiral of al dente spaghetti that encapsulates the symphony of sugar, salty big capers, and sweet fresh basil. Colatura (Guy Grossi really likes the liquid anchovy sauce) stands in for the little fish, making the dish reminiscent of an aerodynamic puttanesca. This is the epitome of Italian haute cuisine.

In fact, most of the items on Grossi's menu can be devoured with just one hand, making it the perfect place for a quick snack. You can't go wrong with a Bolognese jaffle. Atop a towering mound of Madeira jelly, the delectable smoosh and smoked eel parfait stands tall and proud.

Little toasted milk buns with caramelised patches of buttery leek are saddled with baccala that has been whipped till it is inside an inch of its life and topped with garlic. Ricinni, a pasta that resembles rice and is cooked as risotto in a fragrant saffron broth with dabs of smoky bone marrow, arrives for more al dente action. In a broth flavoured with garlic, white wine, and parsley, surf clams are served as they were always meant to be.

Arlechin's late closing time of 3 am is a major plus. That's right, it's 3 a.m. It appears that Melbourne may be recovering from its food version of the six o'clock swill, with another stylish newcomer, Mayfair, offering oh là là snackage over there at Sofitel till one is. But without your help, they won't be able to succeed. Get ready for some midnight munchies! Get up and at 'em if you have to, since more of this kind of thing is exactly what the world needs right now in the form of late-night spaghetti. Our 2018 award for best late-night bar goes to Arlechin.

Lily Blacks

Lily Blacks is one of the many great bars on Meyers Place.

Cocktails are taken very seriously in this dark bar, which offers both vintage and contemporary drinks. The bar, supported by a pile of bottles, is the focal point of the art deco decor.

Beneath Driver Lane

Beneath Driver Road is the basement of your dreams if you enjoy drinks, whisky, blues, fantastic service, and devouring Reuben sandwich at 2 in the morning. This pub, located in a repurposed bank vault inside the Central Business District, has a Potter vibe that stands out in a city with a dearth of well-used underground places.

The building once housed the Nant Whisky Bar, but its new incarnation exudes a more cosier, lived-in vibe. Arched brick booths, walls covered in black and white images, and the soft glow of candles and cheap lamps create an atmosphere that is cosier and more complete than anything Nant could have imagined. He raps a total of twelve lines over the music, creating an atmosphere that is a mix of Melbourne, Chicago, and Diagon Alley thanks to the excellent decor and speedy service.

The devil is in the details, like serving trays made of old chrome and thick leather for water bottles. The staff tending bar are kind, well-informed, and dressed to impress in sleek black chef jackets. It's some pretty lethal stuff they're blending together. Create an impressive impression by having your Martini served in a wine glass cooled with liquid nitrogen. Or, for something more tropical, try the sweet & complex Storm Master, which is led by guava and finishes on a sour note.

Without the acid or considerable bitterness, the floral richness of a cucumber & lilac Old Fashioned can become cloying. Acid where there are none is needed kills the richness of a whisky in an otherwise exquisite stirred-down rye drink. Minor flaws in an otherwise impressively broad list shouldn't dissuade you from getting engaged, especially as the Palo Santo timber glass adds a delightful fragrance of rich vanilla and liquorice. There are more than a hundred bottles of whisky in the enormous, fully stocked back bar, including rare gems like Asahi 18 and Adam Van Winkle.

Wine bars in Melbourne prepare some of the city's finest meals, but food is often an afterthought in cocktail and spirits establishments. However, such is not the case here. Highlights include the bar snacks, a lot of which are available all the way up until 2 in the morning. Bar food has never tasted so wholesome as the roasting heirloom beetroots served over a bed - raisin, caper, and dill puree and mixed with black lentils. The morcilla sausage buns, on the other hand, are not suitable for the faint of stomach. The flaky crust and luscious blood pudding sit atop a relish so heavily seasoned with dried chilli that it conjures up images of Guadalajara.

At 11 o'clock, when the place is getting very packed, the music picks up the pace a bit without being too rowdy to match the vibe. Not condescending at all, bartenders here will serve "dessert shots" upon request despite the establishment's classic decor. It's great that there are venues like these that promote responsible drinking without passing judgement on those who like to partake in the national drinking culture, which is still fighting against its harmful and childish nature. Under Driver Lane, you'll find an adult drinking establishment that nevertheless manages to provide just sufficient fun and imagination to appease your inner child.

Chuckle Park

It only takes a second or two to overlook Chuckle Park. A little pub covered in fake grass and serving beverages out of a cute caravan, this alley establishment is tucked between two buildings. Laughter Park takes its cues from the American outdoors, where you'll see bright lanterns strung up besides punnets of flowers.

They serve cocktails, natural wines, and beers from local breweries, and even have a live DJ play on select days.

Gin Palace

This swanky, underground cocktail lounge is a grand dame of Melbourne's bar scene, serving patrons and helping them let loose for almost 20 years. As a result of its ever-present charisma and snark, it is an undeniable top pick. As the evening progresses, Vernon Chalker's mysterious speakeasy becomes the go-to drinking location for city bartenders fresh off the clock, as well as tie-loosened office employees and clusters of visitors. After a few cocktails, the lavish use of velvet, tapestry, and leopard print takes on a bordello-chic air, and the steep costs seem more bearable.

Inviting, couch-lined alcoves encourage Martini-fueled shenanigans, while clusters of chaises longues suggest lounging around is OK. Any time of day or night, the bartenders here can whip up a delicious drink to suit your mood. The Palace's extensive collection of gin and other juniper liqueurs is sure to get the celebration started. Traditional London Dry gin, authentic Dutch genevers, boutique Australian gins infused with local botanicals, craft American gins, and Dutch sloe gins are just a few examples. Included with each entry are tasting notes and background information, so you can feel like you're learning something even as you drink.

The Wet & Dirty Martini is perfect for individuals who prefer their martinis dry, as it contains no vermouth and instead features a salty brine and three tiny green olives on a skewer. If the selection of 60-odd bottles overwhelms you, ask the bartenders to whip together a special drink for you, such a powerful Gimlet prepared with Four Pillars Naval Strength Gin. The former head bartender at Gin Palace is attributed by the owner of Four Pillars with inspiring the creation of this potent concoction. Indeed, it is the stuff of tales, and may it continue to do so.

Double Happiness

Double Happiness, a Chinese-themed pub decorated with communist propaganda portraying Chairman Mao, has been open for business since 2002. Of course, this is all in jest, as well as the Chinese government certainly wouldn't condone the kind of rowdiness advocated by Double Happiness.

The bar's cocktail menu is entertaining. Their speciality drink is called the "Great Leap Forward," and it features their own lychee vodka. Have some alcoholic bubble tea instead. This dive pub represents the best of Melbourne's laneway drinking culture.

Union Electric Bar

Union Electric, a rooftop bar in the heart of Chinatown, has no right to be any good. It's no secret that most establishments in the CBD that enjoy the same climatic benefits rest on their laurels, subsisting off the steady business of stressed-out city dwellers looking to unwind with a drink and some sunshine during their lunch break.

Even so, a brief look at the staff's resumes dispels any question that the dive bar at the end of the tight lane should be anything but real, beginning with the manager, who has worked at such illustrious establishments as Madame Brussels, café Royal Saxon, and Collins Quarter. He and his partner, Shane Whiteley, have taken that wealth of knowledge and expertise and formed a team round the, producing a product that is both universally appealing and uniquely their own.

The bar is an advocate for fresh food, and each day they press, juice, and infuse a wide variety of fruits, herbs, and botanicals. Tiki cocktails and thirst-quenching highballs (remember those?) get a jolt of energy from them, notably the refreshing Kum Den Botanica, which contains gin, apple, lemon, cucumber, elderflower, and micro herbs and tastes believable as a healthy drink. On hot days, nothing beats a tall glass of rum or whiskey over iced apple juice.

Union Electric's success is attributed in large part to their tireless workforce, a close-knit group whose genuine goodwill and care for one other permeates the entire establishment. It would be difficult to find a more kind and helpful crew, both to customers and to one another. The staff encourages each member to pursue his or her interests, which is how the establishment came to have such an impressive wine list and how an employee was just promoted to oversee the gin garden located in the building's attic.

The strong positive sentiments coming from Richardson Lane are tasty proof that a positive work environment pays off. People, both customers and staff, settle in and remain for a time, forming friendships and relationships that transform the pub from a generic bar in the CBD to a welcoming community.

New Gold Mountain

The area above Liverpool Street has two stories of lavishness with Chinoiserie touches. Give Peas a Chance (vodka, saké, lemon, salt, and pepper infused with snow peas) is just one of the unique and inventive drinks served at New Gold Mountain, the city's most private hidden bar.

Whitehart

Whitehart transformed an abandoned parking lot into a tranquil laneway, much like the way that Section 8 did.

A shipping container has been converted into a bar, reflecting Melbourne's relaxed approach to convention. Steel beams give off an industrial vibe, while staghorn ferns provide a touch of nature to the otherwise sterile wall. Although the rooftop bar doesn't offer any spectacular views of the city, it is a popular retreat during the warmer months.

Murmur

This small tavern, lit only by lamps & candles, is a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The drink menu is as extensive as a novel, and it even includes little plates for sampling premium liquors. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff at Murmur is certainly a plus, but the bar's vintage ambience is what really draws customers in.

The building, which is almost a century old and on the National Register of Historic Places, features thick leather seats, hardwood flooring, and iron railings. The iron crane from the building's previous life as a warehouse has been preserved by the owners and now serves as a unique focal point in the ceiling. The bar's owners clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect, from the glasses to the vases of flowers inside the ladies' lavatory. It's ideal for both a first date with someone special and a group of pals celebrating a recent breakup.

Conclusion

The city of Melbourne has seen a resurgence of its laneway culture during the 1990s, and with it, the appearance of some truly remarkable bars. Every single one of them is tucked away in some back alley and has no signage to help you find it. Here are the top ten, but before you go, don't forget to pack your GPS! Romeo Lane's drinks are an homage to the tradition of the cocktail. They have mastered the art of making a bar perform its purpose while giving the impression of minimal effort.

A small, shareable dish of savoury meats and cheese echoes the same austerity on the menu. They just acquired the venerable laneway institution Misty and launched a second shop there. The team at Bar Tini plans to build a bottle shop and a pantry once they have obtained the required licences. As an offering to the god Bacchus, a substantial piece of the Piu cellar is on display for all to see behind glass. Underneath Arlequin's seductively arched, cork-lined ceiling sits a secret clubhouse.

It's ideal for a quick snack because most of the components can be consumed with a single hand. Arlechin wins this year's prise for best late night bar due to its extensive food menu (open until 3 a.m.). Below Driver Road is a converted bank vault in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Formerly the Nant Whisky Bar, the space now has a more homey, relaxed ambience. The huge, well-stocked back bar features more than a hundred different bottles of whisky.

Laughter Park was inspired by the American countryside, so you'll see bright lanterns strung up next to punnets of flowers. The luxurious use of velvet, tapestry, and leopard print at Gin Palace evokes a bordello vibe. For business since 2002, patrons of all stripes have been able to enjoy a pint at Double Happiness, a Chinese-themed watering hole adorned with communist propaganda posters of Chairman Mao. The "Great Leap Forward," made with house-made lychee vodka, is their signature cocktail. Union Electric, a pub on a rooftop in the middle of Chinatown, has no business being as enjoyable as it is.

The hardworking employees of Union Electric are a big component of the company's success. They are a tight-knit group whose genuine goodwill and care for one another permeates the entire business. One of the staff members was recently promoted to manage the gin garden because of his passion for gardening. The New Gold Mountain is the best kept secret in Melbourne. The city's laid-back attitude is reflected in the fact that a cargo container was transformed into a pub. Murmur's little bar provides a warm and welcoming escape from the bustle of the city.

Content Summary

1. The city of Melbourne has seen a resurgence of its laneway culture during the 1990s, and with it, the appearance of some truly remarkable bars.
2. Here are some of the best bars in Melbourne that you won't find on a tourist map.
3. The harder it is to locate a pub in Melbourne, the better it must be (once you do find it).
4. It's probably reasonable to assume that anyone who considers themselves a cocktail expert in the area has heard of local hangouts like EDV and Lily Blacks.
5. Melbourne locals are notoriously coy, especially when it comes to the city's vibrant nightlife.
6. Every single one of them is tucked away in some back alley and has no signage to help you find it.
7. In the Romeo of the Streets: For a night out on the town with your out-of-town friends, Romeo Alley is where you want to be.
8. These drinks pay homage to traditional cocktails by using appropriate glassware, high-quality ice, few garnishes, and just two or three ingredients.
9. The drinks are prepared with the same care and precision as the Martinis, and the service is as reliable and charming as the drinks themselves.
10. It's not only the drinks that make a terrific bar worth checking out.
11. When you think of real alley bars, places like Section 8 are what come to mind.
12. Tattersalls Lane's Section 8 is decked out with pallet furniture and a bar fashioned from a steel shipping container.
13. Tini's Bar Due to its vibrant street art, many newlyweds pick Hosier Lane as the setting for their wedding photos.
14. Furthermore, Movida has lived here for over ten years.
15. There's a lot of foot activity in the area, so it's no wonder that Movida is often bustling (especially with the excellent Spanish cuisine).
16. As a result of their success, they have expanded by purchasing the venerable laneway establishment Misty and giving it a facelift to rival any other.
17. Bar Tini is inspired by the laid-back bodegas of Spain, where excellent fish is sold in a can and sherry and vermouth are readily available.
18. Once the required permissions are obtained from the local authorities, the Bar Tini team plans to create a bottle shop in addition to a pantry.
19. This classic tavern, Bar Lourinh Iberia, has been operating successfully on Little Collins Street for the past decade.
20. A new bar was set up on the upper level to serve the ever-increasing clientele.
21. Arlequin Melbourne's alleyways and dead ends conceal some of Australia's hotel industry's most one-of-a-kind treasures.
22. Piu has a long, marble bar with enough for forty people and displays a good section of its cellar behind glass as an offering to the god Bacchus.
23. Even if you're meant to be in bed at 10, you can still place a late-night order for pasta if you really want it.
24. Yes, the time is now 3 AM. Another chic newcomer, Mayfair, is giving oh là là snackage over at Sofitel till one is, so it seems like Melbourne might be getting over its food equivalent of the six o'clock swill.
25. If you have to force yourself awake, do it; the world needs more late-night spaghetti exactly like this.
26. If you like drinking, whisky, blues, great service, and eating a Reuben sandwich at 2 in the morning, you will love the basement of your dreams beneath Driver Road.
27. This bar, housed in a former bank vault in the heart of the Central Business District, has a distinctively Harry Potter atmosphere, making it stand out in a city otherwise devoid of popular underground hangouts.
28. The Nant Whisky Bar used to be located here, but the new owners have given the space a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere.
29. The arched brick booths, black-and-white photos on the walls, and warm light from candles and inexpensive lamps create an ambience that is cosier and more fully realised than Nant could have dreamed.
30. He spits a total of twelve bars over the beat, transforming the space into something between Melbourne and Chicago with lightning-fast service reminiscent of Diagon Alley.
31. Melbourne's wine bars are responsible for some of the city's best eats, while the city's cocktail and spirits bars tend to treat food as an afterthought.
32. The bar snacks are especially noteworthy, as several of them remain on the menu until 2 a.m.
33. The national drinking culture is still fighting against its damaging and juvenile nature, so it's excellent that there are places like this one that encourage responsible drinking without passing judgement on people who enjoy to indulge in it.
34. You can locate a bar that caters to adults down Driver Lane while still satisfying your need for a little kid-like play.
35. Chuckle ParkIt's easy to miss Chuckle Park if you blink.
36. Palace of Gin For nearly two decades, this underground cocktail lounge has been functioning as the grand dame of Melbourne's bar scene.
37. As the night wears on, Vernon Chalker's mystery speakeasy attracts a diverse clientele, including city bartenders newly off the clock, tie-less office workers, and groups of curious onlookers.
38. Each entry features taste notes and contextual information to make drinking feel like an educational experience.
39. There is no vermouth in the Wet & Dirty Martini; instead, it has a salty brine and three tiny green olives on a skewer.
40. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the 60-odd bottles on the shelves, have the bartenders mix you up something unique like a Four Pillars Naval Strength Gin Gimlet.
41. The owner of Four Pillars claims that the previous head bartender at Gin Palace was the inspiration for this strong cocktail.
42. It's a win-win situation For business since 2002, patrons of all stripes have been able to enjoy a pint at Double Happiness, a Chinese-themed watering hole adorned with communist propaganda posters of Chairman Mao.
43. The greatest of Melbourne's laneway drinking culture can be found in this dingy bar.
44. Bar Union Electrique Unie Union Electric, a pub on a rooftop in the middle of Chinatown, has no business being as enjoyable as it is.
45. The hardworking employees of Union Electric are a big component of the company's success. They are a tight-knit group whose genuine goodwill and care for one another permeates the entire business.
46. In regards to both clients and coworkers, it would be hard to find a group more pleasant and helpful than this one.
47. The establishment's extensive wine selection and recent promotion of an employee to oversee the gin garden in the attic are both results of the staff's encouragement of individual passion projects.
48. The overwhelming enthusiasm on Richardson Lane is delicious evidence that a happy workplace is productive.
49. People, both regulars and employees, tend to hang out at the same bar for a while, making it more like a neighbourhood hangout than just another bar in the financial district.
50. Up on the New Gold Mountain High above Liverpool Street, a two-story enclave replete with Chinoiserie flourishes awaits.
51. At New Gold Mountain, the city's most discreet speakeasy, you may order drinks like the "Give Peas a Chance," which is made with vodka, saké, lemon, salt, and pepper infused with snow peas.
52. Whitehart followed in the footsteps of Section 8 and turned an empty parking lot into a quiet alley.
53. The laid-back attitude of Melbourne is reflected in this pub made from a repurposed shipping container.
54. The rooftop bar is a favourite hangout in the warmer months despite its lack of awe-inspiring views of the city.
55. Murmur Only lamps and candles illuminate this cosy tavern, making it the perfect place to escape the city.