17 Melbourne bars worth getting lost for

Melbourne is renowned for its eclectic selection of bars located everywhere from narrow laneways, to rooftops and underground. An air of mystery and secrecy has surrounded the bar scene for quite some time, however a few watering holes are taking the idea of a hidden bar to the next level.

Jungle Boy – In the increasingly vibrant Windsor end of Chapel Street, Jungle Boy is accessed via a fridge door and its equally cool inside. Tiki sytle potent and fruity cocktails and a southern hipster crowd is the go here.

Glamp Cocktail Bar– Found up the stairs out the back of the new restaurant bar PolePole on Little Collins Street, a life-size rhino ‘Heavyweight’ greets guest, who enter to discover an East African inspired bar that is set inside draped canvas tent.

Fall from Grace – In oh so James Bond style, this sophisticated little velvet and chandelier bar in the west end of the city can be found by removing a book from a shelf to reveal its splendour. Martinis can be served shaken, or stirred.

Union Electric – This new gem is hidden away down a laneway in Chinatown, named for the Union Electric Lighting Company which is part of the Lane’s heritage. Exposed brick and century-old rafters set the scene where visitors can expect to find some of Melbourne’s best cocktails at affordable prices.

Eau De Vie – Almost impossible to find but still visible from Flinders Lane, this 1920’s hunting lodge style bar serves some of the best cocktails in the city – including one that is only available for ladies to order. With over 700 spirits and a five-course cocktail degustation menu, it is an easy place to get lost in for hours.

The Croft Institute – One of the city’s notorious hidden bars, this Melbourne classic is down the end of maze of street-art covered laneway’s off Chinatown. The drinks are served in science lab equipment with shots available in syringes, and the upstairs ‘gymnasium’ has a turf bar that turns into a dance floor on the weekends.

Goldilocks – Entry to the narrow, intimate bar is via a lift located within a noodle house on Swanston Street. Opulent intimate booths are juxtaposed with communal gathering spaces with chesterfield lounges and library books. Upstairs, the rooftop provides an open air view of the city centre.

The Understudy – Hidden behind wardrobe doors beneath cocktail institution 1806 on Russell Street, this Alice-In-Wonderland inspired bar serves up an eccentric mix of deconstructed cocktails and offers a menu of small bites.

Swamp Room – Located behind popular bars Bar Ampere and Gin Palace on Russell Lane, this hidden bar is  filled with vintage furniture and fairy lights, giving the look and feel of a forgotten salon from the dirty South.

Bar Americano – A tiny bar, exceptionally well hidden in one of Melbourne’s smallest laneways. Only those in the know will find this bolt hole, complete with uniformed mixologists serving high class cocktails. No room for seats, just 10 lucky patrons permitted at a time.

Hihou – The entrance is very understated and it takes a couple of minutes to realise that the unmarked door is the only way in, and can only be opened by pressing the buzzer. Located on Flinders Street, this Japanese-influenced bar means ‘Secret Treasure’ with an atmosphere that is dark, mysterious and ever so alluring.

Toff In Town – Found a inside the very popular Curtain House, it is easy to follow the foot traffic past Toff on the way up to the better-known Rooftop bar. However, those who do follow their curiosity will be pleasantly surprised with Toff’s private booth dining, complete with closing carriage-style doors and a buzzer that summons the wait staff to take your order.

Golden Monkey – Hidden up a staircase in vibrant Hardware Lane, the multi-award winning bar and restaurant is well known for its seductive décor and quality drinks.

Berlin Bar– In a dead-end laneway off Chinatown, up a rickety staircase, this hard-to-find bar is divided into two décors to represent East and West Berlin. The former is spartan and functional while the latter drips with chintzy jazz age kitsch, however the drink menu plays well to both sides.

Bar Exuberante – A highly conceptual experience just five minutes from the city in Richmond; visitors enter the downstairs dive Bar Economico and are guided out the back to the intimate bar with seating for 16 people.  The cocktail list is rum-focused, featuring the signature hot cold Pina Colada.

The Everleigh – This stylish bar was recently number 30 on the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars list, sitting comfortably alongside establishments in London and New York. Located a few tram stops from the city in Fitzroy, visitors enter through an American diner and walk down a dimly lit hall to reach a bar reminiscent of another era, to enjoy a spectacular drinks menu is updated seasonally.

Bill’s Bar – Almost impossible to find unless one ventures past the tantalising burgers at Huxtaburger in Collingwood, through the discreet silver door at the end of the counter and to a secret location serving up an impressive list of whiskeys.