You wander along the tree-lined, fairy-light-lit streets of Melbourne, on the hunt for those magical hole-in-the-wall bars or elusive hidden hotspots that are so acclaimed throughout the city. The cool evening breeze carries whispers of excitement and anticipation, as if Melbourne itself is in on the secret.
As you navigate the bustling Melbourne CBD, you can’t help but be drawn to the enchanting laneways and hidden corners that hold the promise of extraordinary experiences. The allure of Melbourne’s hidden bar scene is irresistible, captivating your imagination and fuelling your desire to embark on a journey of discovery.
Here, we unveil the best-kept secrets and hidden bars in Melbourne. From secret doorways to concealed bookshelves, these bars are tucked away in plain sight, waiting for you to discover them.
The Charm of Melbourne’s Hidden Bar Scene
What makes Melbourne’s hidden bars so enchanting is their element of exclusivity. These venues often require a bit of sleuthing to find, adding an extra layer of excitement to your night out.
Once inside, you’ll be rewarded with an intimate and immersive experience. The attention to detail in the decor, the carefully crafted cocktails, and the knowledgeable bartenders all contribute to the magic of these hidden gems.
Whether you find yourself in a dimly lit speakeasy or a rooftop bar with panoramic views, the ambience and atmosphere will transport you to another time and place.
Must-Visit Hidden Bars in Melbourne’s CBD
Melbourne CBD is brimming with clandestine drinking spots, each offering its own distinct charm and allure. To help you navigate through the maze of laneways and hidden doors, we’ve curated a list of must-visit hidden bars in Melbourne:
- New Gold Mountain: Step back in time at this secret Victorian bar, tucked away behind a discreet entrance.
- Murmur Piano Bar: Indulge in refined elegance at Murmur, where live piano music sets the mood for an enchanting evening.
- Loch and Key: Journey through the rooms of Captain Melville pub and ascend to the upper floor for classic cocktails with a view.
- Fall from Grace: Delve into the depths of State of Grace and discover the hidden bar beneath.
- Gin Palace: Late-night martinis & classic cocktails in a quirky basement lounge with eclectic old-world decor.
- Manchuria: Tucked away in Melbourne’s Chinatown, Manchuria offers an elegant and exotic experience with its intoxicating ambience and exotic cocktails.
- Bar Margaux: Vibrant, old-timey venue serving French eats such as escargot & meat dishes, plus cocktails & wine.
- Beneath Driver Lane: Formerly an old bank vault, Beneath Driver Lane provides a magical and rustic atmosphere.
- Goldilocks: Located on a CBD rooftop, Goldilocks combines meticulously crafted cocktails with mouth-watering food.
New Gold Mountain
Liverpool St, Melbourne
Located behind a discreet hidden door, New Gold Mountain offers a glimpse into a secret Victorian world. Once a tailor shop, this converted bar transports you to a bygone era with its 19th-century ambience and golden drinks.
Enjoy soaking up a little bit of history with drinks as golden as the name. New Gold Mountain is a real rarity in the world of secret bars in Melbourne that’s a must-visit when in town.
Discover more from New Gold Mountain and check the directions to New Gold Mountain.
Murmur Piano Bar
Warburton Ln, Melbourne
Immerse yourself in refined finesse at Murmur Piano Bar. This elegant establishment boasts live piano music, plush red leather sofas, and candle-lit tables. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a drink while soaking up the sophisticated atmosphere.
Harking back to olden times combined with a sleek and stylish art deco interior, Murmur is one of the best secret bars Melbourne has to offer. Nestled among Melbourne’s hidden laneways, you’ll be happily ensconced in the charm of this gem.
Check out what’s on at Murmur Piano Bar and the directions to Murmur.
Loch and Key
Franklin St, Melbourne
Loch & Key takes the concept of hidden bars in Melbourne to new heights. Disguised behind a bookcase within Captain Melville, one of Melbourne’s oldest pubs, this bar within a bar offers a unique experience.
Venture through a maze of rooms to the upper floor, where you can enjoy a classic cocktail while taking in stunning sunset or sunrise views from the balcony. If you’re looking for cool bars in Melbourne, Loch & Key is a must-visit.
View here everything about Loch & Key and the directions to Loch and Key.
Dive Bar – The Newest Bar in Town
For a fresh hidden bar experience, head to Dive Bar, located right inside our own Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Vibrant neon lighting, colourful street art, and retro touches set the stage for an oh-so-chic interior.
Play a game of billiards on the hot pink table, relax on plush velvet stools, and indulge in creative cocktails and mouthwatering snacks.
Soak up the opulent purple and soft blue furnishings against a backdrop of dark hardwood and pops of colour. Choose your favourite tunes on the vintage jukebox. Then kick back, relax, and enjoy the ambience of one of the best-hidden bars in Melbourne.
The best part? Stay with us and gain easy access to one of the utmost cool bars in Melbourne all under one roof.
Explore Dive Bar’s menu and offerings here.
Fall from Grace
Discover Fall From Grace through a sliding bookcase and down a spiral staircase inside the State of Grace, a fabulous cocktail bar and restaurant. Fall From Grace is like a bar-within-a-bar; as one of the most quintessential hidden bars in Melbourne CBD, its secret entryway and retro chic interiors won’t disappoint.
Fall From Grace offers multiple levels of a unique atmosphere, including a hidden bar downstairs and a rooftop bar on the top floor. Start your evening with a meal at the ground floor restaurant and end it with breathtaking city views from the rooftop.
Descend into the depth of Fall From Grace and check the directions to Fall From Grace here.
Gin Palace
Russell Pl, Melbourne
For nearly two decades, this distinguished and subterranean cocktail lounge has been an integral part of Melbourne’s secret bar scene, offering a relaxed and well-stocked haven for patrons.
With its allure, Gin Palace attracts an eclectic crowd, including bartenders winding down after their shifts, professionals loosening their ties, and curious tourists.
As the night progresses, this enigmatic speakeasy reaches its hedonistic peak, with the opulent furnishings of velvet, tapestry, and animal print exuding a charmingly provocative atmosphere. While the prices may be on the higher side, the experience is worth every penny.
Take a sip of one of the most famous hidden bars in Melbourne Gin Palace and check the directions to Gin Palace here.
Manchuria
Waratah Pl, Melbourne
Escape to another world at Manchuria, nestled in Melbourne’s Chinatown. Upon entering, you’ll be transported by the scent of incense and captivating music.
Elegant sophistication and exotic cocktails provide a taste of ancient China blended with modern Melbourne. Enjoy live music on Thursdays and explore their impressive whisky selection on Wednesdays.
Best of all, it places you within walking distance of the best Asian food in Melbourne. Go from bar to bao buns in minutes and enjoy a truly unique night.
Discover the heart of Manchuria and its offerings here and the directions to Manchuria Bar here.
Bar Margaux
Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Descend into the subterranean realm of Bar Margaux, a brasserie that blends Parisian and New York influences. This fabulous fusion venue is the epitome of hidden bars in Melbourne with entry via descent into a CBD basement on bustling Lonsdale Street.
Relish in the late-night dining experience, with oysters, Champagne, and sizzling steaks available until the early hours of the morning. The cocktails are worth the trip, with Bar Margaux boasting a sumptuous selection of world-class spirits and an exotic menu of delicious drinks.
The meticulously designed ambience transports you to a world of candlelit allure, where Georgian wire glass partitions cast a seductive glow, crimson booths envelop marble tabletops, and the sole focus is on indulgence. Time seems to dissolve within this exquisitely crafted setting.
Find out more about Bar Margaux and check the directions to Bar Margaux here.
Beneath Driver Lane
Driver Ln, Melbourne
Prepare to be enchanted as you step into Beneath Driver Lane, a former bank vault transformed into a captivating subterranean space. With rustic lamps, red brick walls adorned with black and white photography, and flickering candles, this hidden gem feels like it belongs in a fairytale.
Indulge in tantalising food and sip on expertly crafted cocktails while immersing yourself in the unique ambience of one of the coolest bars in Melbourne.
Find out more about Beneath Driver Lane and the directions to Beneath Driver Lane here.
Goldilocks
Swanston St, Melbourne
Concluding our list is Goldilocks, a hidden rooftop bar that promises a perfect experience. Accessible through a delectable Chinese dumpling house, this venue offers meticulously crafted cocktails and delectable food.
During warmer months, you can bask in the sun and enjoy stunning city views on the open roof. When the weather cools down, the roof closes, providing an intimate and cosy setting for you and your companions.
Fairytale flavours embody the very essence of the bar, bringing every corner of the world together under one roof. Eat, drink, and enjoy sneaking away from the crowds below.
Drink in the view of Goldilocks and discover its offerings here and the directions to Goldilocks here.
Unforgettable Experiences: Must-Try Drinks and Cocktails
Now we’ve got a good list of the best kept secret bars Melbourne has to offer, it’s time to delve further into their exquisite menu offerings. We don’t want to dish on everything – part of the excitement of venturing into hidden bars in Melbourne is perusing the spectacular food and drinks menus for yourself – but we’ll give you a little taste of what lies ahead.
- The Marigold Mountain cocktail from New Gold Mountain is a lightly floral in-house carbonated spritz that blends JimmyRum Silver, mountain marigold, citric acid and prosecco for a freshly tantalising drink.
- Murmur Piano Bar’s Bombay Velvet is a blissful blend of vanilla vodka, wild rose, creme de violet, lemon and petals that will transport you to a bygone era with every sip.
- Dive Bar’s signature Dive Star cocktail zips with succulent sweetness, blending gin, passionfruit, chocolate and citrus for a unique and indulgent drink.
- The Saving Grace served at Fall From Grace takes espresso martinis to new heights, fusing espresso martini Smirnoff vodka, Kahlua, Boston black coffee and salted caramel monin for a dizzyingly delicious treat.
- Indulge in the City Lights of Beneath Driver Lane, a scrumptious twist on Taiwanese bubble tea with St Remy brandy, white chocolate, raspberry, lime and cherry pearls.
These are just a few of the dozens of delicious offerings served at these coolest bars in Melbourne. Take a trip to the culinary capital of the country to discover the rest for yourself.
A Not So Hidden Gem to Get Started With
Before you embark on your secret bar adventure, why not kick off your evening at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Hotel Bar?
Located on Level 3 of the hotel, our bar offers a delightful selection of light bites and a curated drink menu. Indulge in our collection of exquisite beverages, including a 12-year single malt scotch and Chivas Regal 18-years. As Melbourne’s only absolute riverfront hotel, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Yarra River and beyond.
With comfortable accommodations and easy access to public transport, Crowne Plaza Melbourne serves as an ideal starting point for your exploration of Melbourne’s hidden bars. Uncover the city’s best-kept secrets, savour unique experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.
So, grab your sense of adventure and dive into Melbourne’s hidden bar culture. Embark on a journey of discovery, where secret doors and hidden alcoves await. Remember to use our suggested keywords naturally throughout your content to optimise its search engine ranking. Happy exploring!