Melbourne is a city full of secrets, and its vibrant bar scene is no exception. Tucked away in laneways, behind unmarked doors, and beneath bustling streets, Melbourne’s hidden bars offer a unique and exciting way to experience the city’s nightlife.
These combine creativity, atmosphere, and exceptional drinks to create unforgettable experiences for those who know where to look. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best hidden bars in Melbourne, each with its own charm and story, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous.
Best Hidden Bars in Melbourne
Discover the best hidden bars Melbourne city.
1. Jungle Boy
First one on our list of the best hidden bars in Melbourne is Jungle boy. Hidden away behind a quirky fridge door at Boston Sub, Jungle Boy is Chapel Street’s best-kept secret. This trendy cocktail bar in Windsor invites you into a lush, tropical oasis filled with greenery and vibrant energy.
Jungle Boy’s tiki-inspired cocktails are as unique as the venue, served in playful mugs that enhance the experience. Whether you’re sinking into one of the cozy lounges or enjoying the open-air beer garden, this hidden gem offers the perfect escape from the everyday hustle. With its relaxed ambiance and stylish decor, Jungle Boy is a paradise you’ll never want to leave.
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday : 5:00 pm – Late
Location: 96 Chapel Street, Windsor, VIC 3181
Phone: 03 9943 7653
2. Bartronica
Dive into nostalgia at Bartronica, a unique basement bar in the heart of Melbourne. This retro haven is packed with original and rare arcade games, pinball machines, a racing car simulator, and a variety of tabletop and console games. Bartronica perfectly captures the vibe of an old-school games arcade, complete with a New York-style beer garden where you can enjoy craft beer and expertly mixed cocktails.
The cocktail menu is a delightful tribute to iconic 1980s culture, offering a fun and flavorful experience. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or just looking for a cool spot to hang out, Bartronica promises endless entertainment. Planning a corporate or private event? Bartronica can bring the full arcade experience to your location, including transport and logistics, ensuring a memorable and fun-filled event for all.
Location: Basement, 335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday: 4:30 pm – Late
Thursday, Friday: 3:30 pm – 1:00 am
Saturday: 2:30 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday: 3:30 pm – Late
Contact:
Phone: 0409 901 784
Email: bartronicamelb@gmail.com
3. The Understudy
Step into The Understudy, a secret bar that takes you on a journey around the world through its innovative cocktail menu. This venue is perfect for those seeking a unique and intimate setting, accommodating 15 to 35 guests in a completely private space. With a fully equipped bar and a personal bartender dedicated to your event, The Understudy offers an experience tailored to your needs.
The menu is designed like a treasure map, with each cocktail marking its country of origin. The offerings are ever-changing, with a carefully curated selection of just eight cocktails at a time, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure in taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or a special occasion, The Understudy’s Events Coordinators will collaborate with you to customise furnishings, music, and even the menu to create the perfect atmosphere. For those who appreciate the art of mixology and the allure of the unknown, The Understudy is the ultimate destination.
4. Fall from Grace
Behind an unassuming library door lies the secret entrance to Fall from Grace, a hidden bar where the magic truly begins. Descend the staircase and enter a world of vintage charm and candle-lit elegance. Located on King Street, this intimate venue offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary.
Fall from Grace features cosy lounge areas where guests can indulge in delectable canapés and explore an extensive drinks menu, all while soaking in the timeless ambiance. Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a romantic spot to unwind, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable experience.
Opening Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Location: 27 King St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Contact: 03 8644 7110
5. East of Everything
East of Everything is a hidden gem for craft beer fans. Since opening in 2011, this cool beer bar has become a go-to spot for those seeking quality brews and a laid-back atmosphere. With 12 beers always on tap, the selection is ever-changing, spotlighting local favourites like Mountain Goat, Bodriggy, Boat Rocker, Quiet Deeds, and Sailors Grave.
Beyond the impressive beer lineup, East of Everything also offers a curated list of wines and cocktails, perfect for any palate. Pair your drinks with their delicious bar snacks, including quesadillas, burgers, and loaded fries, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends.
Location: Level 3, 72 Auburn Parade, Camberwell Junction, Melbourne
Opening Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thursday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
Saturday: 3:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Contact:
Phone: (03) 9882 4216
Email: hopsandbarleytrading@gmail.com
Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking for a cosy spot to enjoy great drinks and food, East of Everything is one of the best hidden bars in Melbourne CBD.
6. Bar Margaux
Bar Margaux is a late-night bar and brasserie that brings the charm of a New York-inspired French bistro to Melbourne’s Lonsdale Street. Tucked away in a basement, this venue is the perfect spot for those craving classic French comfort food paired with expertly crafted cocktails and fine wine.
The menu is unapologetically French, offering beloved staples like steak tartare, escargot drenched in garlic and Pernod butter, and rich salmon rillettes. The cocktail selection leans toward timeless favourites, perfectly complementing the brasserie’s cosy, yet elegant ambiance.
Location: Basement, 111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Whether you’re in the mood for a late-night bite or a classic cocktail in a stylish setting, Bar Margaux offers a taste of Paris that will transport you straight to the City of Lights.
7. Pizza Pizza Pizza
From the outside, Pizza Pizza Pizza looks like your typical Aussie pizza joint, but step inside, and you’ll discover one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Behind a discreet door and black curtains lies a secret cocktail bar, offering an unexpected twist to your dining experience.
At the front, enjoy takeaway slices of delicious New York-style pizza, but the real magic happens at the back. This moody, sitting-room-only bar serves up 18-inch pizzas alongside an impressive selection of classic cocktails and fancy beverages. With its upbeat retro tunes and intimate vibe, Pizza Pizza Pizza is the perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy the best of both worlds: great pizza and a hidden, stylish bar.
Location: 16 Meyers Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
For those in the know, Melbourne is a city full of secrets, and Pizza Pizza Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most delightful.
8. Fable Rooftop Bar
Perched on the 13th floor of the Greek Community Building, Fable is one of Melbourne’s tallest rooftop bars, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. From the Eureka Skydeck to the Arts Centre and even the Bolte Bridge, the panoramic sights from this top-end CBD venue are truly spectacular.
Fable’s menu is thoughtfully curated, with over half of the options being gluten-free and many, including the indulgent cheese platters, easily modified for vegans. Whether you’re enjoying a casual evening or celebrating a special occasion, Fable provides an elevated experience, both literally and figuratively.
Location: 13th Floor, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
For those seeking a chic rooftop bar with stunning views and a menu that caters to diverse dietary needs, Fable is the perfect destination.
9. Hats and Tatts
For a laid-back vibe with rooftop views, whisky cocktails, and late-night eats, Hats and Tatts in Melbourne’s CBD is the place to be. Having relocated from South Melbourne to its new two-level home in the heart of the city, this dive bar offers everything you need for a fun night out—good tunes, great drinks, and mouth-watering American comfort food like burgers, fried chicken, and more.
Hats and Tatts isn’t just about food and drink; it’s also a playground for the young at heart. The bar features retro arcade games, including an Addams Family pinball machine, and a billiards table, making it the perfect spot to challenge friends and keep the good times rolling.
Location: 246 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 4:00 pm – 3:00 am
Sunday & Monday: Closed
For those who love to experiment, Hats and Tatts also serves up fun and creative cocktails, including some inventive gin-based concoctions. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the food, or the games, Hats and Tatts promises an unforgettable dive bar experience in the heart of Melbourne.
10. Robot Bar
A Taste of Japan in Melbourne’s Hidden Alleyways.
Tucked away in a Melbourne alley, Robot Bar offers an authentic slice of Japan right in the heart of the city. This compact, two-floor bar is a haven for lovers of Japanese culture, serving up an impressive range of Japanese sake, Asian beers, and an enticing selection of wines and cocktails.
The menu is filled with delicious Japanese bar foods, including house-made gyoza, Kyushu-style deep-fried chicken, potato salad, and grilled chicken skewers. For anime fans, Robot Bar hosts a regular anime night every Tuesday at 8 pm, where classic and cult Japanese animations are screened in a cozy, pop culture-inspired setting.
Location: Robot Bar, 12 Bligh Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Opening Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Friday: 4:00 pm – 4:00 am
Saturday: 8:00 pm – 4:00 am
Contact:
Phone: 03 9620 3646
Email: info@robotbar.com.au
Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or just looking for a unique spot to enjoy Japanese flavors and culture, Robot Bar is a must-visit destination in Melbourne.
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