The ultimate guide to Melbourne's hidden bars

Down a dark alley, up a stairwell or behind an unmarked door – Melbourne's bar scene rewards the intrepid. Here's how to find all the best hidden bars in Melbourne.

Wax Music Lounge  

From the team behind the iconic Wax Museum Records store comes a sleek new basement hideaway. Wax Music Lounge has a bespoke sound system and epic music program showcasing the city's underground scene. Sip natural wines and craft beer as you sink into the sounds spun by local DJs.  

Apollo Inn 

The team behind Gimlet have entered Melbourne’s bar scene and opened Apollo Inn – a few doors down from the iconic restaurant. Enter this dimly-lit 1920s building and you’ll soon realise the bartenders here take the art of cocktail making very seriously. Try creations like the Lucien Gaudin featuring gin, Campari, dry vermouth. Or the the Picon Bière with house-made amaro and crisp French lager. Then snack on small plates like raw tuna with grapefruit and classic beef tartare.

Nubilum Distilling 

On an industrial side street in Kensington you’ll find a secret distillery only locals know about. Seek out Nubilum Distilling and you'll find a welcoming spot serving delicious cocktails. Try the long Kenzo iced tea – a nod to this quaint inner-city suburb. Or sip on a margarita made with rakia – a brandy with origins from the Balkans. If you’re feeling peckish, get takeaways delivered and the team will whip up a tasty drink to match your meal.  

Purple Pit  

A subterranean bar owned by two industry heavyweights. Purple Pit is a dimly-lit drinking den of debaucherous decadence. Grab a table and order a round of martinis to your liking and the venue's riff on a McDonald's hashbrown topped with Yarra Valley caviar. With a soundtrack that spans even the most eclectic discographies, Purple Pit is a hidden gem you won't want to miss on a night out.

Mamao Club

A Thai restaurant that doubles as a nightclub? Say less. Tucked away upstairs on 59 Bourke Street you’ll find Mamao Club. This Bangkok-inspired nightlife spot is where you can sip on fruity drinks, hit the dance floor and order a big bowl of tom yum in one sitting. Keep an eye on its Instagram for drinks specials and live music line-up announcements.  

Aster Cocktail and Wine

Head down the graffiti-lined Tattersills Lane and make your way up a couple of flights of stairs. Here you'll find Aster Cocktail and Wine – a cosy hangout with an open fireplace. Drinks-wise you can’t go wrong with a signature cocktail. Our pick has got to be the Japanese slipper with green melon liquor, pandan and lime. Then try tasty bar snacks like black truffle salami and duck terrine.

Black Kite Commune  

Russell Place icons Gin Palace and Bar Ampere have scored a fresh new neighbour. Downstairs at Black Kite is a cosy cluster of tables surrounding a dark, moody bar. Upstairs is a more intimate affair, with plush booths and swirling ceiling mural to set the mood. Feeling fancy? Press a luxe gold button to summon a refined champagne selection. Or try the seasonally inspired cocktail menu for a unique late-night tipple. 

Yarra Falls 

Blink and you'll miss Yarra Falls, an inventive new spot hidden inside a heritage listed building. The menu is a constantly rotating affair, but you can always count on the house-made potato bread. It has fast become a fan favourite. The beautiful water feature behind the bar isn't just for show, either. It's a thoughtful reference to a natural waterfall that was blown up in 1883, despite being an important Indigenous meeting place. 

Mill Place Merchants

It may look like a sewing shop, but behind the secret mirrored wardrobe door lies a vintage speakeasy. Mill Place Merchants is tucked inside a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's CBD. Skilled bartenders are whipping up classic cocktails by candlelight. The stunning interiors pay homage to the venue's former life as a factory that once produced hats, soap, and small goods. 

The LuWOW

Winter feels miles away in the tropical tiki-bar world of LuWOW. A narrow grey staircase leads into a kitschy wonderland of neon colours, retro sculptures and floral canopies. When you’re done vibing out, order the Voodoo Volcano. Served with umbrella straws and a flaming shot of rum, you could sip the grapefruit and maple concoction all night long.

Chuckle Park

Wedged off Little Collins, Chuckle Park is a sliver of a bar. And while a lot of Melbourne’s coolest bars can boast a laneway location, this cute spot has its very own mini side street. Complete with vintage caravan bar, bright faux flora and magical lanterns, it doesn't get more Melbourne than this.