Hidden bars in Melbourne That Are Absolute Gems  

Melbourne has a hidden bar culture that even the locals know little about. There are some real gems to be found through hidden door and obscure back alleys. It can be tough to find these unless you know someone who can take you around or you are personally invited. These are pleasant spots that are hardly ever crowded because few people know about them. And therein lies the allure: exclusivity. Melbournians like a good party and the usual haunts get packed pretty quickly. It’s good to know that there are alternatives that are cooler.

1. New Gold Mountain

Liverpool Street is a popular enough street and you might find yourself wandering through. Look for a metallic door with a bicycle perched above the door along with the number 21. Golden doors should not be easy to miss, but it is just one of those things you don’t expect to come across – so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled opened. This bar used to be a tailors shop which has been converted to 2 flights of a play room with 19^th Century décor that harken back to its other previous life as a gambling haunt.

2. Murmur Piano Bar

On Warburton Lane you can come across a Piano Bar known as Murmur. The bar makes no secret that it is mainly a piano bar from the faint tinkling of piano keys. However, as the name infers a certain level of refinement. From the interior décor with ornate candles lighting up tables and plush red leather seats you can expect great ambiance. The drinks are decadent, the menu world class and the atmosphere like something out of a cinema noir movie, smooth drinks and a world-class menu.

3. Loch and Key

Some bars take secrecy very seriously. If you think all hidden bar haunts are in dark alleyways, you’ll be surprised by Loch and Key. It is one of the bars in Melbourne camouflaged by a bookcase. Loch and Key is located in the popular Captain Melville, behind a nondescript bookcase. This Melbourne bar is open 7 days a week and has an intricate maze of rooms leading to the top floor with amazing views of the Melbournian skyline. It is a favorite with cocktail lovers.

4. Dive Bar

Dive Bar is one of the newest an freshest bars in Melbourne. It’s a modern bar with kitschy neon lighting and retro interiors. You can play some billiards with friends or go see one of the local live bands in action. The atmosphere is cozy, but with the right amount of loudness to indicate that it is where the fun is to be had.

5. Fall from Grace

Fall From Grace is another one of those bars with secret entrances behind bookshelves. There is a sliding bookcase you can find at “State of Grace”. This leads down a spiral staircase leading to various levels of one of the city’s best kept secret bars. There are two bars: one on the very first level and another on the rooftop which is a favorite with 9-to-5 cocktail wind-downers. The roof has a great view over the city making it the perfect spot to hang out with friends.

6. Hihou

In Japanese, the word Hihou means “secret treasure” and this is what this Flinders Lane bar is: a treasure few people know about. Thousands of people walk past this bar in Melbourne daily. It is very easy to miss unless you know which door to knock on. Once inside you will be requested to remove your shoes pull up a chair and settle down for some Sake and some genuine Japanese Sashimi.

Besides these, there are plenty of other great bars in Melbourne that cater to a variety of tastes. Some offer live music, some are great for an intimate night out and others are just relaxed hang-out spots. Melbourne has many of these gems ensconced in basements or floating above rooftops. These are places you should try and visit at least once when in Melbourne.