A door simply marked ‘MGX’ marks the spot to where thirsty patrons will find a bar stocked with top-notch wines, delicious French-style bar foods and a lively crowd. Open late seven nights a week, Bar Margaux is worth visiting any day of the week.

Once a warehouse, the space that houses Back Alley Sally’s is now a vivacious watering hole nestled above a pizza shop (Slice Girls West). After a slice, head upstairs to the dimly lit bar for a Sally Collins or a Jaffa Martini.

Tucked away in Melbourne’s Malthouse Lane, Eau De Vie is where the 1920s meets the 2020s. Here, cheese and charcuterie pairs perfectly with theatrical cocktails befitting the prohibition era.

Nothing to see here, folks. Or is there? A stealthy twelve-seater bar concealed in an unexpected laneway location, Above Board appears minimal – and yet, its cocktail menu is anything but.

Touted as Windsor’s worst-kept secret, this cheeky bar is sister to Boston Sub. Go for the fun, jungle vibes – and stay for some of the most creatively concocted cocktails in the Victorian capital.

A speakeasy where ultra-delicious cocktails are made with minimal wastage in mind – we strongly suggest you try the ‘Helen of Soy’ – Lay Low Bar maintains a thoughtful ethos. Better yet, its Greek-inspired menu keeps guests lingering longer with the likes of yiros and spanakopita on offer.

Beloved by many but spotted by few from the street level, Madame Brussels is a summer go-to for shared punches, garden-party-style foods (think finger sandwiches) and soirees. Choose between the sunlit Terrace or the rum-stocked Parlour.

There are few better pairings than cheese-covered carbs and alcohol, and, and at the sneaky hideaway named Pizza Pizza Pizza, you can have your pizza and your delicious drinks too. Grab a slice (or entire pizza) then settle in for a tipple or two.

A blue ‘tabacchi’ sign signals the doorway of Bar Americano in Melbourne’s CBD. At this bar, only the classic cocktails are served (and perfected) in a sophisticated setting. You can also choose to pay it forward by ordering a ‘suspended drink’ or ‘caffe sospeso’ for a future guest.