You could be in a basement in New York, Chicago or New Orleans at this jazz-heavy subterranean bar. The service, whisky collection and blues tunes are strong, with a build-your-own martini offering and the option to order Reuben sandwiches until 2am. Shop/3 Driver Lane, Melbourne;

Under an unassuming office block off Little Collins Street, you’ll find this laidback dive bar where crowds roll in for a worldly selection of whiskies, gins and craft beers served in industrial-chic surrounds. If you haven’t already, order the namesake cocktail – a palate-priming sour featuring Ardberg, Amaretto, maraschino, bitters and vanilla. 32 Church Lane, Melbourne

Housed in an old gas conversion garage, this brewery, bottle shop, pub and cocktail saloon is fringed by greenery and polished concrete. You’ll find old faithfuls here alongside more experimental sours and pet nats on tap, with a margarita special on Mondays. 245 Johnston Street, Abbotsford

Visiting this beer-focused neighbourhood bar feels like crashing a mate’s place – with its down-to-earth surrounds and homely menu of toasties and snacks. Expect 1960s American blues tunes spinning in the background as you mull over 40 different beer options ranging from IPAs to pilsners, sours and stouts. 581 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Is it a log cabin or is it a bar? As the name suggests, the 70s free love vibes are strong at this South Yarra blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bar, which presents much like a regular house from the front and a log cabin once inside. 3 Wilson Street, South Yarra

A bottleshop-cum-wine bar with an extensive-yet-curated selection of wines, spirits and beers from Australia and abroad that also happens to serve up killer snacks from 4pm daily. 50 Princes Street, Carlton North

A well stocked cocktail bar and Thai share plates are the order of the day (or night) at this locomotive-themed bar hidden inside an old train carriage, as the name suggests. Situated in a speakeasy-rich neighbourhood, you’ll often find local DJs spinning into the early hours here. Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Tucked up a rickety staircase inside Captain Melville, you’ll find a secret watering hole called Loch and Key. Warm timbers, sofas and the odd piece of taxidermy cosy up the late-night venue, which opens onto a balcony terrace boasting city views. The cocktail list is only six-strong but they’ll happily make you a bespoke drink to order. 34 Franklin Street, Melbourne

A cafe that moonlights as a bar, this Lygon Street favourite is paying homage to old-world Italian hospitality in the thick of Melbourne’s own Little Italy. An Italian-forward wine list and smart selection of cicchetti (Venetian small plates) make it the perfect spot for basking in aperitivo hour. 329 Lygon Street, Carlton

Forget dropping a pin at this diminutive bar – it has no Google Map presence, with no more than 12 stools framing the island bar. Above Board serves up roughly 25 cocktails split into classics (Old Fashioned, Negroni) and signatures that might be spiked with blackberry liqueur, cherry brandy or absinthe. Level 1/306 Smith Street Chopper Lane

Essentially two bars in one, the gothic-style Fall From Grace is hidden down a staircase and behind a sliding bookcase inside big sister bar State Of Grace. Settle into one of the plush armchairs at this hidden cellar bar and sip on a New York Sour. 27 King Street Melbourne

Coburg’s oldest hotel has been revamped into a hidden wonderland featuring a pop-up beer garden and The Atrium bar, with its soaring ceilings, cosy fireplace and tropical plants. The drinks pay homage to local breweries and wineries, and the food side of things celebrates all your pub favourites. 84-88 Sydney Road, Coburg

This 1920s prohibition era-inspired bar offers a range of seating options spanning intimate booths to bar seats and coffee tables, with a secret whisky room hidden behind a bookcase that is home to a library of exclusive, hard-to-find drops and a bottle shop to boot. 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne

Hidden in the backstreets of Fitzroy, this iconic pub is home to an excellent tucked away beer garden and deck that even your four-legged mate is welcome at. A solid selection of craft beers, friendly service and a roster of live music make it hard to beat. 27 St David Street, Fitzroy. This article was made possible by American Express and all venues mentioned are part of the Shop Small program by American Express.