Party underground

Take refuge from winter nights and check out some of city’s eclectic underground and basement bars and nightclubs.

Khokolat Bar

This bar/nightclub nestled under Hardware Lane is a popular late night city haven for partygoers.

Open Friday and Saturday nights, get groovy on RNB and Old Skool tracks. Kenobi Inspired by the mood and colour of modern pop art, Kenobi’s fit-out is eclectic and character-filled.

Don’t miss the huge retractable screen which converts the venue into a makeshift cinema, complete with multi-flavoured popcorn machine.

La Chinesca

Tucked below the Paris end of Collins St, La Chinesca prides itself on hidden opulence.

The name takes its origins from the Chinatown district of Mexicali in California, and the food and drink menu reflect these influences.

Gin Palace

Named after the disreputable venues of the late 19th century, Gin Palace remains a hidden gem, tucked away from the steady flow of passers by.

The venue is renowned for its martinis and, obviously, its selection of gin.

Bluestone Downstairs

Described as a New York-style basement bar, Bluestone Downstairs is appropriately named, having retained the original bluestone walls and features.

Chesterfield lounges add a refined air to the space, ideal for sampling the comprehensive wine list. The bar is so chic, it’s included on the heritage register.

Fall From Grace

The challenge of Fall From Grace is to firstly find its entrance. Like the set of a 1950s spy movie, entry is gained to this secret society style establishment via bookshelf.

Pull one of the books off the shelf, and the cleverly concealed door will open, leading to the downstairs bar. Charlie’s Bar There’s an abundance of Art Deco charm at Charlie’s.

Some elements of the venue’s former life as a warehouse remain, including exposed brick, beams and polished concrete floors.

Chaise Lounge

Chaise Lounge is one of Melbourne’s finest RNB and Hip-Hop lounges with smooth tunes playing late into the night.

Small and Chic it also doubles and a great place to take a date if its going well after dinner.

The Sherlock Holmes Inn

As far as pubs are concerned, you’d probably least expect to find one underground in Collins St, but thankfully The Sherlock Holmes Inn provides the perfect pub escape from the city hype above.