Our Favourite Melbourne Night Time Spots for the Perfect Espresso Martini

As we move closer into winter, we are definitely feeling a little more tired in the evenings. Having an espresso martini is our favourite way of finishing up at work and enjoying the city lights under Melbourne's famous laneways and bustling streets.

As seasoned espresso martini makers (and seasoned espresso martini takers), here are our favourite spots to sip some 'spressi marts in the city (and the some of the surrounding burbs)!

The Espresso Martini Top 8 

1. Stunning riverside drinks at Yarra Botanica, Southbank

Yarra Botanica has such a sweet city vibe to it being perched on the river with the immense Melbourne skyline behind. You can get a cracking espresso martini here and sip as you watch the night fall into the sky whilst the buildings light up. You're surrounded by an eclectic mix of great restaurants on Southbank too, and when you get restless you can simply hop across the river and start on Flinders lane for bar hopping!

2. Intimate cocktails at Bar Clara, CBD (near Chinatown)

Bar Clara has the most creative cocktails in an cool chic setting just off china town. You'll be greeted with gorgeous imagery of trees and botanicals that show the mission of Bar Clara from the get go. Bar Clara is on a mission to, not only, serve cocktails but to also practice sustainability and endeavour to be a green eco friendly bar. Bar Clara shows this by dedicating a portion of their sales to supporting tree planting initiatives. 

3. Post beach bevs at Blue Tongue Wine Bar, Elwood

Set just off Beach Avenue and Ormond Road, Blue Tonge Wine Bar is your next post beach bev spot after a day on the beach or from the bay trail! With ample outdoor seating options, and cosy outdoor heaters when the temperature drops, you can dig into classic cocktails, wine (of course), beers and a great selection of sharing boards and more substantial meals. 

4. Dinner warm up at The Pearl Diver, CBD (near Parliament station)

The Pearl Diver is really what it says it is, an oyster hotspot! With low lighting and an art deco/maritime inspired interior, it's the perfect spot to chuck back a few oysters and taste some great cocktails made by some very talented mixologists. Set just off Flinders Lane on the east end of the city, it's well located next to some top restaurants too and serves as a great spot to both start and finish your night! 

5. Drinks and darts at Oche, CBD (Elizabeth Street)

Drinks and darts? Everybody's favourite combo! Oche gives 'pub darts' an extra layer of coolness and opulence by bringing stunning airy interiors and a digital experience to old school darts. This spot is a MUST to take a group of friends or coworkers to blow off some steam and have some laughs. You'll be greeted on entry with free popcorn, and taken to a booth where you can set up shop and add player profiles to your darts board. 

Then, select a game from the console and watch as your darts board becomes centre stage and counts up yours score. Order drinks as you play and watch your darts ability *change* - maybe it makes you better? Who knows. All we know is you can get a cracking espresso martini and play darts with popcorn and thats a win!

6. Bevs and belly laughs at Spleen Bar, CBD (Bourke Street)

Spleen bar is an OG for any local grown Melbourne or hospitality worker in the city. As well as a popular spot for comedy, Spleen's late opening hours and extensive range of drinks mean its an established 'institution' in the Melbourne bar scene. You can get all of your favourite classics and grab a table around the stage for some unexpected laughs from some of Melbourne's best names in comedy. With a smaller seating area downstairs, you're in for an intimate comedy experience which makes the experience even better!

7. Late night supper at Bar Bambi, CBD (AC/DC Lane)

Bar Bambi knows how to party! You'll be choosing from some hearty Italian classics and expertly crafted cocktails in this gorgeous neon lit setting. With intimate velvet booths and regular events, you'll have some memorable nights here and some stunning pictures to match!

8. Pizza and comfort at Trinket Bar, CBD (Flinders Lane)

Trinket bar is one of those venues you stumble upon and feel smug about because its a hidden gem. As a pizza and cocktail bar, it's super easy going and feels effortlessly cool with exposed brick walls, low lighting and a gorgeous huge chandelier. Did we mention there's a hidden cellar bar behind the wardrobe? They do rotating specials where you can also pick up a meal for a steal ($15 pizza lunch on Fridays anyone?). If you haven't been here yet, why are you still reading this!