The Everleigh

This is some next-level gear right here. Brought to you by the folks behind NYC's Milk and Honey and their cooler offshoot Little Branch, the Everleigh has the look of a 1920s speakeasy, with pressed metal on the side of the entrance counter, giant vintage chandeliers, beautiful tiling on the floors and a low golden glow throughout from tableside candlelight. A jackelope is the only nod to taxidermy in this bar. This is a proper American-style cocktail bar, run with an Aussie sensibility. So while on one hand you’re getting some of the best drinks in the country, you’re not getting any of the attitude that you get on Eldridge Street. There are only three seats at the bar - the rest is table service. That said, you're being served by bartenders who know their stuff, rather than hostesses, which means you have a direct line to the good stuff. There are six cocktails on the list that all sit on the three-ingredients-or-less side of the Venn drinking diagram; or you've got bartender's choice. How about a Don't Give Up the Ship? It's an improved Hanky Panky of vermouth, gin, Fernet Branca and the addition of orange curucao. Or a Blanton? That's gin, dry vermouth and Angustura bitters. Melbourne's answer to Little Branch is a haven of fine hooch, bartenders who truly know their business, and a great vibe - all in a beautiful room to the tune of some sweet sweet jazzzz.