Restaurant
1806
169 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find 1806
169 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout 1806
Dim lighting, heavy velvet drapes, and vintage jazz on rotation—1806 cuts straight into classic drinking history. Cocktails roll out chronologically by era, each pour paired with narrative character lore and native botanicals. Longtime patrons gravitate toward the Old Fashioned, stirred down over hand-cut blocks of clear ice behind an orderly mise en place. Thursday nights pull theater crowds into leather booths for live jazz trios beneath the red-curtain glow.
- Film Noir Ambiance: Deep velvet drapes, dim lighting, and live jazz sessions create an authentic bygone-era cocktail lounge.
- Era-Spanning Story Menu: Chronological drink menus pairing historic cocktail eras with theatrical character narratives and native botanicals.
- Hands-On Masterclasses: Hands-on cocktail and whiskey workshops hosted by seasoned bartenders covering drink history and technique.
- Classic Cocktails: Revered for classic technique, featuring stirred-down Old Fashioneds over hand-cut crystal-clear ice.
What's On at 1806
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose 1806
Step through the velvet curtains for theatrical era-defining cocktails and hands-on mixology—book your table or masterclass now.
Story-Driven Mixology Theatre
Drinks are developed around character lore, bespoke storytelling, and native botanical infusions that elevate cocktail craft into high theatre.
The drinks were all brilliant with thr theatre of the chosen one adding grandeur to the whole experience.
Yusuf Zarani Bygone-Era Jazz Lounge Ambiance
Moody lighting, rich red drapery, and live jazz sessions cultivate an intimate, authentic bygone-era speakeasy mood.
Lovely ‘jazz lounge’ ambience, staff are professional and obviously love working there.
Adele Surridge Interactive Cocktail Masterclasses
Dedicated mixologists teach balance, technique, and classic formulas in guided, hands-on masterclasses.
The beginners cocktail masterclass at Bar 1806 was amazing! The bartender’s passion and energy made the whole experience 5 stars.
Andrei Dediu Spirits and Whiskey Education
In-depth guided tastings and spirit workshops break down flavor profiles, production history, and palate appreciation.
We certainly learned a great deal about whiskey and its nuances, and we had an absolute ball throughout the masterclass.
Sales - Splashdown Transportive Vintage Escape
Impeccable hospitality and timeless interior design transport guests into an immersive golden age of drinking.
I was transported back to the year of the cocktail with an experience that exuded impeccable service from start to finish.
Mr Melbourne Familiar, Craftsman Hospitality
Unwavering standards and attentive, personalized bartending create an immediate sense of warm belonging for repeat visitors.
every time I walk through the door it feels like coming home to a friend’s place
David D
Most popular items
Signature pours and interactive mixology sessions at 1806
Cocktail Masterclass
My girlfriend and I came for the cocktail masterclass, and we were lucky to have Diego as our host. He was very professional and friendly, and we had a fantastic experience.
Mariano Sammartino My Midsummer Wedding
I chose the "My Midsummer Wedding," a delightfully sweet cocktail with a fragrant blueberry foam that created a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Sk Old Fashioned
There is no place that does an ‘Old Fashioned’ like this place. The experience here is worth every cent.
Lyle Abeykoon Rusty Nail
Tonight’s Rusty Nail was nothing short of perfection.
David D
Beyond the menu
The bespoke details and hospitable craft that define the 1806 experience—reserve your booth for an unforgettable evening.
Tailored Celebration Menus
For milestone celebrations and private parties, the bar team designs a custom, tailored cocktail menu tailored specifically to the occasion.
Interactive Cocktail Crafting
Masterclass sessions move beyond demonstration into hands-on participation, inviting guests behind the bar to mix and shake their own cocktails.
Precision Ice Presentation
Spirit-forward drinks are served with a pristine, crystal-clear large ice cube that elevates presentation and temperature control.
Thoughtful Celebration Hospitality
Guests marking birthdays and special celebrations receive hospitable personal surprises, including complimentary celebration shots.
Before you head over
Key timing and planning notes for live jazz, hands-on masterclasses, and pre-theatre drinks—book your table in advance to secure the full experience.
Catch Thursday Jazz Nights
To catch the live jazz trio and soak in the moody jazz-lounge atmosphere, plan your visit around Thursday night sessions so you do not miss the live music.
Reserve Masterclasses in Advance
The hands-on beginner and advanced cocktail and whiskey masterclasses led by dedicated mixologists are popular; secure your session in advance to lock in your spot behind the bar.
Plan for Pre-Show Drinks & Cocktails
The venue excels as a dedicated cocktail institution for pre-show drinks or nightcaps, so plan your visit around bespoke drinks and lighter bar snacks rather than a full meal.
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