Restaurant
Backspace
27 George Parade, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Backspace
27 George Parade, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Backspace
Tucked down George Parade off Collins Street, Backspace swaps rowdy CBD corners for low-lit conversation and focused glasswork. Discerning barflies treat the compact room as a sanctuary—tailor-made for an aperitif before dinner or an unhurried nightcap. Behind the wood, the shelves champion Victorian craft distilleries and small-batch whiskies, bypassing standard formulas for drinks like the citrus-laced Callipo Sour and the nostalgic 500 Years of Punch. Name a preferred palate profile, and the bartenders will shake up a custom off-menu build on the spot.
- Victorian Distilleries: Original cocktail builds like the Callipo Sour spotlight Victorian craft producers over standard commercial spirits.
- Intimate Laneway Setting: A low-volume retreat tucked off Collins Street, suited for easy conversation and evening wind-downs without food distractions.
- Palate-Led Service: Bartenders tailor custom pours on and off the menu while guiding guests through an extensive whiskey selection.
What's On at Backspace
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Discerning Drinkers Choose Backspace
Whether setting the tone before dinner or winding down your night over bespoke cocktails, book your table at Backspace for an intimate laneway experience.
Dedicated Space for Real Conversation
Designed intentionally without dining distractions, Backspace fosters an unhurried, intimate setting where guests can engage in clear, low-volume conversation over exceptional drinks.
This is a welcoming adult space for soft conversations, not disjointed boozing.
Scott Thornton Quiet Laneway Alternative to Loud Bars
Tucked quietly down George Parade off Collins Street, this intimate venue offers a sophisticated retreat from high-volume CBD drinking spots.
chill vibe, and a nice alternative to louder, busier bars nearby.
Amilliah A Dedicated Destination for Post-Dinner Nightcaps
Positioned near premier city restaurants, Backspace serves as a standout destination to conclude an evening over inventive, locally focused libations.
If you’re looking for somewhere special after dinner in the city, skip the obvious venues and head to Backspace.
Pamela Alexander The Ideal Pre-Dinner Aperitif Stop
An intimate setting and well-balanced drinks make Backspace an effortless first stop to set the tone for an evening out in the CBD.
My partner and I stopped by this cocktail bar before dinner, and it turned out to be a great choice.
Gabe Palate-Led Bartending and Custom Builds
Bartenders tailor cocktails to each guest's individual palate, expertly building custom drinks both on and off the printed menu.
Excellently knowledgeable and appreciative staff who understand a patron’s needs and wants! Will go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your choice, on & off menu!
Louise Bradley Curated Whiskies and Guided Tastings
Bartenders provide seasoned guidance through an extensive, highly curated collection of spirits and whiskies without pretense.
Amazingly friendly bar staff with an extensive knowledge of whiskies.
Michael Shepherd
Most popular items
Inventive, palate-led mixed drinks showcasing local craft and nuanced flavours.
Callipo Sour
The Callipo Sour was bright, refreshing and beautifully balanced
Pamela Alexander 500 Years of Punch
the 500 Years of Punch was rich, complex and surprisingly nostalgic – a cocktail that somehow manages to be both sophisticated and fun.
Pamela Alexander Daisy Chain
I ordered a Daisy Chain, and it was delicious and well balanced, You can tell they know what they’re doing behind the bar.
Amilliah Mango Thyme Cocktail
my mango thyme cocktail had a slightly spicy 'zing', which was perfect for a chilly winter evening.
Leon Hartman
Other favorites
Tailored classics and seasonal bartender creations
Old Fashioned
Such a great choice of cocktails including one of the best 'Old Fashioned's' I've had for a long time.
Steven McGuire Sidecar
From there suggested a sidecar which was exactly what I was looking for!
Katie Sarks Lemon Gin Cocktail
Really liked my lemon gin cocktail- so refreshing for a hot autumn evening!
Piggy Eatalot Milky Punch
We tried a milky punch that had been created which was delicious and it was very cool to hear about the process and ingredients used.
Shanti Bedard
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful, craft-focused details that shape an unpretentious laneway night out—reserve your table to experience them firsthand.
Palate-Guided Consultation
Rather than defaulting to standard orders, bartenders take time to ask about individual taste profiles—such as sweet, brisk, or fruity—to pinpoint or calibrate the right cocktail for each guest.
Cocktail Craft and Storytelling
Staff and owner Benny readily walk guests through the creative techniques, ingredient origins, and narratives behind bespoke creations like their clarified milk punch.
Victorian Distillery Showcases
The spirits program deliberately spotlights local Victorian distillers, incorporating regional craft spirits into inventive builds instead of relying on predictable commercial standards.
Off-Menu Drink Customization
Bartenders go beyond the printed list, happily creating tailored drinks on and off menu to suit exact preferences and ensure every patron gets what they want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they serve food?
Backspace operates strictly as a specialised cocktail and spirits bar without a food menu, making it ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif or a late-night drink.
Can the bartenders make custom or off-menu drinks?
Yes, the bartenders are happy to tailor custom drinks on and off the menu based on your palate, preferences, or spirit requests.
What kind of whiskey selection is available?
Backspace highlights an extensive, curated whiskey collection alongside its cocktail program, with staff ready to guide recommendations.
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