Restaurant
Bar Ampere
16 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Bar Ampere
16 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Bar Ampere
Russell Place alleyway energy, slinging hot food until 3am long after the CBD winds down. Melbourne’s hospo crowd filters in for what sits behind the bar—house-formulated amari, vermouth pours, and traditional absinthe drips over sugar spoons. Bartenders build custom drinks to your taste or shake mezcal grapefruit spritzes while funk tracks bounce off graffiti arches. Late-shift regulars lean on the kitchen: steak tartare beside olive-oil-slicked sourdough, bubbling raclette, and fries crisp on the outside with creamy potato centres.
- Late-Night Kitchen to 3am: Full kitchen and bar operating until 3am with steak tartare, raclette, and late-night burgers when CBD kitchens close early.
- Traditional Absinthe Service: Tabletop ice-water drip towers and slotted sugar spoons poured with attentive staff guidance.
- House Amaro & Vermouth: Proprietary amaro blends produced on-site alongside extensive vermouth and spirit backbars.
- Bespoke Cocktail Craft: Bartenders tailor off-menu concoctions directly to individual flavor profiles on the fly.
What's On at Bar Ampere
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Bar Ampere
From late-night comfort plates and proprietary amari to traditional absinthe drips, claim your corner of Russell Place—reserve your spot tonight.
Full Kitchen Service Pouring Until 3am
While the rest of the CBD winds down, Bar Ampere keeps both its kitchen and bar humming until 3am, serving proper hot meals to midnight revelers and hospitality workers alike.
the fact that it’s open until 3am is a huge win for hungry nocturnals like myself.
Grace Lye Substantial Midnight Comfort Food
Diners craving substantial savoury feeds late into the night can skip fast food for quality burgers, bubbly melted raclette, and steak tartare right up to last call.
Huge selection of drinks, and the kitchen is open late with a great selection of food!
Alicia Gorzen Traditional Absinthe Tabletop Drip Rituals
Bar Ampere preserves genuine European café heritage with authentic iced water drip towers and slotted sugar spoons, fully guided by knowledgeable staff.
Amazing place for the full absinthe experience too, full water dispensers and sugar spoons.
Tim Owens House-Crafted Proprietary Amari & Vermouth
Beyond classic spirits, the bar formulates and pours its own proprietary house-made amari and vermouth blends, layering complex botanical profiles into bespoke pours.
fantastic cocktails, and their own Amaro to boot!
Andrew Johnston (Andy) Unpretentious Hospitality for Solo Drop-Ins
Whether dropping in solo, casually dressed, or seeking refuge after a demanding day, guests are met with unpretentious warmth and genuine care from the floor team.
making me feel so home immediately when I was wondering if I'm underdressed.
Sam Watkins A Welcoming Late-Night Laneway Sanctuary
Tucked down Russell Place, the venue provides a secure, hospitable haven where locals and industry insiders reliably wrap up their evenings.
I always feel welcome and safe here with the staff always being inviting and offering up the best cocktail selection.
Anastasija Grezlova
Most popular items
Signature sips and late-night plates most celebrated by guests
Absinthe Fountain
the highlight of our visit was the absinthe fountain (complete with an ice water drip tower, very neat).
Hai Yi Zheng Burger
Enjoyed a beef burger and steak sanga at 12:30am, paired with a refreshing blood orange spritz. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Grace Lye Raclette
The bubbly cheese Raclette was superb and we soaked up all the cheesy goodness til there was nothing left.
Priscilla Lepuschan Steak Tartare
I ordered a steak tartare and cheese fondue in the pictures, which arrived promptly and was of a high standard.
Kaiden Kondo
Other favorites
Speciality house infusions, mindful zero-proof pours, and savoury bar bites complement the primary menu.
House-Made Amari
I had the Danger, and the Madness Amari, and they were both beautiful, subtle flavoures but absolutely packed with different elements
Andrew Johnston (Andy) Croquettes
croquettes (with the most delicious mayo).
Riana Rahman Chicken Liver Parfait
chicken liver parfait, both tasty.
Amanda Poke Negroni Mocktail
I ordered a Negroni Mocktail, and it was everything I wanted it to be!
Alicia Gorzen
Beyond the menu
From fountain-dripped absinthe rituals to bespoke off-menu pours, experience hospitality tailored to the late hours—book your table at Bar Ampere.
Traditional Tabletop Absinthe Ritual
Absinthe service arrives as a dedicated tableside ritual complete with traditional ice water drip towers, slotted sugar spoons, and staff who step guests through the slow dilution process.
Custom Off-Menu Mixology
Rather than sticking to the printed cocktail menu, bartenders invite guests to share their palate preferences and craft tailored, off-menu drinks on the spot.
Proprietary House-Crafted Amari
The backbar features house-formulated amari blends including 'Danger' and 'Madness', pouring proprietary herbal digestifs infused directly on-site.
Considered Zero-Proof Hospitality
Expecting mothers and non-drinking guests receive attentive beverage care with nuanced zero-proof creations like a curated Negroni Mocktail, backed by genuine cocktail craft.
Before you head over
Navigate transit, peak table rushes, and custom orders with ease. Book your table to secure your spot for late-night drinks and dining.
Arrive Early or Reserve Ahead
Laneway tables fill up rapidly during peak evening and midnight hours. Arrive early or book your table in advance if you want to settle in smoothly for late-night dining and drinks.
Ask for Fountain Service & Off-Menu Pours
Staff regularly guide first-timers through traditional tabletop absinthe water-drip rituals, and bartenders readily mix bespoke off-menu drinks based on your preferred flavor profiles.
Opt for Tram Transit over Laneway Parking
On-street parking in Russell Place and surrounding CBD alleys is severely restricted. Take advantage of the nearby free tram zone stops, or plan ahead for paid commercial garages nearby.
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