Restaurant

Bar Selecta Hawthorn

Rear entry, 717 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia

Recommended by 59 people

Updated

Find Bar Selecta Hawthorn

Rear entry, 717 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Bar Selecta Hawthorn

Rear entry only, tucked down a Hawthorn laneway—Bar Selecta channels the analog warmth of a Tokyo jazz kissa. Turntables spin curated vinyl under dim glow, keeping the front room close and familiar. Regulars steer newcomers toward the Roasty Toasty Old Fashioned, though a thoughtful sake list and Japanese whiskies reward anyone settling into the back listening lounge.

  • Vinyl Listening Lounge: Turntables spin curated Japanese-style playlists, creating a warm hi-fi atmosphere with a dedicated back lounge.
  • Japanese-Centric Drinks: Riffs on classics like the Roasty Toasty Old Fashioned sit alongside an organized sake selection and Japanese whiskies.
  • Laneway Hideaway: A hidden rear-entry spot off Glenferrie Road featuring a front counter, intimate back room, and open courtyard.

What's On at Bar Selecta Hawthorn

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Spend an Evening at Bar Selecta Hawthorn

From spinning vinyl to masterfully balanced cocktails hidden down a rear laneway, reserve your spot to experience Melbourne’s analog Tokyo sanctuary.

  • Dedicated Hi-Fi Vinyl Listening Culture

    Analog hi-fi warmth meets deliberate track selection across dedicated vinyl sets and curated genres, recreating the focused listening room culture of a classic Tokyo jazz kissa.

    careful curation of the music playing on a great sound system

    Gr8Food Club
  • Distinctive Japanese-Influenced Mixology

    Bartenders execute inventive takes on legacy cocktails alongside specialized sake categorization, pairing Japanese technique with premium spirits.

    Roasty Toasty; will go down as the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had

    Ruth Dutton
  • Subway-Distance Transport to Tokyo

    Hidden down a quiet rear alleyway off Glenferrie Road, the intimate den whisks guests away from suburban bustle into a moody, transportive sanctuary.

    Literally feels like you’ve been whisked away to Tokyo

    Laura Brulez
  • Calibrated Sensory Comfort

    Thoughtfully tuned acoustics and low, warm lighting give the lounge space an easy intimacy that keeps conversations effortlessly relaxed.

    the sound and light levels were sensory sensitive

    CHASE
  • An Intriguing Setting for Date Night

    The speakeasy vibe, tucked-away entrance, and sultry vinyl lounge make the room an unforgettable backdrop for an adventurous first date.

    perfect for a Friday night drink with friends or a first-date spot that’s a bit different

    Amilliah
  • Warm Front-Bar Neighborhood Camaraderie

    Whether taking a seat at the front bar or dropping in solo, patrons find engaging bartenders and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

    sitting at the bar chatting to other people while the dj spins old school blues is amazing

    Melanie Drago

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful sensory tuning, bespoke spirit infusions, and curated drink menus that heighten the listening bar experience.

  • Sensory-Calibrated Listening Lounge

    The dedicated listening lounge manages sound output and illumination to maintain a sensory-sensitive, calm atmosphere for guests.

  • Palate-Guided Sake Categorisation

    The sake selection is organized by clear flavor categorisation, making it effortless for guests to navigate and choose pours suited to their tastes.

  • Creative Non-Alcoholic Mixology

    Guests opting out of alcohol are offered complex, balanced creations like the Cherry Lane mocktail rather than standard soft drinks.

  • Artisanal In-House Infusions

    Seasonal drinks highlight bespoke in-house components, including proprietary moon cake gin, house-infused cherries, and clarified hojicha fruit punch.

Before you head over

Essential tips on finding the alley entrance, managing tight seating, and picking the right room. Book ahead to lock in your visit.

  • Locating the Rear Laneway Entry

    The bar is hidden down a quiet laneway off Glenferrie Road with rear entry only, making it easy to miss if you are searching for a street-facing shopfront. Look for the rear access alleyway to get inside.

  • Timing Your Arrival and Seating

    Indoor seating is compact with only a few seats at the front counter. On busy weekend evenings, tables fill fast and service can pace down during peak rushes, so arrive early or expect to stand while waiting for spots to free up.

  • Selecting Front Bar vs. Listening Lounge

    Pull up a stool at the front counter if you want direct bartender service and close-up DJ energy, or head deeper into the dedicated listening lounge and courtyard for dimmer lighting and a calmer, sensory-sensitive mood.

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