Restaurant
Beneath Driver Lane
Shop/3 Driver La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Beneath Driver Lane
Shop/3 Driver La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Beneath Driver Lane
Down a subterranean CBD stairwell through a sensor-activated door, Beneath Driver Lane trades street noise for a candlelit den steeped in live blues and spirits. Melbourne night-crawlers head below pavement level for stone booths and an unhurried tempo. Bartenders move with precision—torching citrus, pouring whisky flights, and shaking up tart house signatures. Crowd consensus leans toward an early order of the toasted Reuben, followed by a smoky Hopscotch or a neat dram as the band digs into a late set.
- Live Blues & Jazz: Sets run from Thursday through Sunday, packing the brick basement with unvarnished blues and jazz energy.
- Whisky Flights & Precision Cocktails: An encyclopedic spirits wall pairs focused tasting flights with cocktails finished with delicate cream siphons.
- Subterranean Speakeasy Atmosphere: A sensor-triggered entrance opens into a low-lit, stone-walled retreat lined with intimate leather booths.
- Late-Night Bar Bites: Late-night comfort plates span crisp Reuben toasties, seasoned fries, and warm baked Camembert.
What's On at Beneath Driver Lane
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Guests Choose Beneath Driver Lane
From basement blues and tailored whisky flights to celebratory booth service—book your table below to secure your underground escape.
Subterranean Live Blues & Jazz
Descend past the hidden entrance into a New Orleans–inspired basement where live blues and jazz ensembles anchor the room late into the night.
The best New Orleans style underground bar in Melbourne.
Silas Moody Basement Speakeasy Escape
Stone basement walls, low candle lighting, and a tucked-away stairwell transport guests into an intimate speakeasy world far removed from the city streets above.
You walk down the almost hidden staircase and are met with a transcendent, moody low light atmosphere which warms the soul.
Red Meat Curated Regional Whisky Flights
Spirits aficionados can explore curated flights and rare regional selections in a dark, focused tasting atmosphere.
We had a great Japanese whiskey 🥃 flight.
Andrew Johnston (Andy) Precision Culinary Mixology
Bartenders craft inventive signature serves with precision barcraft, incorporating culinary techniques and siphon-topped components into balanced pours.
I loved watching the team use the cream siphon to top off the cocktails with such precision.
Lina Meier Dedicated Booths for Milestone Nights
Intimate booth seating gives birthday parties and celebratory groups a dedicated pocket of comfort to sip cocktails and share late-night fare.
managed to secure a booth which was amazing.
Samantha Clarke Accommodating Group Celebrations
Floor staff smoothly host wedding parties and celebratory entourages with attentive hospitality. Book your booth early to lock in your table before the music starts.
Our bridal party still talk about how that little bit stop made the whole day.
Amy Waterworth
Most popular items
Standout cocktails, curated spirits, and warm bar snacks highlighted by guests
Hopscotch Cocktail
enjoyed their signature hopscotch cocktail. Similar to a whiskey, sour, but with more ingredients to have a smoky bittersweet drink.
J me Japanese Whiskey Flight
We had a great Japanese whiskey 🥃 flight.
Andrew Johnston (Andy) Reuben Grilled Sandwich
Delicious and comforting—crispy bread, tender meat, just the right amount of melt and tang.
Kia Yang Baked Camembert
The baked Camembert is to die for.
Brian Kay
Beyond the menu
From discreet safety initiatives to hands-on guest care, reserve your booth to experience Melbourne's subterranean hospitality.
Discreet Safety "Mint Signal"
Patrons who feel uncomfortable or unsafe can discreetly hand a mint to bar staff to signal for quiet, immediate assistance.
Street-Level Departure Care
Hospitality extends beyond the underground bar floor, with staff actively assisting guests up the stairs and directing them to safe ride-share pickups.
Custom Hybrid Mixology
Bartenders happily tailor bespoke off-menu drink combinations, such as harmonizing a dirty and Gibson martini with boutique Australian spirits.
Post-Ceremony Celebrations
Staff seamlessly accommodate newly wedded couples and bridal parties between ceremonies and receptions for curated drinks, food, and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you catch live music, and how early should you arrive?
Live blues and jazz bands typically perform from Thursday through Sunday, with music kicking off around 9:00 PM. Arrive earlier in the evening to secure a seat, as the basement space often fills up to standing room only.
How does seating and entry work during busy nights?
Seating is very popular and can fill up quickly, often resulting in standing room or waits during peak times. While parties can book ahead or secure cosy booths, walk-in visitors during busy nights often pair up with others or wait for tables to turn over. Note that weekend nights may also involve a small entry fee.
What food and drink specialties are served?
Beyond classic cocktails and custom bartender requests, the bar offers signature drinks crafted with cream siphons, curated whisky flights, and late-night hot bar food like toasted Reuben sandwiches and fries.
What should you know about venue safety, facilities, and parking?
Restrooms are available on-site, and the venue offers a discreet guest safety protocol where anyone feeling uncomfortable can hand a mint to a bartender for prompt support. For travel, guests recommend parking at a nearby paid lot and walking in, as street parking in the immediate CBD lane is tight.
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