Restaurant

Berlin Bar

Level 2/16 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 67 people

Updated

Find Berlin Bar

Level 2/16 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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HoursMonday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Berlin Bar

Step off Corrs Lane, climb the stairwell, and slip into a divided Cold War capsule. Berlin Bar splits its room straight down the middle—plush capitalist West with chandeliers and booths against a bunker East lined with grenade crates. Regulars steer out-of-towners past the door to choose an allegiance, ordering drinks charted across a German map from the rum-and-whiskey John F. Kennedy to the fruity Alan Shepard. Floor staff lean into the theatre—switch sides and they swap your menus and water on the spot. Settle onto an East-side stool with a pour of Weihenstephaner lager, hot fries, and pretzels for unpretentious Gemütlichkeit.

  • Immersive Dual Theme: Venues divided into two distinct halves, contrasting plush capitalist West booths with gritty communist East bunker decor.
  • Thematic Cocktail Program: Drinks charted across a map of Germany and inspired by Cold War history, featuring builds like the John F. Kennedy and Alan Shepard.
  • German Beer & Bites: Pours traditional Weihenstephaner lagers alongside bowls of pretzels and shareable platters.
  • Laneway Speakeasy Entrance: Tucked away upstairs down a Chinatown laneway, requiring patrons to wait on a dark stairwell before admission.

What's On at Berlin Bar

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Berlin Bar Stands Apart

Discover Chinatown's premier split-concept speakeasy—book your table to cross the border tonight.

  • Dual-Atmosphere Historical Immersion

    Guests step into a living Cold War contrast, transitioning between decadent capitalist chandeliers and a raw, atmospheric eastern bunker.

    It’s like stepping back in time to Cold War Berlin.

    Gabriele Colombo
  • Meticulous Thematic Execution

    From switched glassware to distinct East and West menus, the floor team thoroughly embraces the narrative dividing line.

    Split into two halves of Berlin, the decor was great.

    James Dawson
  • Unforgettable Night Out for Visitors

    An eclectic speakeasy setup and high-concept execution make it an effortless destination to take visiting friends for a memorable night.

    Will likely go again, especially with friends who are visiting and want a unique experience.

    isha c
  • A Conversation-Sparking Hidden Gem

    The secretive Chinatown laneway arrival and distinctive concept provide immediate conversation material for groups.

    Great hidden bar in Chinatown with a really unique concept.

    Racheal
  • Top-Tier After-Work Drinks

    A thoughtful selection of map-inspired signature cocktails and German draughts delivers high quality for an easy post-work wind-down.

    Chill lighting, great cocktails, and just a really cool spot to grab a few drinks after work.

    Dorothy Jiao
  • Comfortable, Conversation-Friendly Space

    Balanced audio levels and cozy corners ensure guests can hold effortless conversations over drinks and bar bites.

    the music was great - not so loud that you couldn't speak comfortably.

    Claudia Alp

Other favorites

Complement your visit with distinctive Cold War themed sips, signature shots, and shareable bites.

  • Alan Shepard

    the Alan Shepard was fruity and refreshing.

    Racheal
  • Food Platters

    The food platters are a must to order.

    Jordan
  • Counterstrike

    Also had their signature shot, Counterstrike, which was smooth with a rich coconut finish.

    Rachel Lu
  • Laika

    Highly recommend Laika for something citrusy and refreshing

    Stelly

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful rituals and historical storytelling that heighten the Cold War immersion

  • Border-Crossing Reset

    When patrons move between the raw East and opulent West rooms, floor staff lean into the Cold War concept by replacing menus and water glasses to suit the new side.

  • Storytelling Welcome Briefing

    Upon arrival, servers take the time to orient guests by sharing the Cold War history behind the venue and explaining the two contrasting room layouts.

  • Stairwell Speakeasy Admission

    Guests arrive via an unmarked backstreet entryway and wait on a dim stairwell before being personally admitted through the door above.

  • Cartographic Cocktail Map

    Drinks are presented across an illustrated map of Germany featuring sixteen signature recipes dedicated to Cold War historical figures and space-race astronauts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the venue set up between East and West Berlin?

The bar is split into two distinct thematic areas: a gritty communist East Berlin side with bunker decor and a plush capitalist West Berlin side featuring booths and chandeliers. Guests can freely choose where to sit and explore both spaces.

How do you find and enter the bar?

Berlin Bar operates on an unmarked speakeasy concept hidden down Corrs Lane in Chinatown. Guests go up three flights of stairs to a dark landing, where staff open the door to welcome and seat you. Peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings can see queues on the stairwell.

What makes the drinks menu unique?

The signature cocktail list is presented across a vintage map of Germany, featuring 16 original drinks themed around Cold War figures, astronauts, and historical events. Traditional German beers and spirits are also served.

Do you need a booking or will there be a queue?

While the venue accepts reservations, walk-ins are standard and seats are often available earlier in the evening. Peak periods on Friday and Saturday nights draw queues, so arriving earlier or coming on weeknights is recommended to avoid waiting.

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