Gin Palace

Tucked down a Melbourne laneway, this basement den has anchored the city's late-night martini circuit for more than two decades. Velvet nooks, dim lamps, and deep couches keep the acoustics contained—built for unhurried conversation rather than shouting over a crowd. The shelves hold over 200 bottles from across the globe, with staff steering drinkers toward rare pours like New Zealand black gin. Faithful patrons pair their drinks with the toasted chicken sandwich as the room fills after dinner.