Where to find the best (and hottest) bartenders in Melbourne

Saturday-Thursday from 5pm and Friday from 3pm

Photography: Courtesy of Apollo Inn

The Everleigh's location, hidden so that only those looking for it will notice it, says a lot about its character. It's a proper American-style cocktail bar of old, when drinks were bespoke and each glass was treated with courtesy. Candlelight glints off vintage chandeliers, well heeled patrons slide into mahogany booths and the air is filled with smooth jazz tunes that make you feel like you're drinking in a golden age.

Le Bon Ton is a New Orleans-inspired oyster saloon, smokehouse, cocktail bar and absinthe den in Melbourne’s Collingwood. Think exposed brick walls, copper studded bar, velvet mustard chesterfields, chandeliers overhead and a fairy-light dappled courtyard. It’s a place to revel in some early-20th-century jazz and blues, American craft beer, New Orleans cocktails and a punchy menu of Southern favourites including pit-smoked meats and Southern fried chicken.

Photography: Courtesy of Le Bon Ton

Tucked away in the heart of Melbourne's CBD is Pearl Diver, a hidden gem that celebrates fresh oysters and cocktails. The narrow space is adorned with an alluring contrast of bold blue tones, dark timbers and elegant furnishings, creating a refined coastal vibe. The oysters are served at least eight ways both raw and cooked, with diners expecting to find some of the highest quality oysters on offer. Some of the not-oysters menu items feature snacky creations like cured meats with pickles, duck terrine and steak tartare.

Photography: Jake Roden

Photography: Courtesy of Above Board