Melbourne: Nightlife

Gin Palace With Bond-esque panache this stylish bar draws a glamorous crowd with its seductive, low-lit atmosphere, smooth jazz tunes, luscious cocktails, and plush furnishings. Get things started with a martini from the lengthy menu – shaken, not stirred, of course. Central Business District; 190 Little Collins St.; 011-61-3-9654-0533
jazz | trendy | bar | live music

Madame Brussels Named after an infamous 19th-century Melbournian brothel owner, this slightly naughty gay bar takes you on a magical journey to a time when tennis whites and Pimms were the preferred accessories. Sporting an outdoor terrace with faux grass and a hostess called Miss Pearl, it’s a little over-the-top – but that’s all part of the charm. Central Business District; 59-63 Bourke St., level 3; 011-61-3-9662-2775; www.madamebrussels.com
trendy | lounge | patio | gay/lesbian

New Gold Mountain Tucked behind an unmarked door in Chinatown, this secluded salon, located upstairs from sister bar Double Happiness, has quickly become a local favorite. Its cozy, rich-red decor and flamboyant cocktails make it ideal for clandestine rendezvous. Central Business District; 21 Liverpool St., level 1; 011-61-3-9650-8859; www.newgoldmountain.org
trendy | bar | local favorite

The Melbourne Supper Club The mainstay of Melbourne’s bar scene, the Supper Club is a popular late-night hideout. Its warm eclectic decor attracts everyone from visiting Formula One teams to late-shift workers. Central Business District; 161 Spring St.; 011-61-3-9654-6300
lounge | bar | late night

Toff in Town The Toff, located on the second level of Curtain House, a historic architectural gem, is a real treat. You can catch a burlesque show on The Stage then shuffle over to The Carriage and sink into a booth designed like a train carriage. The bar features local DJs playing sultry sounds. Central Business District; 252 Swanston St.; 011-61-3-9639-8770
dancing | bar | dj | cabaret

Tony Starr’s Kitten Club Funky upstairs bar with live music and dancing. Mid-week the musical stylings of local performers blend retro funk with noughties cool, while on weekends a two-piece swing band takes over the center stage. Central Business District; 267 Little Collins St., level 1; 011-61-3-9650-2448
dancing | live music