Above Board

Above Board is a tiny, hidden cocktail bar tucked away behind a brewery off Smith Street in Collingwood, in Melbourne's vibrant inner north. With just a handful of seats around a single bar, it's an intimate, in-the-know venue devoted to expertly crafted cocktails — the kind of place that rewards seeking out for a genuinely special drink.

The appeal is that distinctive, intimate experience: a serious, considered approach to cocktails in a hidden, characterful setting that feels a world away from the street outside. It's become a cult favourite among cocktail lovers, ideal for a memorable drink rather than a big night out.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 500 reviews, it's clearly delivering on both the drinks and the experience. Given its tiny size, seating is extremely limited and it works best with a booking, and opening hours can differ from a standard bar, so it's well worth checking current details and reserving directly before you go — particularly given the intimate, in-demand nature of this hidden Collingwood gem.