Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (34) great (32) Great (26) balcony (22) drinks (21) service (21) drink (17) good (16) time (15) amazing (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Stephanie H. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Amazing! Visited for a Christmas party, amazing food, amazing drinks, amazing service, and amazing strawberries and drink garnish! Felt thoroughly looked after by their attentive staff and even when I felt one drink had too much alcohol for me, the bartender quickly came up with an alternative that was perfect! Will return! Such a gorgeous location, too! I fully recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Romina B. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Amazing place, great atmosphere, food is great, view from the balcony is breathtaking, the hostess is very friendly, if I could give 7 stars I would, recommend big time 😊👍🍾🎉😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shahnawaz T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great flatbreads... and good value too if you go there during lunch time on weekdays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little place to go and hang out for a few cold drinks. Happened to stumble across the entrance, but glad we did. Great view of the bustling street out on the balcony creates a good atmosphere. Friendly service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great 'hidden' venue. Amazing bar service. Comfortable setting and perhaps only a victim to it's limited size
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vikki H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great venue location and vibe and the staff very friendly and helpful. Thank you and we’ll be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacalyn J. 1 year ago on Google
    Small and compact but great vibe! Wouldn't suggest an event with more that 40 people though gets a but stuffy. But service was incredible. Good price drinks - will definitely return
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayaan A. 1 year ago on Google
    Really embodies a cosy cabinet. Warm environment and staff in an eclectic setting. Great selection of drinks and cocktails, with a set of great curated tapas dishes to top it off. The balcony is a nice intimate place to host smaller events and can fit a surprising amount of people in.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leonie M. 4 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem tucked into a back stair access, quirky eatery and cute rooftop bar over Swanston Street. Worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George S. 3 years ago on Google
    A friend took me to Cabinet Bar & Balcony last night and I absolutely loved it. Interestingly, if you don’t know it, you would probably never see it as the actual entrance is behind Swanston Street. But this hidden jewel offers great drinks and really good service — the staff have genuine smiles and are not just happy to help you choose from their list of drinks, but they can make you something that isn’t on the list either. I had one of the best Mojitos I’ve ever tasted!! I’m gonna go back on a Wednesday to try their Flatbreads! Definitely recommended!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JB E. 1 year ago on Google
    The location is great, but it's the staff that I really think set this place apart. Knowledgeable, attentive and genuinely seem to enjoy interacting with customers, or at least have a highly convincing hospitality mask.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sarah C. 1 year ago on Google
    Been here a few times. Food, service, and drinks are just ok, nothing spectacular. Venue itself is a wow the first time you go because it feels new and secluded but the novelty wears off. The place lacks a "happening" vibe.The balcony is also very small so you can't always get a table out there. The biggest negative is the staff behind the bar and their mannerisms, when spoken to their response feels more like "what do you want?!", rather than "how can I help you?", quite stand-offish at times. They lack friendliness or care. Some customers might not mind that, but this is my review and friendly service goes a long way for me. Our experience with staff last night didn't improve so I think next time we'll spend our couple of hundred dollars at another bar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russell M. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic little bar, great atmosphere, menu and drinks are good and lovely staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paolo B. 1 year ago on Google • 669 reviews
    Great cosy little bar overlooking busy city below. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed a pre dinner drink and some snacks for an hour or so. Eggplant chips were delicious as was the pizza. It was happy hour too which was a nice added bonus. Place was full by the time we left around 6pm but always people coming and going it seemed.

  • 5/5 Xennial travel t. 5 months ago on Google • 180 reviews
    My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed with a delightful fusion of affordability, delectable cocktails, and an unbeatable rooftop atmosphere. The cityscape backdrop combined with the vibrant energy of Swanston St creates an ambiance that's hard to rival. Let's talk libations—the cocktails were a true highlight. Not only were they expertly crafted, but the prices were refreshingly reasonable for a rooftop bar in the heart of the city. The diverse selection of martinis and jar cocktails showcased a commitment to offering something for every palate. Each sip was a journey of flavors, and the creativity behind the concoctions added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. The culinary offerings were nothing to scoff at either. While the food was decent, it perfectly complemented the drink menu. A good selection of bar snacks ensured that our taste buds were continually engaged. What truly stood out, though, was the impeccable service. The staff were not only friendly and welcoming but also impressively prompt. Their attentiveness added a sense of warmth to the overall experience. Now, let's talk about the hidden gem—the balcony view. Overlooking the bustling Swanston St, this elevated vantage point provided a perspective I never knew I was missing. Despite having walked past the location countless times, the revelation of this hidden oasis was a delightful surprise. It's a spot that's now firmly etched in my mental map of the city, and I can't wait to revisit. Cabinet Bar and Rooftop—undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone seeking a perfect blend of quality, affordability, and ambiance in the heart of the city!

  • 5/5 K G. 1 year ago on Google • 168 reviews
    We got the Smoked Salmon Flat Bread and Eggplant Chips which were amazing. Great service and location. Definitely going back here again.

  • 4/5 Vandana T S. 5 months ago on Google • 70 reviews
    The place doesn’t serve any food, other than some cheese and olives. But you will be damed to see and loose yourself in the ambiance of this place. Its so retro and beautiful. Roof top area is facing right to the Flinders street. I discovered this place in the heart of the city after a whole year living in the city.

  • 5/5 Alasdair C. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Found this bar by accident after a concert nice atmosphere and great verandah looking order street. Beer was. Good. Great staff

  • 5/5 Ben F. 5 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    This is the best hidden gem of a bar in Melbourne that I have found to date. The bar staff here are phenomenal with perfect recommendations to help you continue your cocktail journey. The atmosphere is perfect for a chill evening hanging with friends and catching up.

  • 1/5 Daniel B. 1 month ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Excited to see a show and remembering the great time I had here a few weeks ago with my dad, I headed up for a drink. Drink was delivered in a big glass that felt watered down - or at least wasn’t what I asked for - and had bad attitude from two staff members. Maybe don’t go solo here. Even the manager was dismissive of my feedback.

  • 5/5 JakobQ1991 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Great atmosphere and a hidden treasure I wasn't aware of previously. Didn't have food but the beer + cider on the balcony was great. Thank you for actually being open "late" and being such a gracious host, I will be back for sure.

  • 5/5 Richard H. 2 years ago on Google
    Cue Josie Joe (spelling?) What a great cocktail! Great little hidden spot, I keep coming back

  • 5/5 Trevor V. 3 years ago on Google
    Could not speak more highly about Cabinet Bar and Balcony. We had a function there and it was amazing. The food, drinks, location and service were outstanding. All staff were friendly and accommodating, especially Keaton, who organised and ran the function perfectly. We, and many of our guests, were full of praise and will be returning for sure. Well done everyone and keep up the amazing work.

  • 5/5 Samantha C. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a wonderful spot to stop into and have a drink. We were lucky enough to snag a table out on the balcony without a booking. The view is wonderful if you like to people watch as it faces over Swanson's street. The drinks are wonderful and refreshing. Though on a cold night their mulled wine is just what we needed to warm up.

  • 5/5 Gurjeet J. 2 years ago on Google
    Could not have enjoyed the Saturday night anymore. Loved their cocktails and the service! Will try sitting out in the balcony next time.

  • 5/5 Alexander S. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite bars in Melbourne. A great drinks list, with a small, but good list of share plates. They also have flatbreads, but these are more like pizzas and best had getting a few to share around the table. Good for dates and close friends catching up on life.

  • 4/5 Paul H. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place for a pre comedy show drink. Great service

  • 5/5 Scotty L. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for the first time late on a Wednesday night and super impressed. First of all a typical Melbourne cocktail bar not easy to find but very very cool. Beautiful inside and balcony stunning. Drinks were amazing and great variety. Only had interactions with one staff but it’s all I needed to see. I would have to say very much experienced which is NOT the norm sadly in Melbourne lately. Thank you so much and I’ll be back.

  • 5/5 Kiley L. 2 years ago on Google
    Cocktail was delicious. Flatbread was quite average so wish it was a bit cheaper. The balcony is quite small but cozy.

  • 5/5 Saad H. 2 years ago on Google
    A cute little hidden bar in the cbd...perfect for a romantic date

  • 3/5 Anna N. 4 years ago on Google
    Good for a drink after a comedy show

  • 5/5 Brad G. 2 years ago on Google
    What an awesome discovery on a walk through the city! We saw the cute balcony from Swanston St and decided to check it out. We stopped and shared a lovely bottle of wine tonight. The male staff member working the bar was absolutely amazing! So friendly and welcoming. Only downside was the uncomfortable chairs on the balcony. Apart from that, everything else was perfect.

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect catch up with pals, or a handsome date. Nice to overlook the street. Music isn’t too loud, great food and drinks are a plenty.

  • 5/5 Gareth L. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent service and great location on Swanson Street. Excellent choice of wines and cocktails. Perfect for a few drinks and soaking up the city vibes on their terrace. Prices are reasonable too.

  • 4/5 Zac �. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little bar in Melbourne. Service was great and to sit outside on the balcony in the evening was great, even if it was a little cold. Beers and wines are well priced. We will be back.

  • 5/5 Sue M. 1 year ago on Google
    This place rocks! Great service, friendly staff, kick arse food and cocktails were lovely. The ambience sitting on the balcony, with the sun setting and the lights going on... magic! We had meatballs 10/10, the recommended eggplant chips did not disappoint, haloumi sliders and fish cakes were tasty.. and the choc fondue with marshmallows, strawberries and croissants finished it off nicely. We will defs be back to try the flatbread!!

  • 5/5 Paolo T. 1 year ago on Google
    A cosy bar with a lovely atmosphere and tasty cocktails. Table service offered and staff are always on the ball. Good selection of food if you’re feeling hungry and the balcony overlooking Swanston street is lovely during the warmer months.

  • 5/5 Deb N. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic little place for a drink or quick bite before a show. Lovely staff and lovely atmosphere 😍

  • 5/5 reem 1 year ago on Google
    nice area to sit down and chill. staff super friendly. didn't get to eat here but their pizza smells nice LOL

  • 5/5 Bethany A. 1 year ago on Google
    Staff were super friendly, great outside area if you can get a seat. Delicious drink too. Overall, a very luxurious experience and will definitely come back

  • 5/5 Natasha V. 10 months ago on Google
    This is the perfect place to come on a cold winter's night! It’s a cosy little bar tucked away on a Melbourne side street. After seeing a show just around the corner at The Regent Theatre, we wanted a drink to debrief. And the mulled wine and Bree cheese was on point!

  • 5/5 김민희 7 months ago on Google
    All good !! Amazing!!!!!!!!! And staff is so handsome

  • 5/5 Leanne G. 5 months ago on Google
    Always a great spot to go, if your ever there pop in, i recommend the olives and the halloumi sliders and chicken sooooo good. Small place but very happening. And only stairs to access it.

  • 4/5 Steve L. 5 months ago on Google
    Classic, been coming here for years and they have a very similar menu, which is not a bad thing. When it's not broke, don't fix it. You can always rely on great service too.

  • 5/5 Jason S. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious cocktails and food, Lovley atmosphere and fantastic staff.

  • 4/5 Manasvini S. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the food and the beer!

  • 4/5 Eddie D. 4 years ago on Google
    Will provide free ice on request

  • 5/5 Evelyn B. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the coolest and most friendly bar in Australia! Alan is amazing as are all the staff. I had my Birthday there. Thanks to all the fabulous staff it was the best night ever! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • 5/5 Naomi Lynn M. 4 years ago on Google
    My Favorite little secret place ?

  • 5/5 Chris C. 4 years ago on Google
    Staff are uber friendly. Drinks are quickly served. Not overly expensive. Great vibe.

  • 5/5 Kristina W. 4 years ago on Google
    Love bringing friends visiting Melbourne to this little bar. It’s got everything you’re looking for; excellent drinks, well priced, great staff and delicious food. Sitting out on the balcony over Swanston st with good friends and good drinks is hard to top! We ordered some snacks and they were delicious. Full bar and a good wine list. Good prices too. Will be back.

  • 3/5 Timinmelbourne 3 years ago on Google
    Another day, another previous review deleted by Zomato!! My partner and I called into this bar for a drink. The service was friendly but not too quick, at all. My Aperol Spritz was full of ice and not too strong. It was pretty average. My partners Negroni wasn’t too good either, it was just alright. Overall whilst this place is in a great location and there is a nice balcony but things have changed.

  • 5/5 Matthew S. 3 years ago on Google
    No complaints, all round good bar, just a bit small, but outside seating area is amazing to relax and chat

  • 4/5 Jag B. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute Parisian style bar tucked away behind Swanson St. Easy to access my public transport. Food was ok and the cocktail and drinks are fantastic!

  • 5/5 Nina M. 4 years ago on Google
    What an amazing venue! Hidden away upstairs, this bar is classy, welcoming and the staff are amazing. Great balcony that overlooks the street. Highly recommended

  • 5/5 Nellerichal S. 5 years ago on Google
    A great little hidden bar. They have one of the best eggplant chips! It is not in a very obvious spot though. If you find it is amazing and great vibes!

  • 5/5 Roger O. 5 years ago on Google
    Thanks Sam! Great champagne cocktails and delicious pizza, great view of the street below.

  • 5/5 Chuah Ghiap T. 5 years ago on Google
    Great 'pizza'. Dessert is awesome!

  • 4/5 Daniel Garcia L. 4 years ago on Google
    I was good, service little slow, but we were there on the peak time

  • 5/5 Wander W. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a fantastic bar. The staff are lovely, and the bar itself is super cool. And drinks are not too expensive.

  • 5/5 Lucian R. 5 years ago on Google
    Really embodies a cosy cabinet. Warm environment and staff in an eclectic setting. Great selection of drinks and cocktails, with a set of great curated tapas dishes to top it off. The balcony is a nice intimate place to host smaller events and can fit a surprising amount of people in.

  • 4/5 Micheal E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great hidden spot - and always busy. Unfortunately the crowd is a bit more bogan these days... but still a gem when in good company. Food / Bar menu is a bit sad. With all that said, I will continue to come to this place time and time again...

  • 5/5 Mark P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, good service! A balcony sits amongst the top of oak trees over looking Swanston St. Can get noisy when busy inside but definitely worth a visit!!

  • 1/5 Ibrahim A. 4 years ago on Google
    Rude staff

  • 3/5 Jessielea 4 years ago on Google
    Drink was delicious but staff made me feel quite uncomfortable. They had a menu of martinis but when i ordered off it that had no idea what i was ordering which i feel is a very low point if you're selling a menu of martinis. Luckily i was just wasting time. Seems like a cute place anyway

  • 4/5 Beardy953 G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for a meet-up and relaxing drink overlooking Swanston Streets hustle and bustle. Was a bit difficult to find the entrance, though this may add to the charm, finding a "secret" entrance.

  • 4/5 Queenie V. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice atmosphere, delicious egg plant chips. Cocktails too sweet.

  • 5/5 Chelle B. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous bar, definitely worth visiting. Great staff, music and atmosphere

  • 5/5 Sophie A. 4 years ago on Google
    Cosy little place for drinks with friends or partner!! Drinks were delicious!

  • 5/5 Fiona M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and cocktails. Staff very friendly and a fun vibe.

  • 5/5 Ryan K. 4 years ago on Google
    The perfect place for a relaxing drink and view of Swanston Street for people watching. Also, I would highly recommend you try the eggplant chips!

  • 4/5 Esseland T. 4 years ago on Google
    Good little bar which has stood the test of time. Good music drinks and chilled staff.

  • 4/5 F P. 4 years ago on Google
    Went here for a drink. Hidden and unique place. They also have a small balcony with a few small tables. Service is great.

  • 5/5 Marcella B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to stop for a quick drink. Nice ambience, nice drinks, very cozy place!

  • 4/5 Max H. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a cute, casual time, with perennially daggy menus.

  • 4/5 Carolyn E. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the decor and friendly staff food yum

  • 1/5 Damon A. 4 years ago on Google
    Staff were very rude

  • 5/5 Martin T. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite bar in Melbourne. The nicest staff, great wine every time, tasty bar snacks.

  • 4/5 Luke K. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this cute wine bar, great place for a date

  • 5/5 Steve C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little hidden spot for a beverage. Wonderful service.

  • 5/5 Ned M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food, great staff and great atmosphere!

  • 5/5 Jake M. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly service - great cocktail list.

  • 5/5 Katherine D. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    After a show we were looking for a late drink and feed. Cabinet bar fitted the bill perfectly. Fantastic wine list and brilliant cheese platter


Call +61 3 9654 0915 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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