Honestly, this is the best place you can go for quality cocktails in Melbourne. The staff are amazing and the drinks are even better. World class

Intimate cocktail bar featured in The World’s Best 50 Bars (the only bar from Melbourne). Centre stage is a beautiful island seating just 16 people. Similar to a high-end omakase experience, top-quality cocktails are produced with accoutrement hidden away. Highly recommended for a quiet drink with a small group. $20-25 per drink

A new staple. The team here sorted us out with their well curated menu of both classic and house cocktails. An intimate environment brings a sophisticated feel, nothing pretentious - and it certainly feels like you’re well looked after with yourself and say a date or no more than two of your very best mates.

Intimate cocktail bar with incredibly friendly staff and delicious drinks. This bar only sits about 10 people and when visiting we were greeted by the owner. The insides are really classy and the staff were well dressed and talkative. Their knowledge of drink making was extremely impressive and when asking for recommendations we were given so many different options based off a few questions they asked. Although their drink menu is complete they also give you the option to make off the menu items if requested. If you go during a busy time be prepared to be added to a waiting list where you are texted when it is your turn to enter the bar and have 30 minutes to make your booking. Highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.

Perfect spot for pre-drinks or after-drinks when out in Collingwood.. plenty of cocktail options with some flavour combos not usually seen. We always just go for "one quick drink" but end up walking out 2 hours later.. bar staff are chatty in the good way..

Really passionate owner. The team knows their stuff. Love the concept and the design.

This is also a great cocktail bar in Melbourne. The location is outside CBD, which is not as great, and it might be a bit difficult to find, as it is on the second floor of a building, with a beer bar at the bottom. But when you get in, it is worth it. The drinks are awesome, and reasonably priced, and if you want to bring a date there, it is definitely a bowchickawowow vibe.

This is a HIDDEN GEM! In a slightly secret spot, this cocktail bar is intimate and ambient. You really do feel like you’re in a private bar, as the seating surrounds the bar tenders. Many divine drinks and concoctions to choose from, and if you’re unsure, ask the friendly and charming bar tenders and they will recommend or make a drink catered just for you 🍸 - Melbourne

A hidden entrance (entry via a lane or through beermash) lies a not-so-secret bar (listed as one of the top 50 bars in the world). The space is pretty cosy, believe it’s limited to 16 seats at a time with no reservation policy so recommend to go there early. Drinks menu is tight but leave it to the bartender to give their recommendations. You are in good hands.

prepare for a long wait. The bar tender is also friendly and humorous. The beer bar down stairs is also quite good. Tried 4 different cocktails, they were nice, but are they worth for the long wait? I don’t know, suitable if you have nothing to do of the night.

If you're looking for a unique and memorable cocktail experience, look no further than Above Board in Collingwood. This hidden gem of a bar (located upstairs from @beermash) is small and intimate with only 12 seats, but packs a punch with its creative and delicious cocktails. It made No.44 of The World's 50 Best Bars 2021. 👏🏽 They offer Signature and Updated Classic cocktails which change frequently. If you’re anything like us you may not even know what some of the ingredients even are. We visited back in September so it’s highly likely you may not be able to get these exact ones. The Hot Minute was a sweet and sour drink that was almost too easy to drink. The Salty Boi with banana miso was multi-dimensional and very interesting. The Old Fashioned, which I usually don't enjoy, was excellent. The Back Burner was next level good - imagine an espresso martini, but better. The HSL had a blackberry, liquorice-like flavor that was unique and delicious. We essentially made our way through the entire menu, one by one, unable to pick favourites because they were all so good. I love the branded Above Board ice cubes they use, it’s such a cool touch. The staff are knowledgable and down for a bit of banter if you are! You never have to wait long for your next drink and the prices were reasonable ($23 each), considering the exclusiveness of the bar. If you're planning on visiting Above Board with a group of more than 3 people, make sure to arrive early to secure seats. ⭐️ 5/5

Incredible cocktails with creative details and care taken in their creation. Difficult to find, around the back, down an alleyway, up a staircase, in a small exclusive space with about 16 seats. Loved watching the drinks being made.

Very cozy, great atmosphere for a cocktail. Friendly bartenders and they will provide you the best recommendations. Limited seat so we have waited for around 30mins for this hidden gem. Highly recommended 🍸

Very cosy, private and unique atmosphere. Loved it! Tried two different cocktails with a friend, both were with a very unique tastes, spicy, aromatic and fresh. The menu is short and simple, goes well with the environment, small and classy. Our host was a friendly man thanks to him, we felt as if we are invited to his gathering rather than visiting his business! Will go back to try other cocktails.

There is something cool about discovering a bar within another bar. Above Board is tucked away above Beer Mash and can only hold a small number of people at once, so there is an element of exclusivity as you wait to be admitted. This might not appeal to everyone but the cocktails are delicious and the staff are friendly.

This is a great hidden gem of a bar. Tiny venue adds a really nice ambience and exclusivity to the place, the staff are really accommodating to try to get you in but I would suggest not coming here in a group (although can wait downstairs in the other bar). Lovely staff, and some of the best cocktails I've had. Great date spot, will hopefully be back soon!

This is a gem of a cocktail bar! Great creations, friendly service and a laid back and comfortable environment with high standards. Visited twice on a 5 day trip to Melbourne because the drinks were so good. Highly recommend.

Such a cute little gem !! Great value for the cocktails. So well-prepared and service is excellent. They really know what they’re doing and happy to provide a recommendation.

Beautiful space, people and cocktails. Intimate and dimly lit, seating 12 people on the island bar, and there's two 2-person seating behind the bar. There's no bookings so it gets pretty chancy in securing a seat from about 9:30 onward each night, even harder with parties over 2 people. Worth trying your luck though because of how special this cocktail bar is, and waiting in Beermash downstairs isn't the worst thing. The 2 to 3 person staff are exceptionally professional and knowledgeable. When we have been stuck on what to choose, it has been easier to describe what we typically enjoy in a cocktail. It allows us to try some old menu items, especially when a few of the current menu items have been tried and loved. Very interesting that it doesn't stock any vodka at the bar, because it doesn't play a big enough role as one of the few ingredients in any cocktail here (doesn't carry much flavour compared to other spirits). There's also no dress code. It feels as intimate as your living room, and with maximum class and efficiency.

Great cocktails with attentive service to boot. If you like winding down and having a good chat with your bartender, this is definitely a good place for you. A very private, close, and personal venue for a drink. I find myself frequenting this place every time I am in town.

Honestly the best cocktail bar in the world so far. There are no faults about this place whatsoever. The cocktails are amazing. The people are fantastic, professional but also very talkative and adaptive to their customers. The atmosphere and reputation is phenomenal. I love this place so much i would go there every day if i could. I hope they keep up their perfect standards.

Intimate little cocktail bar tucked away above beer mash off smith street. Definitely get asked to sit at the main bar as the back room doesn’t have the same vibe. Classic cocktails done well and some fun signature drinks too 🍹

Came here for drinks before dinner and we had to come back again afterwards to finish the night. Some of the best, tasty and well balanced drinks I have ever had! The cocktails were amazing and exactly what you ask for and expect. Service by bartenders was amazing, there was great banter and conversation the entire night. They remember who you are and are super attentive. I didn't get their names, but both the girls and 2 guys working tonight were all amazing. Special mention to the guy in the white glasses, I don't know what all the other reviews are talking about when they say he was rude, me and my partner found him to be funny, pleasant and charismatic, with good banter. All the bartenders listen and can help with specific requests as well. We are definitely coming back again!

Came for pre dinner cocktails and came back after dinner for more. The owner and staff are amazing. Intimate and friendly and fun. Pls visit if you are in the area or just Melbourne!

Had a great time, great atmosphere, great staff and amazing drinks! If you like very well made cocktails then you can't miss it.

Simply the best cocktail bar in Melbourne. Despite its small and discreet location, Above Board serves up top shelf cocktails and friendly banter. The menu is updated slightly from month to month, but you can rest assured than no matter when you go, you will have an awesome experience

Amazing experience! The devil is in the details and, amazing menu aside, the care and attention to detail comes through in the branded ice and immaculate lemon twists. Hayden and Taylor were both professional, skilled and had excellent banter. There's a reliable stable of classic cocktails and amazing originals blending flavours like banana miso liquour and oloroso sherry. Hayden's passion for cocktails is evident and the vibe is high end but unpretentious, feeling at times like you are watching one of the best bartenders you know get creative and mix drinks for the other bar staff at the end of a night and you've somehow scored an invite. Whether you go for a fancy date night, catching up with friends or just pop in for one of the best negronis you've had in years, you wont be disappointed. Edit: edited for spelling and grammar

What an amazing spot! Honestly a bar like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Massive shout out to the team here for looking after us so well! Can’t wait to travel back to Melbourne and visit you again!

Boyfriend was keen to try this place and as someone who doesn’t drink, I’m surprised I found two drinks that I liked here. Enough that I was willing to put up with Asian flush 😂 The guys were also super friendly and cheerful - they made conversation effortlessly and checked in with how I liked the taste of the drinks as well. The place was super sleek and the attention to detail was superb 👌🏼

Intimate, private and VIP feel. The cocktails were incredible, so much depth to them in a short cocktail. Booze menu which frankly alleviates any possibility of trying to recreate at home…. Ah well, may just have to come again. The fella’s new their stuff, and it’s always great to witness the creations in motion.

Truly a gem cocktail bar

Most amazing cocktail bar. The cocktails, team, vibes, the music, decor, all impeccable. Absolutely love this place. 👌🏼

We were really “impressed” by the ice and glass they used... as a worldbest100 bar.

Me and a group of friends visited Sunday night and had the most amazing time. We were looked after by Jessie (hey dude) and he provided both great banter and great drinks. Aviator was our favourite, but everything was pretty much delicious and just depends on your pallette. The space upstairs is intimate and makes you feel super important and exclusive because of the low seat count. They don't do bookings, but it's actually really nice cause it means everyone gets a fair go to enjoy it. I would highly recommend visiting, I know that we'll be back.