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Lily Blacks

4.1 (30 reviews)
ModerateBars
Open 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

Lily Blacks Photos

LILY BLACKS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Lily Blacks

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Reviews With Photos

David S.

This is a lovely little cocktail bar down the classier end of the city. Mind you, I generally don't come down this part of the city all that much, namely because cocktail and wine bars simply aren't my thing, and even though they call this part of Melbourne 'The Paris End' the one thing it doesn't remind me of is Paris (just Sydney). Anyway, Lily Blacks is, as I mentioned, a cocktail bar, but they also have a decent selection of beers on tap. When I went here it was pretty quiet, which is what I tend to like in a bar, though it does get somewhat more crowded later on in the week. The bartender was nice, and the atmosphere was pretty cool as well, however it isn't really a place I would go out of my way to visit.

The PINK Gibson
Jade C.

Hello martini.... you dirty thing you.. With the Iron Bartender competition held here you know that this would be a place that can help you. If you have never been to one of these you have to go its SO MUCH FUN the vibe at this event is brilliant. I like to go during the week as it can get a little busy on a Saturday So I go here a bit.. and now they do their own pickles. Yes you heard me PICKLES hold onto your panties Yelpers they made me a PINK gibson that was garnished with the house made pickles - carrot, beetroot & cucumber Don't worry they will make you any martini you want. The bartenders know how to make 'your' perfect martini by asking you some personal question so they can get it right. They have an amazing variety of gin and provide many different garnishes - green olives, anchovy olives, house made pickles, cocktail onions, citrus twists; There is also HEAPS of bitters and all served in mis - matched antique glassware very cute. Don't worry for those of you that are not into your martinis they make AMAZING cocktails too. I would be more than happy to spend my martini madness here...

The bicycle over the door.
Hope M.

When I'm having Dorothy Parker moment I like to come to Lily Blacks. The glamorous 1920s interior makes my gin-fuelled bitching sound so much wittier than when I'm sitting in my PJs on my couch mouthing off. I have a weird thing where I like to dress in a theme, so before a swill and swear session at Lily Blacks, I'll throw on some lipstick and a shapeless dress and voila! I'm suddenly a classy alcoholic poetess heading off to a speakeasy. Even better, classiness at Lily Blacks extends beyond the décor - the cocktails here are damn good. The list has all the classics, and the bar staff know their stuff. When the bar is quiet the staff are happy to have a chat to help you decide, and even make you up something not on the list to suit your taste. This love of liquor is infectious (possibly because the barmen are as charming as hell), so if you don't watch yourself you'll soon be drinking your way around the very, very substantial bar.

Mark J.

If you're out drinking in Melbourne, sometimes, you lose places. You come across a bar or a dirty kebab joint or a regular karaoke evening, and you don't pay attention to where you are and 'poof', it vanishes. Sometimes, though, they come back. Lily Blacks has, for me. I was here about five years ago, and loved it. It was a bar full of low-key artwork and comfortable low-slung couches. It was a bar for sitting back in my big black coat and ordering a scotch or a martini and chatting in a low voice to the girl sitting next to me. It was a bar I felt suave in, a bar that suggested that was a possibility. And, bless the city's tangled soul, I've found it again.

I even had a Makers Mark!
Kobie D.

First thing is first! They have renovated the bathrooms! Such a welcomed improvement at LB'S! The interior has a certain old world glamour about it & certainly makes you feel welcome. For smokers, the area has also been extended a little too. I attended LB's last night for an (UYE). Although I am not a Martini drinker, I did enjoy my strong tipple and it went down very very well with the olives :) The bartender definitely know their expertise. Lily Black's is great because it has such a vast range of cocktails to choose from, friendly staff and seating varies from stools around the bar to lounge style seating also. Last nights event had such a wonderful atmosphere with many friendly people from all different backgrounds, so LB's was a perfect venue for the UYE! I enjoyed all of my drinks, the service & the company last night, Located in Meyers place, LB's is an ideal place to meet your friends & then head off for dinner or go out for dinner & then go straight to Lily Blacks!

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Review Highlights - Lily Blacks

Check out their pickle back menu and back it up with a beer and relax to some rad tunes.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Caretaker's Cottage

Caretaker's Cottage

4.0(5 reviews)
0.5 kmMelbourne

- super friendly staff - free wifi…read more- delicious drinks - lively scene - came generously recommended by the city's top bartenders

Absolutely disappointing experience and appalling customer service. The vibe looked good and we…read moredecided to take a chance. We entered at 11pm and decided to get a bottle of sparkling. No one informed us about any policy. We paid for the bottle with 5% service charge which I do not think they deserved. We had a sudden work call at 11.30pm and grabbed the bottle to go, only for the staff to chase us to the front of the bar to inform us that they do not have a takeaway license. For christ sake, we already had bought the bottle!! Though it's alright, we respect policy. They highlighted that they needed to keep the bottle in the establishment. We asked if we could come back and finish it. They said they would keep our bottle. We rushed back to our hotel (Marriott- 200m away for the call). When we returned at 11.58pm, they had already thrown our bottle away. Unbelievable! They were quick to receive our money but equally quick to throw our experience out the window. No doubt, we returned almost at closing times but throwing our wine before closing time - if you wanna go by the book, that is still not your closing time. When we raised our grievances to the staff, she said she told us about closing time at 12 midnight. However, we emphasised that she should have let us know about the takeaway policy and license. Had we known, we would not have ordered a bottle. She looked at us blankly and simply replied "feedback received, but we do not allow anyone in after 12, so you have to leave". Quite honestly, ChatGPT / Claude / Grok could have conveyed more empathy. I am not a VIP customer nor am I a high spender. That being said, I value places with a human connection and empathy, and would regularly visit such places with joy and happiness multiple times. This place is not one of them. For this reason, I will never visit again. If you think likewise, and value authenticity and a true Aussie welcome, you would not visit this place. I hate to give negative reviews but please spend your money elsewhere.

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Caretaker's Cottage
Caretaker's Cottage
Caretaker's Cottage - Found you!

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Found you!

State of Grace

State of Grace

5.0(7 reviews)
1.6 kmMelbourne

State of Grace was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip -- an incredible dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and full of character. From the moment you walk in, there's a buzz that makes the place feel alive without being overwhelming. It strikes a great balance between upscale and relaxed, making it perfect for a date night or a fun evening out. The warm lighting and eclectic design add to the charm and make you want to linger. Service was friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the night. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, checked in on us at the right moments, and made the whole experience feel effortless and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was excellent -- not a single miss. We started with the Cauliflower & Mozzarella Croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside. The Grilled King Prawns were flavorful and cooked just right, while the Kingfish Ceviche was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. The Stracciatella & Heirloom Tomatoes was simple yet outstanding, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. For mains, the Duck Breast was cooked perfectly and full of rich flavor, and the Lamb Backstrap was tender and well-seasoned. The Pecorino & Ricotta Ravioli was comforting and delicate, while the Seafood Linguine stood out with generous portions of seafood and a beautifully balanced sauce. The Honey Glaze Carrots were the perfect side -- sweet, savory, and executed flawlessly. Overall, State of Grace delivers on every level -- ambience, service, and food. An exceptional spot that lives up to the hype, and one we'd absolutely return to on our next visit to Melbourne.

State of Grace has a positive vibe. Even before your first drink you will think oh what a cool…read moreplace. It's the decor from extravagant chandeliers to deer heads with pearl necklaces; it's beautifully eclectic. I had an old fashion and it had the right mix of orange and bitters. I also ordered the burger which was decent and the fries were hot and crispy. The night I visited there was a live singer playing tunes. Service was quick and friendly. Even the ordering is eclectic as you order electronically (QR) pasted to a library book. This place is worth a visit.

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State of Grace
State of Grace
State of Grace

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Lily Blacks - bars - Updated May 2026

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