My first night out in Melbourne! St. Kilda no less. I've heard plenty of things about the suburb and the vibe it has, so I'm was ready to rock and roll.
Living out east, I was dressed in a cool "hip, but not trying too hard" outfit, and armed my smart phone pre-loaded with the first season of Boardwalk Empire to block out my fellow transit riders as we entered the city.
I went to Secret Garden Bar to meet up with work colleagues (all female), and we were said to have a private area to sit and chat. One of them knew the owner.
Approaching the bar around 11PM and the music the booming, the crowds were loud, and drinks were flowing (out of the tab, and some of it onto the floor). I decided to skip the line because I had a private room waiting for me... right? Nope. Sent to the back of the line with the other males, eyes glazed with pre-drinks and the thought of one night stands.
Luckily, the line was quick and a few minutes later I entered and the first thing I noticed was the NOISE. It was loud, very loud. But I also loved that it wasn't sweltering. There was no sweat dripping on the dancefloor (yet).
Found the "reserved area," which was a nice leather couch with a rope in front of the long hallway bar, separating us from the throngs. Still super loud, and not at all private, like I imagined.
The bartenders were nice, and acknowledged me even if I wasn't served for a few minutes. Tonight I kept it classy, Jameson on the rocks with a squirt of lime (none of the sugary mixers for me thanks)!
After chatting (i.e. shouting) for a couple hours with my coworkers, I visited the bathroom and left. The male toilets were pleasant and not too dirty for a Saturday night. That means no puke at midnight... classy, no?
There's also a small dancefloor to get your groove on, although there were flashing lights or disco balls. Simply a slippery/sticky floor and some good speakers. After a few pints, it's perfect for letting loose.
The outdoor patio area was also refreshing, although I did not spend much time there.
Like I said, this is my first time out in Melbourne, so....
Overall, Secret Garden Bar is a perfectly decent place to hit up on the weekend. Free cover, and other yelpers have said the food is admirable. I'll have to come back.
I don't imagine anyone being disappointed, but I'm searching for something cool/hip/unique that separates it from other bars I've been to.
(I may also just be a sucker for dive bars, or classy cocktail speak-easies). read more