Red Violin

The Look: This lipstick coloured salon is a bar of contradictions - wood panelling, baroque lounges and gilded mirrors are contrasted by polished concrete floors and exposed air-conditioning ducts. Meanwhile, wall-to-wall windows overlooking Bourke Street appear where you’d expect dusty velvet drapes.
To drink: Red themed house cocktails plus classic mixed drinks, local and imported beers by the bottle and a smattering of regional wines. To eat: Nibble on snacky items like candied or savoury nuts.
Bar Soundtrack: Live jazz ensembles hit the stage every Thursday while Wednesday evenings are devoted to singer/songwriters.
The crowd: Uni students to 30-somethings looking to escape the Bourke Street bustle and colonise some serious upholstery.
Best for:  Group gatherings, work drinks and post-shopping recovery sessions. Come summertime, the planned rooftop terrace will be a handy piece of drinking real estate for libertines who haven’t made the switch to snuff.

By Marinella Padula

Address: Level 1, 231 Bourke St, Melbourne
Open: Daily