Australia’s Themed Bars

When a bar stool and beer just isn’t interesting enough. We check out Australia’s booming culture of themed drinkeries. Words by Dina Amin.  

The Croft Institute, Melbourne — 21 Croft Alley, Melbourne CBD

Perhaps inspired by infamous literary icons Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll, The Croft Institute is designed like an old school science lab, decorated with various test tubes, beakers and conical flasks. As you take in the industrial interior and techno soundtrack, the chemists prepare your poison, nimbly slipping a plastic syringe into your absinthe-infused cocktail.

Mana Bar, Brisbane — 240 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Arguably considered the best homage to gaming in Australia, Mana Bar is Brisbane’s favourite video gaming lounge. Offering visitors game themed cocktails, including the ever popular Princess Peach, Mana Bar allows gamers the opportunity to play new and classic video games for free. Due to its strong industry ties, Mana is often granted exclusive previews of new games prior to the official launch, a usual trouser wetter for impatient connoisseurs. 

Ice Bar, Melbourne — 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank

As if it isn’t cold enough already.  Melbourne masochists, leave the dreadful winter outside when you step into the Antarctic Ice Bar, an artistic masterpiece sustaining a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. Offering Arctic-themed cocktails and a gallery of carved ice, Ice Bar Melbourne is a truly unique winter wonderland. Everything in the bar is made of ice, including the drinks you sip from and the seats you sit on. Healthy body temperature is maintained with the gifts of temporary snow capes, gloves and woollen boots on arrival. 

Deville’s Pad, Perth — 3 Aberdeen Street

Welcome to Hell. Sporting a mean looking smoking pseudo-volcano and a line-up of caged gogo dancers, Deville’s Pad is a demonic-themed Las Vegas lounge, offering fiery cocktails and 1950s themed eats. Leave your virtues and inhibitions at home. All sins welcome, at no cover charge.

Stitch Bar, Sydney — 61 York Street (Basement)

It’s the 1940s. Jazz and Blues, America’s greatest musical contributions dominate the crackly speakers. Look for the room lined with vintage sewing machine, yarn and clothes. Stitch Bar is a classic, old-school American saloon, complete with signature USA feeds hot dogs, chilli con-carne and curly fries.