Above Board — Restaurant in Melbourne

The bar and atmosphere even the cocktail I ordered was nice, however I found the service terrible and ruined the mood. I asked if I could have a vodka martini instead of gin, the bartender just responded we dont have vodka here, so I ordered another cocktail on the menu. When he left I jokingly turned to my friend and said what kinda bar doesnt have vodka. Next thing the guy in white glasses pops up behind me saying hes the owner and blasted me for complaining to my friend about them not having vodka. I didnt like the way I was approached and felt they were listening to my private conversation. He got all defensive I felt like I was getting told off without me even initiating a complaint directly to them in the first place. I didnt even really care that much anyway but thought was funny and was joking to my friend for taking me there as he knows I wanted vodka martini. I also compromised and ordered something else so not sure why I was getting told off. He said they dont have vodka because of their concept so I said thats fine I dine and drink at a lot of places with different concepts and stories but normally when you get seated waiter/waitress explains eg hi have you been here before this is how our menu works etc.. So I just said I havent been here before and it would have been nice to know the concept rather than a response of we dont have vodka with no context. He then went on to say they dont explain because no matter what they say it doesnt help and people still give 1 star review, he also said he is blunt because hes kiwi, but I’m kiwi myself and we kiwis still can be nice and have manners especially in hospo industry. I would have stayed and tried another cocktail if that didnt happen, it ruined the mood for my friend and I. Also after all that he didnt explain the concept to me. Unfortunately dont think I’d feel comfortable returning or recommending...

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...

Classic hidden bar vibes start immediately with the entrance, if you wish to avoid walking through the downstairs business “Beermash”, then you can turn down Perry Street and then walk to the end of the first alleyway, you will know it is the correct alley if you see the giant dog mural 😍 from there you take the set of stairs to the 1st floor and will be greeted by the friendly staff. We were 2 walk-ins.

We were greeted warmly and taken to our comfortable and dimly lit (but cozy) booth. I will say it did feel a little chilly with the AC on, when it was a rather cold and rainy night outside. But it wasn’t unbearable.

We were given water immediately along with the menus, and were able to place our orders within minutes of arriving. Our server was very friendly and attentive and brought our drinks shortly after ordering.

The cocktails were amazing! Up there with the best bars in Melbourne for sure. If you are looking for a cocktail bar to go to with high expectations on the quality of their drinks then I would definitely and highly recommend Above Board!

The whole experience was fast, smooth, easy, comfortable and just all around great. Will definitely be back!

*as we did not eat here, and unable to give 0 stars/no rating for food I have left it at 3 to be as fair as possible, judging by past reviews and photos were taken into...