Arrived here last night around 11, to a very unpleasant waiter (one could only assume the same as the previous review.) We were sat out the front in a group of 6 and had our order taken at the table and waited around 10 minutes for 4 beers and 2 cocktails to be delivered to our table. After this we had 2 other friends arrive, much to the displeasure of the wait staff. We ushered out the back onto a larger table after much discussion over how many people we had. During our walk to the back we were all very strongly reminded that there is absolutely no smoking out the back (the same rule that applied to our previous table out the front.) as we all went to leave and pay our bill, I politely asked if we were able to split our bill. The man behind the bar (same that had been unpleasant and argued about how many people we had) snapped back telling me they don’t split bills. Something that I felt would’ve been necessary to have been told at the beginning of our drinks as we would’ve moved on elsewhere. We were told to oh our bill and that we could sort it amongst ourselves. If you would like to go somewhere with nice service and fair drink prices, I would avoid this bar at all costs. Very much a shame as the bar could have been so pleasant. My suggestion would be to find some new staff.

Update: I see the angry little man has responded! Wow! Just to clarify - none of us were disobeying your tiny little sign which is placed on a table at waist height! WE SIMPLY DID NOT SEE IT! Pathetic response from “management” of this awful little bar. Not surprised at all reading some of the 1 star reviews this place has received. On Wednesday 6th April my friends and I were very rudely told to “go and wait beside the sign that says wait here to be seated.” We immediately left, shocked and appalled by the way we were “greeted.” I would have been so embarrassed if I had been with people from another city or country. There are far too many excellent places in Melbourne - why would anyone put up with being spoken to in such a manner in a HOSPITALITY venue? Beggars belief this place has survived with the service offered. Just disgusting. Naturally the management won’t respond to this, because they obviously couldn’t care less.

This place is pretty cool, the service is excellent and friendly. We ordered a special negroni each called a Rosetto which was absolutely delicious. It was made so well, and it went down a treat. Happy days! Previous email review July 2016 I love this little bar. It used to be my favourite place in the city and it still holds really fond memories for me. The service is always spot on, really personable, friendly and efficient. I've tried many drinks here but this is the first time that. I've tried a coffee. I was feeling a little weary after shopping and the coffee here was perfect. My strong latte was creamy, good froth and warm, so I could drink it straight away! Ahh my perfect coffee haha This is always a great place to visit when you are up this end of town. And I'm so happy that the service and the atmosphere hasn't changed.

The venue is within the Melbourne CBD. The venue is accessible by trams and is within the free tram zone. It is a few minutes walk from the nearest tram stop. The venue is open till late (till 3 am) on Sundays. Super friendly staff and good range of drinks to pick from. The atmosphere is good with the music not too loud which makes it great for catching up with friends. There is limited parking availability. There is paid car park nearby.
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid parking lot
Parking
Difficult to find free parking nearby. There is paid parking options nearby.

Lovely atmosphere and venue, but this negative review is due to one waiter was very unfriendly and uncompromising. We were a group of 15, having a lovely time and buying plenty of drinks. It was 2am last Friday night when one of our guests came and brought a few spring rolls and quietly ate them in the corner. The waiter was incredibly rude in telling him off about not bringing outside food in. He could have asked in a nice way, or even just turn a blind eye, but instead caused a scene which will ensure we will not be returning or recommending to our friends. With so many great bars in Melbourne, customer service needs to be a higher priority.

Honestly just disappointed that such a great venue for drinks comes hand-in-hand with staff that are just there to collect their pay checks and get home - clearly not there to make the customers feel welcome. Shoutout to the guy with the long-black curly hair, you’ve ruined a venue and the name of a place I’ve been coming to for years - in fact I have been telling everyone I know how this bar treats it’s customers, especially how they treated my wife and I…in the end, we just left. I’ll be surprised if management even bothers to respond to feedback like this! Stay away folks!

Let’s be honest. This is a go too when in Melbourne. The short stubby man with the mad hat is extremely knowledgeable, kind and friendly with exceptional customer service skills. The choice of spirits is out of this world and they all know absinthe like Mormans know the bible. The staff are a dedicated friendly bunch. For all the one star reviews here it’s time to pull the shot glass out of your arse’s and come back to reality. No point writing a review of a venue or a staff member when clearly someone isn’t on top of there game. What happened to R U OK

Always a lively vibe, have frequented Bar ampere for a few years now and have not had a bad cocktail or expirenece. The staff have gone out of there way a many times. The chef has hooked me up with a cheese tomato toasty off menu just because I was craving one. They've got a good selection of spirits and the absinthe fountains are a nice little novelty to share with your mates. Don't know anywhere else in Melbourne that takes it to that level. Would definatly reccomend to any looking for a life night tipple, some snacks and a decent cocktail

After leaving a nearby downstairs venue early due to service issues, we tried this place on a whim. Wow. First class service from the wait staff, very knowledgeable on all drinks on offer. Stayed for a few rounds and had a lovely time. Will recommend, and will be back for certain. Amazing place for the full absinthe experience too, full water dispensers and sugar spoons. The wait staff will step you through the process if unfamiliar, but are also wise enough to spot a patron who knows what they are doing ;) Lovely way to spend an evening.

Wow, I was absolutely blown away by the cocktails here. You give the bartenders your go to spirit and palette and they will deliver in more ways than you can imagine!! I have never drank that many DELICIOUS spicy concoctions in one place! Bar Ampere has my vote as one of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne. Oh and did you know they have a beautiful hidden room in the back with fairy lights and a piano that turns into a bar?! Couldn’t be more impressed by this place! Thank you for blessing our taste buds and showing us a good time!!

Me and my sister came across this bar by chance when having a weekend in Melbourne and the staff was amazing. Including giving us a range of places to go whilst visiting Melbourne. We actually had an issue with a drunk table next to us drinking absinthe who was shouting slurs about us and the food we had ordered. The staff handled this amazingly, moved us tables and dealt with the issue perfectly with the table. Could not speak more highly about the staff here! Will visit again on our next trip to Melbourne.

I was a frequent visitor of this venue a few years ago. I went back for the first time after lockdown this evening with an infant. Upon entering venue that was still half empty, the barman yelled at us “read the sign and wait at the front” and told us that the stroller we brought was going to be a problem. The bar was literally half empty, all they needed to do was remove one chair. Nevertheless, we decided to take out business to “Tres a Cinco”, they were much more welcoming and accommodating. Such a shame.

It's an Absinthe Bar that also does every other cocktail / drink extremely well. I was extremely surprised by the selection of Absinthe (I love Absinthe) and the knowledge of the staff on absinthe. The staff especially the host in front was probably the most friendly guy I have met in a very, very long time. Bar Ampere is a great place to hang out with friends. I will be coming back again. It is a little tucked away so just look for a place with a patio out front with art work on the walls and ceiling.

I was doing a meander around a very wet central Melbourne primarily looking at street art as so much new street art work had been put up in April in the "Meeting of Styles". When I saw this bar it looked just right for lunch! Great interior decoration, amazing view of a huge paste up by "Baby Guerilla" and it turned out the food was pretty good as well:) I had duck crepes. I will be back :) Service was prompt and friendly. The range of drinks is impressive with some quite unusual varieties available!

Went there for some drinks with friends. Staff EXTREMELY RUDE AND AGGRESSIVE. The guy at the front yelled at us for sitting down saying he has to assign us seats, we then had the rest of our party arrive and he yelled at them before they sat down then accused us of having more people then we had! We also saw the waiter having numerous shots at the bar while he was working. Not a good look. It’s a nice looking venue but unfortunately will never go back due to the horrible service.

One of my very favourite bars in the Melbourne CBD. It oozes cool with an arty eye for decor and lighting. Coupled with friendly and knowledgeable staff, you have cool without pretension, a combination so many places in town just don't know how to carry off. The variety of beverages is broad and for those who want to do the absinthe thing, this place is definitely for you. On this last visit we didn't eat, but every time we ate on previous visits, the food was fantastic.

Had dinner and absinthe at this place and it was great! We went there as a group of 4 and each of us ordered different things from the menu and we enjoyed all of the food. We got wine and absinthe and it was a very cool experience. The staff was wonderful at explaining how we ought to drink the absinthe, he have us a short demonstration. I would have given this place five stars if not for the price. It's still a great place and i would recommend this place.

John S (John A ) was the best bartender and gave us the best service! He knew his alcohol and was so lovely. He was even so on board for shots!! There was a heater already on for us to sit down so it was super warm too. He also made sure we always had drinks. Best service and decently priced drinks!! Super cozy modern bar atmosphere. Nothing for food because we didn't eat
Price per person
$40–60
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

thank you i had the worst food ever, the foods were served cold, meatballs looked uneven, the chop salad was disgusting (smelled like rotten meat). The staff were very unfriendly and the chef was also looking grumpy! Not recommended if you are looking to have fun! Neapoli which is just next to this place has much better food and the staff are very friendly. Will definitely never come back to this place with a huge selection of bars in Melbourne!

That angry little gnome who waits on tables needs to learn some customer service. What a great bar ruined by a disrespectful guy clearly with little man syndrome. I see google is scattered with the same narrative…”Rude angry little man treating customers like shit”. He needs to get a grip on reality and treat people with some kindness if he wants returning customers. Get a grip mate, you’re a waiter, not a world leader.

Drinks were really really great, as you can see it didn't last long I ordered an aviation a not from the menu drink, and the staff were awesome!! I've only taken 1 star off because although it is wheelchair accessible there is a table in the space, which means anyone sat there has to get up to let you in. Thankfully the staff being lovely helped and the people were nice, it could be really awkward with the wrong people.

Horrible rude staff. Called today to complain about a staff member from last night and asked to speak to a manager. Unfortunately there's no manager but I've not been offered to get a call back. Instead had to tell the person on phone the complaint and was cut off rather quickly with the information that this will be paased on....not good enough. Absolutely never coming back. Treated like garbage by staff

The first place i have come across where the bartender Girish is more of a friend than a person who works for his salary 110% Customer satisfaction. Ladies keep an eye out. Kayla is a very soft and open person once you get to know her. The ambience that these 2 can create is better than going to a 5 star restaurant. End of the day we look forward to a person who treats you more than an individual.

Excellent food and service! Loved it! Also, not at all noisy, perfect atmosphere! <-- This is my review from 9 years ago. It's all still true, Ampere is my favourite bar in Melbourne. They make my favourite Aviation and Charlie Chaplin in Melbourne, their cocktails are superb. I always enjoy finishing the night with a nice drop of absinthe and for late night food, you can't go wrong.

I absolutely love this bar. Don't judge it by it's small size. These guys know how to use every cm of space. Industrial decor. Take your favourite sparky here! Great selection of liquors at the bar. Always at least one experienced bartender who can find a drink that suits. Cute and clean private toilets. Also a nice hidden area in back along hallway that connects to gin palace.

The bartender complained that the bar was understaffed. Used this as an excuse for delivering poor service to guests. He demanded guests to bring back empty glasses before serving more drinks, and ensured guests that he wasn't responsibie for lacking appropriate glassware. Genuinely feel sorry for the bartender, and hope he seeks professional help for his mental wellbeing.

This place is awful. Not recommended at all. If you are after good food then this is not the place! They have the worst cold food with disgusting taste and bad presentation on the plates. I can see from the outside that the kitchen is so small and so disgusting. The chef was seen rolling the arancini without gloves. The owner really needs to teach the chefs about hygiene!

Little bit disappointed of their signature drinks, but that's a personal taste. super super super super friendly staff! Great location with all the murals. If you are into absinthe. Definitely a place to go there. As I said: matter of taste- unfortunately not mine
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Known for making their own vermouth and for selling absinthe. Had a really strong margarita and absinthe that was diluted with drops of water over a spoon of sugar. Delicious to both. Interesting experience. Knowledgeable bartender. Interesting graffiti on the walls.
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is a intimate little absinthe bar that has stylings like Spanish bar. The space is small and intimate, so seating can be a bit scarce. There is a decent drink option, but absinthe is definitely the specialty. The staff are great at picking out the right type of absinthe and giving a good guide of how it is best consumed.

Cozy restaurant just off Bourke Street next to Gin Palace. I saw it and I had to stop. Graffiti style art covers the walls and ceilings. Excellent music. Just a great young vibe. Full bar and interesting drink menu.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

Didn't try the food but the bar staff were really fantastic, knew their way around a cocktail and were very attentive, patient and informative. The place has a cool aesthetic, will be recommending this place
Price per person
$40–60
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Absinthe Fountain

Much better than Sydney bartenders Just ask them what you like, They will make instant cocktails that are not on the menu! I think he has 10,000 cocktail recipes in his head lol I don't know his name, but he looked pretty cute and had ginger hair thanks hun! You made the highlight of my trip to Melbourne cheersss

Can’t be sure if the waiter was just rude or racist or both. He asked my friend to wake up (??) while obviously he’s not sleeping...And took away all the glasses on the table including 2 still with quite an obvious amount of wine in it without asking. Yes I think definitely rude as and potentially racist.

My boy alec went above and beyond to help us with seating and insuring that we got our orders through on a busy night. Also not just saying this but the food was actually great especially since we ordered at midnight. Again alec couldn't be any more hospitable and helpful. 10/10 joint, go here.

More hip than my usual destinations, but cosy, friendly, and with an interesting (!) drinks selection. Have given it four stars but am keeping the fifth star in pocket, and will report back once I check it out when it's busy. Well recommended - this is what Melbourne's about. Nice job, team.

Nice place for a drink and a nibble, but understaffed. Took forever to get our order taken, didn't get a menu, and then waited ages to order again, to the point where it was too late and we left. But drinks were good, and staff were good, but does need more staffing on busy weekend nights.

My favourite bar in the city. Pricey, but worth every dollar. The cocktail menu is always changing and the servers ask your opinions on the drinks they make. They are incredibly knowledgeable about what they're serving and will make sure you get the best. Love the décor and the music.

Tried a couple of the signature cocktails and wasn't too impressed by it. The espresso cocktail was quite nice though but nothing out of the ordinary. Whatever the name of their blue drink is basically a shot of vodka and blue Gatorade so give that one a skip if you see it.

OMG other bars should be ashamed! We have enjoyed cocktails in other joints but, this is a whole new level. These drinks were potent and so much better value for money. Felt like I was in Paris or Budapest. Always loved Absinthe but never knew you could do so much with it.

Worst bar I've ever been! Bad vibe, unfriendly staff and labels some sprit and black current juice in a tall glass and charges $23 for it. The short stubby man with the hat on was exceptionally grumpy. Never seen someone so fed up of working at a bar. Not going back ever!

Such a cool place. Service exceptional. The raclette was delicious and well presented. Loved the graffiti in the outdoor ‘grotto’ feel space. I am going back for the raclette!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The bar attendants are good but the security staff needs to be taught how to communicate in a polite and professional manner. The security staff was unprofessional and rude, he was telling off customers but not even wearing the mask properly himself.

Good food, good people and I have had fantastic times. Nothing better for a late night quality feed, and people that know how to make a good cocktail just as well as they know how to sling beers and wine. Food open till 2:30am what's not to love?

I've been bringing people to Bar Ampere for years. Really liked the spot but a memorably unpleasant and condescending bartender on the weekend meant we left instead of sitting down and went elsewhere. Usually chill but now not so. Won't be back.

Come here for the experience! It's a mix of classy and casual. The graffiti is a nice piece of art on the walls. Try the Absinthe which comes in a glass, sugar and some icy water in a glass jar in a stand. Cocktails are tops! Highly recommended

I would like the manager to train their staff to ask politely the clients to wear a mask when required. Every time I come here I feel the way they communicate is aggressive. Put posters on the wall, improve the way you communicate. Thanks!

Rude and discriminatory service - this guy John (likely gave a false name- caucasian overweighted w a beard) asked me to leave my table to seat 3 people just before ending my dinner in a very rude way - should no be working in hospitality

I always find myself ending the night at Bar Ampere. The atmosphere of this establishment is unmatched. I always feel welcome and safe here with the staff always being inviting and offering up the best cocktail selection. P.s Nate is a G

Prompt and friendly service. Good cocktails and atmosphere. Just went in for a pre dinner drink so didn’t get to try the bar food. I would definitely go back
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great little bar, we hit it up last night for a drink before a show, lovely service ensured that we also ate some food I had the kransky sando (the sandwich you didn’t know you need!) and Stacey had the burger …

Another one of Melbourne’s hidden gems! When other places are shut, you can count on these guys to be ready to find you a perfect drink to take away your cares for a while. Give their steak tartare a go, you won’t regret it!

Great Bar, an old favourite from last year. Do a micro bar crawl through the Swamp into Gin Palace. Friendly staff great cocktails! Each place has a speciality (Absinthe, Whiskey/Moonshine, Gin). Lose an evening to pleasure!

The best thing about this place is that it is open till 3am every single day. Plus one of the very few places where the kitchen is also open till late for some great snacks. Try croquettes and chicken sandwich for sure

Beautiful and friendly staff working in this hidden bar. You will feel that you have been there few times. They will mix some of great flavors and drinks for you, just tell them what would like (taste). Thanks

Super cool and casual vibe. Love it!! The staff are incredible knowledgeable and give such good advices and explanations. I had the Absinthe which was a great experience, full of flavour. I do recommend this place!

The selection of Absinthe is just incredible. The staff is very nice, and kindly, they will give you an explanation of how to drink it for a better experience. They also have another options of liquors and spirits.

Great little bar tucked away in a lane. Staff was friendly and willing to make cocktails not listed on the menu. If you are peckish there are small bites available. Funky, industrial interior with an outside area.

Was okay. Drinks were a little strange in flavour and we had to sit outside in the cold on wobbly chairs very close to the road. Staff were friendly. Will be keen to see what it's like to have a drink inside.

Found this bar almost by accident, but so glad we did! Great atmosphere and waitstaff were personable and helpful (Barney, we're talking about you!). Loved it so much we came back the next night with friends.

This place is cool. Not a hidden bar (the room behind is close cause--covid) The cocktails are good but no "girly" cocktails for novices peoples. Not really a hidden bar but it's a good place for cocktails !

One of the best rum old fashioneds in town! John is amazing, incredibly intuitive and makes awesome recommendations for green and seasoned drinkers alike. Thank you for an awesome end to a great day!

i have visited this place 2 times. i love the beer, its very special. i recommend this to all my friend as the best beer everr. staff also quite friendly. i will surely give another 100x visits.

Nice atmosphere, good drinks. The waiter was helpful and attentive to a level bordering on precognition. Also, dressed like Hunter S. Thompson. Drinks a little on the pricey side, but worth it.

Don't go . Poor side dishes.. worst services . Not worth for money. Based on Google review went there, after that realized all reviews given by management may be possible. Complete money waste.

As a Negroni die-hard, a drinks list with 5 different varieties of Negroni is enough for 5 stars. Only wish I could add a couple more for the delicious bar food and excellent service …

Ryan was incredibly rude and inconsiderate, he failed to accommodate a disabled person in the venue. Genuinely upset and disgusted at the treatment we received. Stay away

A cosy mid-century inspired bar with some rough industrial edges. Been here a few times and loved the service, cocktails and the atmosphere. Will definitely come again.

One of the staff said I was drunk and couldn’t stand up straight even though I hadn’t had a drink, when I told him he made fun of my posture??
Service: 1

One of the best spots to grab an after work bevvy with your coworkers. Friendly staff and great selection of libations.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Didn’t try the food but great little bar nice wines and a good negroni!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Slow service, but the drinks and food and atmosphere are excellent. :)
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

A very trendy bar. We went there when it just open. The bartender said it gets busy late at night. Nice murals. A good range of beverages and nice nibbles.

Great venue. The people who work there are lovely and its got such a great range of cocktails and spirits. One of my favourite laneways bars in Melbourne

A staple whenever I visit Melbourne, friendly staff and an aperitivo or digestivo for every mood
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Plenty of outdoor seats so great vibe on a hot day, not as many seats inside. Was a little bit pricy buuuut drinks were good. Nice clean bathroom too

Came here with some mates and loved it. The bartender was great and the drinks were just as good. Definitely a place worth visiting for a good drink.

Good selection of gin and whiskey. Outdoor patio door smoking is available if you're into that. The tapas looked spectacular, can't wait to go back.

Izzy, Ben and raj were so awesome, such a great bar definitely coming back, the staff were so great and honestly are the reason I wanna come back :)

Cozy place with a great Absinthe selection. The staff is very friendly, helpful and honest if you have any questions regarding all their liquors.

Easily one of my favourite bars in Melbourne. Great staff, awesome drinks, cool location.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cute place. Very nice place to get introduced to absinthe.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Quaint little place, lovely atmosphere, staff very friendly and helpful. So Added to my enjoyment of my trip to Melbourne. Thank you …

5 stars. guy with the beard was super helpful and kind. way better than mid palace next door. service was superior and infinitely faster

Tiny off-beat place. Absolutely loved the staff and the drinks. The food menu is a little restrictive but overall a good experience

friendly and knowledgeable staff, great place to try absinthe done properly the swamp bar in the back has amazing pickleback shots

Nice burger and drinks. Atmosphere was great
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

I’d been wanting to go here for so long! Finally did and wasn’t disappointed. Awesome ambience, lovely staff and delicious food.

Small menu but everything I've tried is delicious, and the cocktails are fantastic. Definitely try the burger or the raclette!

An amazing bar. The drinks are just out of this world and the bar tender is so knowledgeable. Would recommend this to anyone.

Great beer and cosy little bar where you can also get a tasty burger. I liked this spot and the art on the walls is awesome.

Staff are always so nice. Their cocktail is awesome at the same time, their selection of wines and beers are also amazing.

just didn’t let us in, they had space but, they didn’t like that we were next door before coming here
Service: 1

Amazing cocktails and service. Red made us feel very welcome. Highly recommend!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best potato squares, cheese kransky hot dog and beer tartare!!! Food n drinks late night, they got you looked after :)

Unearthly range of Absinthe. Helpful, friendly staff - skilled with shaker & spoon. Beautifully outfitted interior.

Cool vibe and great cocktails.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Warm, clean and interesting. Music was at a pleasant and unintrusive level.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great cosy bar with amazing atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent drinks at a good price. Highly recommended...

Great fun place. Staff are pretty attentive. Brilliant for a late night loaded ginger beer and steak sandwich.