Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets

Overview

With an unusually late licence (until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays), this late-night cocktail bar is a must for those partying along Melbourne's famed Smith Street.

During these nights, the curtained booths down the back of this small prohibition-style bar fill up fast, while night crawlers crowd the bar, the few tables lining the wall and the stools by the window — eventually sprawling outside where the busy Smith Street is heaving with folks lining up for Yah Yahs, The Lame Duck, and Wows.

It really does get busy on Friday and Saturday nights, when folks come for the upbeat vibes before or after some dancing nearby, so do expect to talk loudly to your mates when visiting.

But any other time of the week, this speakeasy bar has a significantly more chill vibe. Take your time exploring the long cocktails list of both classics and signature concoctions — it's also home to one of the best espresso martinis in town, guaranteed to keep you going until the early hours.

Beers and wines also adorn the Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets drinks menu, but this local spot is best known for its cocktails made by the super laidback and friendly bartenders who know exactly what they're doing. Be sure to down a few when visiting.

This Melbourne bar also has a hidden private events space in the basement — known as The Vault — which is free to hire out as long as you put a minimum spend on the bar. It's equipped with its own bar and a decent dance floor — meaning no lining up to get into some of the (almost, too popular) clubs scattered around Collingwood and Fitzroy.

Appears in:

The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023