Overview
Death & Co, founded in New York City in 2006, is a modern craft cocktail bar that has been instrumental in shaping the industry. Now, the brand has chosen Australia for its first major move outside the United States. Death & Co has opened its doors in Melbourne at 87 Flinders Lane. The brand will also establish a venue in Brisbane beneath the Regatta Hotel, with a launch date to be announced soon.
When Death & Co emerged in the New York bar scene two decades ago, it quickly became a major player in reviving interest in the art of cocktail making. With growing popularity, outposts were established in Los Angeles, Denver and Washington DC. The bars are a must-visit destination for those who take their drinks seriously, and have won many industry awards, including America's Best Cocktail Bar and World's Best Cocktail Menu at the Tales of the Cocktail Convention.
Perhaps they heard Aussies take their drinks rather seriously, too, because they chose Melbourne as the brand's first international location. However, because they are so committed to their craft and ensuring the proper Death & Co experience is translated across borders, the Australian venue and bar managers underwent extensive training in the United States.
Cara Devine, Venue Manager, says, "Only a handful of hospitality venues globally have as much of a claim to a legacy as Death & Co. It's undeniable that today's cocktail landscape has been moulded, in part, by a small but impactful bar in the East Village of New York. Melbourne, with its thriving food and drink scene and little laneway spots, is a natural fit. But it goes beyond the food and drinks, curiosity and connection are at the core of what Death & Co does – we're thrilled to bring that spirit to Australia with an unmistakable local accent."
Death & Co has launched in Melbourne with several of its classic cocktails, including the Naked and Famous, with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Chartreuse, Aperol and lime, and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, which blends El Jimador Reposado, mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters. Signature cocktails available in Melbourne include the likes of the Buko Gimlet with gin, cachaca, coconut, lime and pandan, and the Sound & Fury with El Jimador Blanco, Ancho Reyes, raspberry, red pepper and lime. Otherwise, go for a specialty bespoke experience with the Dealer's Choice, where you engage with the bartender about your preferences, and they will select a drink catered to your liking.
A substantial food offering means you can park yourself comfortably on a plush banquette for a full evening out. Snack on gildas, cured kingfish and 'chip & dip' with finely sliced tempura vegetables and whipped taramasalata. You can fill up on a cheeseburger with smoked cheddar, provolone, and burger sauce on a potato bun, before finishing off with a cheesy treat such as a Brillat-Savarin triple cream cheese paired with a mini apple tarte tatin.
"This is our first time bringing Death & Co beyond the U.S., so it's a real 'pinch me' moment," says David Kaplan, Founder and Co-Owner of Death & Co. "I first visited Australia when I was six, and have fallen more in love with it every trip, so opening in Melbourne and Brisbane — cities with such inspiring food, beverage, and cocktail cultures — is incredibly special. We can't wait to share what we do, and to learn from a country that's become a global leader in cocktail culture."
Images: Zennieshia Butts.
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