One or Two

Overview

If you're a fan of Japanese TV series Midnight Diner, you'll be pleased to know One or Two is inspired by the anthology-style serial that traces the story of a different diner customer every episode. Tucked away off an unassuming cobblestoned alleyway, the 24-seater cocktail and whisky bar is firmly in the heart of Chinatown since 2022.

One or Two is the first independent offering from Melbourne bartender Andy Chu, who's worked at the likes of the Everleigh, Black Pearl, Byrdi and Above Board. Dark natural wood and monotones abound in the chic space, which has an extensive whisky list of 50 small-batch varieties from around the world — available as flights or highballs — alongside a tightly curated wine, beer, sake and soju menu. 

Cocktails run the gamut from stalwarts like Margaritas, Martinis and Old Fashioneds to more inventive mixes like a rice-wine-and-gin-infused spin on hwachae (a milky Korean fruit bowl dessert) or a cosy mezcal-forward quince and spiced pear concoction. Every visit is a surprise due to quarterly menu changes, but there's always a guest bar featuring recipes from a slew of bartenders around the world.

The bar doesn't accept any reservations and is only suitable for groups of up to six, so be sure to visit solo or in small groups.

Images: Kristoffer Paulsen and Griffin Simm.