Operating as a cafe during the day, this bar's sinful side comes out at night, when drinkers can swill unusual beers and wines, and flavoured vodkas.
Hell's Kitchen opened as one of the first and finest in Melbourne's bar revolution of the early noughties. Located above the culture-packed Centre Place, Hell's helped make this area a CBD honey pot for Melburnian shoppers and diners.
Venture upstairs to find a convivial bar with striking wallpaper, chandeliers and comfy nooks to enjoy a bevvy or two. Operating as a cafe by day and bar by night, Hell's offers reliable, casual fare at all hours. Try the smokin' Middle Eastern pizza for something different. The wine list focuses on vinos that are normally only available at the cellar door or are otherwise hard to find, including the excellent La Zona Pinot Grigio from the King Valley in Victoria.
Coopers beer flows freely on tap but, for the more adventurous, the bar also offers the smooth Huda beer from Vietnam and the little-known Yebisu from Japan. The house specialty is infused vodka. Made by the little devils that run Hell's, drinkers can sample chilli, lychee, cherry, coffee or honey and ginger blends - all sinfully good. Alternatively take the advice of the bar manager and sip a classic Averna (made by Italian monks), a digestif best enjoyed on ice with a sliver of orange.
Ben Maas
