Arabella G.
Yelp
In a city as expensive as Melbourne it could be considered an achievement to get tipsy for anything less than about fifty bucks. At Dirty Secrets on a Friday that figure is more like $20. Its cocktails are that lethal.
A tiny little cocktail bar down the Gertrude Street end of Smith Street, Dirty Secrets has a 1920s vibe, a killer cocktail menu and a rather incredible happy hour on Friday evenings boasting the most potent cocktails I've ever imbibed for a measly $10 a pop.
Particularly noteworthy is the 'Jackie Brown', a rum, chocolate and vanilla liqueur confection 'finished with house made Chilli Bitters served on the rocks'. Just beware the fresh red chilli served with this baby, I've spent more than a few evenings gurning due to a burning mouth thanks to the seemingly erroneous belief that chili + chocolate + copious amounts of booze results in something other than pain.
Dirty Secrets' best cocktail? It's incredible 'Wake Up Call' espresso martini. Just what you need on a Friday evening after a tough week at the office. I want a drink.