Manchuria

Definition of a hidden bar — tucked away yet unforgettable once discovered. It is the perfect spot for a small group of friends or colleagues between venues or before dinner (note: very limited food options). We went on a school night so there was no wait. The cocktails are the highlight — crafted with precision and infused with an intimate Asian theme that makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to an old dynasty. The atmosphere is moody, elegant, and quietly captivating, with just the right balance of energy and calm. A must-visit for those who appreciate ambiance and a touch of mystery.

The atmosphere is nice, a fusion of Chinese furniture/ambiance with loud English music, and the bartender is friendly and knowledgeable in his profession. But the bar offers neither food nor tap beer. One can only get cocktails, pricey can beers (one can for about $14), or sprints. The place is also hard to find because it doesn’t have any signs_ a decision made by the bar owner as they found the absence of a sign doesn’t impact the number of customers! Either way, it located on the second floor of the building adjacent to that bbq restaurant.

A cosy place for cold winter nights, but no signage at all. One of our friends recommended it and we arrived before them and we were looking for it for 10 min or so. The service was good, although we didn’t have a booking we could get a table. The cocktails are not that great just medium. The atmosphere is fine, but I like more vibrant places. All in all, it was good but not my type.

100% Recommended… so chill… gud drink… 🍹

Gorgeous bar with asian-inspired decor. I don’t drink cocktails (unless you count Tito’s dirty martini as one 😂) but they have a nice list. No Tito’s but they have ketel one so not a problem. Bartenders are super friendly, unlike the ones you tend to run into in speakeasies in New York. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ but on average everyone is nicer in Melbourne than in the US 🤷🏻‍♀️ anyway, highly recommend this place and go early to avoid it being crowded

Used to love coming here but I’ve noticed that during the recent few visits the experience and overall quality have declined a fair bit. First of all, to be charging $38 for a zombie cocktail, it NEEDS to be in a tiki cup. I remember asking why it wasn’t in one last time and the bartender said it’s because customers always steal them. I was like, what? One tiki cup costs like $15? Even if people do steal them, you should still be able to replace them. Secondly, the other cocktails around the $22-24 mark are presented very plainly without much garnish or other ingredients. It is still a nice cocktail lounge for people to come and relax before or after dinner in Chinatown and also suitable for date nights, but probably not the best choice in terms of value.

Great Atmosphere of what is a hidden gem. Was recommended this place by a friend and it did not disappoint. Its up a completely blacked out staircase however once you get in the atmosphere is great and so is the drink selection. A great place to book or try to walk in as its not very obvious from the street.

Very cool cocktail bar in the heart of Chinatown. It's a bit hidden (which absolutely adds to the Melbourne charm), and especially so currently as the laneway is torn up, but it's worth hunting down. Friendly staff, nice cocktails, good range of beers and wines and very comfortable couches to lounge in.

Gorgeous bar with asian-inspired decor. I don't drink cocktails (unless you count Tito's dirty martini as one ) but they have a nice list. No Tito's but they have ketel one so not a problem. Bartenders are super friendly, unlike the ones you tend to run into in speakeasies in New York. ‍‍ but on average everyone is nicer in Melbourne than in the US ‍ anyway, highly recommend this place and go early to avoid it being crowded

Walk down an iconic dark Melbourne cbd alleyway then make your way up a set of stairs. On the left is a Chinese style charcoal grey wooden door with iron finishings. Step inside to be greeted by friendly welcoming staff. As you enter the room feel the relaxed ambiance waft over you. Look around the dimly lit room and see the semi-private seating on the sides of the room and the comfortable laid back couches. The music when I visited this venue was chilled out relaxing style. The menu offers numerous delicious cocktails. My favourite was lemon drop.

Tucked away in a tight alley off Little Bourke, you could be forgiven for passing by Manchuria. But it is home to some of the best cocktails in Melbourne. With only a small sign and a roller door to advertise it's presence, it is a great place to get away from the noise and action of China Town and sit down with some delicious cocktails. The décor is like something out of an old Chinese dynasty with intricate woodwork, intimate booths and comfortable lounges. The music isn't too loud so you can still have a chat with your mates, and the general atmosphere is one of relaxation. Bar food is on offer but its not as spectacular as the cocktails (or the food along Little Bourke), but worth a nibble if your hungry and don't want to leave. The bar, illuminated against the wall has some of the best cocktails around and the bar staff are extremely good at making them to your satisfaction. Highlights include the Aviation (crème de violette and gin with maraschino liqueur and lemon juice), and The Last Word (green chartreuse, gin, lime juice and maraschino liqueur). You can't go wrong.

I love Melbourne's hidden bars and Manchuria sure put me to the test in trying to find it. Verdict? The treasure hunt is well worth it. Behind the solid entrance doors is a dimly lit cocktail den with sophisticated furnishings, soft music and pleasant staff who kindly attend to your table. It is a great place to catch up with friends. I've only visited Manchuria on a Friday night. On these occasions I've had no difficulty in finding a table. What a fantastic surprise! Although, I have recommended this place to a good few people now... Keep up your brilliant work Manchuria!

I visited this place for the first time on Friday and it was love at first sip. Delicious cocktail perfection. The atmosphere was dark and cosy, ideal for a Friday night lounge after dinner. We drank the night away and got very excited at trying each others concoctions when asking the bar staff to weave their magic off-menu. I will be back...if I can remember how to get there.

I feel a bit guilty; I take all my friends or people i want to impress here. It's been a lot of people!

Yes, yes, yes, yes. That's the first word that comes to mind when someone suggests Manchuria. An exotic feeling venue tucked up a dark hallway in the city, this isn't a place you can just stumble upon - and that's how we like it! Some of the best cocktails I've tried in town, this is a great early evening venue for a few pre-dinner drinks, or later at night. The Asian-inspired furniture, fabrics and whole environment contribute to a complete separation from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. A great idea, brilliantly executed; you won't be disappointed with a visit to Manchuria.

Every time I visit this place I get several texts and calls from friends asking: "Where is it?" "I walked past it" Manchuria is so well hidden and I almost don't want to bring people here BUT i'm always glad I do because they always LOVE IT and we have a blast. There are comfortable chairs and couches, great music and a small deck to hang out at. The cocktails are on the sweet side for me but they are just beautiful (and pricey) and there is an extensive range of liquor. What a great hideaway in the heart of Melbourne.

I hesitate to recommend this place so highly for fear of one of my favourite bars in Melbourne becoming jam packed... Manchuria is one of those awesome little date bars you'd only realise exists through word of mouth. The bar is buried inside a seedy alley in Chinatown. Walk past the empty MSG containers from the restaurants next door and up the stairs and its like a scene out of 1930s Shanghai. Awesome place for a romantic drink, with great lighting and privacy, including lace curtains for each of the seating areas. Quiet background swing hop music. I recommend the Zombie cocktail which is the only drink I have seen in Melbourne limited to two per person per night, due to its potency.

I can't even explain how amazing this place is, the atmosphere and character is just unbelievable. The cocktails are beyond anything I've ever experienced the care and love that went into these drinks was astonishing. Cocktail recommendation would defiantly be the bittersweet lover it made my mouth water just smelling it and the presentation was immaculate. Everywhere in Melbourne is expensive to drink but these cocktails are well worth it! Highly highly recommended!

A sweet little cocktail lounge to bring people you want to impress. Hidden away from plain sight down wah wah lounge alley. The interior kind of resembles the club at the beginning of Indiana Jones and the temple of doom. The cocktails are perfection in a glass using only the best ingredients and garnishes(freshly picked rose petals!). Mo's Manhattan is my Fav.

Laced curtain create a feeling of privacy, when really you're partaking in an open, very friendly bar environment. Only 2 Zombies per person is a challenge that is easily accepted. Hidden away, but if you find it, the chill factor is worth it :)