Alice

Perched on the stairs of a shuttered pawn shop, Alice is an ’80s-themed late-night dive bar of the highest order. Though it’s owned by Pete Hollands of Frog’s Hollow Saloon, Alice doesn’t hinge on complex cocktails like that excellent bar does.

Here, it’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere created by old-school TVs mounted above the backbar; a jukebox blaring ’80s hair metal; and black-and-white band photos tinged scarlet from red bulbs.

But of course, you can absolutely get an outstanding drink at Alice. There are 11 signature creations, including two classics – the signature Alice Old Fashioned and the cult-favourite Ramos Gin Fizz. Hollands is also pouring Aussie wines and beers, plus a whole bunch of booze from America.

Alice is tucked down a laneway, but it’s not entirely hidden. There’s a neon-red sign above the door and a row of caged windows at ground-level glow red, hinting at what’s bubbling away beneath.