Gin Palace

Gin Palace is easily one of the best cocktail bars I’ve been too, as long as you love gin. It’s got an incredible ambience and the staffs knowledge is like a dictionary on all types of gins, their purpose and great matching skills.

Fun place — a real dark, cool dive bar with (apparently) a phenomenal array of gins. Between the seven of us we tried beers, wine and cider. Had a fun time for 2 hours — would definitely visit again!

An excellent cocktail lounge. Tasteful, intimate, and most importantly-​competent. I had an excellent Plymouth martini with a delightful Australian vermouth suggested by the waiter. They have pappy van winkle 10 and 12 year. A real treat. You can get gin flights, a variety, really a bewildering variety, a gins to try in any permutations of classic or not so classic cocktails. The ambience is very nice. I will be coming back. May have to find a more lucrative career than philosophy to make that happen.

I’m a massive fan of gin so unsurprisingly I find any bar with a well stoked gin selection very enticing. Having said that if you stick to the menu of classics you can’t go wrong but in my experience when you ask for something new or a suggestion from the bartenders they can’t always deliver something drinkable. This place is always pumping on the weekends so if your looking for a nice relaxing quiet bar you should look elsewhere. The luxurious booths and couches make the best nooks to tuck yourself and friends into over some tasty drinks. Also the secret back corridor that connects sister bar, bar ampere, to gin palace is well worth investigating!

Ok, so I should probably preface this review by saying that I am not actually a real big gin drinker (mostly because I’m a cheap drunk and find it hard to stay classy when drinking spirits). However, my fiancé and some of my best friends are very, very into gin — so I often find myself at Gin Palace. Which I don’t mind one bit.
Gin Palace as one can imagine, has a pretty extensive gin cocktail list. These will suit everything from your purist drinker to people like me, who order more extravagant concoctions to drink something that doesn’t just taste like gin. They do also have some wine and other bits on the menu.
All the gin cocktails that I’ve tried (both ones I’ve ordered for myself and snuck tastes of) have been delicious and make me reconsider the spirit.
The bar itself is set up like a lounge. Lots of velvety chairs, the atmosphere dark and moody.
We often meet here, but I prefer this as a spot to round out the night in a comfy chair, nightcap cocktail in hand.

Attended 2014 Comedy show Gordon Southern. Awesome venue. Swamp room kitchy and intimate so perfect for a live show. Opens onto the absynthe bar. Will go back and bring mates!

Two fancy cocktail bars in one week — I really am spoiling myself.
This was my first visit to Gin Palace and I was eagerly anticipating some kick-​ass cocktails. They succeeded in giving me a delicious drink (a Cassis Walnut cocktail) which left me wanting more. I loved the soaked walnuts on the side even after my drinking companion described it as tasting like her acne cream (I know, I know… so many unanswered questions). Her martini was just as amazing.
My disappointment came with the service. After grabbing a couple of drink menus from the bar we took a seat and waited. And waited some more. In the end we went back to the bar thinking there was no table service. We were told somebody would be right over so went back to waiting. And waiting some more.
The waitress was quite snooty for the rest of the evening and never made us feel overly welcome or comfortable. With drinks starting at $ 20 a pop per cocktail I want to have good service to go with it — particularly on what appeared to be a rather quiet night.
GP may have been around a long time but they could learn a lot about service from Eau De Vie — I know which one I will be going back to.

After spending the night bar hopping for my send off, my friends saved the best for last: GIN PALACE! Everyone know’s my love for a nice junipery gin. (lol idgaf if thats not a word!) It wasn’t too crowded that Saturday night, but maybe because we came at the tail end of the night. The bartender was certainly helpful and made me the perfect gimlet for my nap cap. All the patrons were definitely an interesting people watching material. Small intimate setting but not so much that you won’t be able to strike up some conversations with the party next to you.
Honestly, when asked what my favorite bar is, I tell all my friends about my love for this euphoric hole in the wall. Can’t wait till I see you again!

Easily one of my favorite cocktail bars in Melbourne. Gin Palace is a great cocktail bar located in the Melbourne CBD. Gin Palace looks great inside and has the feel of an underground speakeasy. It’s lavishly decorated and a «spot on» place to take a date to. Another great thing about Gin Palace is it is open till 3 am 7 days a week. Not many places in Melb have these hours early in the week, so Gin Palace is a good place to go to late night. Obviously, Gin Palace specializes in their Gin cocktails. My favorite of theirs is the Vesper Martini, a gin and vodka martini inspired by The James Bond films. They all have some really good gin fizz cocktails. I’ve been to Gin Palace many times and always had a good experience. A must if you’re in Melb.

If you love gin (who doesn’t?) this place is a must. Peruse the menu filled with literally hundreds of gin choices, make you selection and saunter over to a plush velvet couch to await your delivery. If you’re looking for an intimate drink in an opulent location, Gin Palace should be on the hit list.

Arriving at the Gin Palace I was very exited by an extensive menu of gin based drinks (as you would expect!). As well as a number of pages of gin based drinks there is also a great wine list and whiskey selection. The last page of the menu features a small selection of nibbles and food options.
The staff were friendly and helpful, however upon taking our orders (for a party of four) we discovered they were out of a number of items on the menu. At some point in the evening we all had to alter our choices as our first option was not available. This was however the only let down of the evening. The décor is «gentleman club style», but not so much that you can’t put your drink down, comfortable seating, low lights and a small courtyard out the back.
The music was a little load at times, but this was probably down to the soundtrack on that evening rather than a turn the volume up thing.
I will be back, and recommend others to pop by, drink prices are not cheap — but you do get a lot for your dollar!

This was on our must do list in Melbourne. Not being one for loud bars or crowds we decided to hit this place on a weeknight. A great choice!
We arrived just after 10pm and were seated, given a menu and told there was no need to go to the bar as they like to wait on their customers. The menu overwhelmed us immediately and we were rescued by a mustachioed gent in a smashing waistcoat. He recommended a very specific combination of gin, tonic and a slice of grapefruit to start with as we continued to struggle with the menu. It was at that moment I realised a G&T is not just a G&T. I don’t know if I can ever got back to that schweppes tonic water…
We gave the cocktails a go… They were really interesting combinations. I had a watermelon based one that came with a cube of feta and to my surprise the feta made what was quite an unimpressive cocktail much better.
I saw Absinthe on the menu and thought why the hell not. We were served out Absinthe in the traditional and proper way (no fire nonsense) and sipped on our liquid gold until we were ready for a few more of those fancy ass G&T’s.
Hunger started to diminish our experience so we asked for a recommendation and began munching on the homemade trifle. Absolutely banging.
It was 2am before we left and the place while busy was not overcrowded and loud. It reminded me of what a gentleman’s club must have been like back in the good old days.
I can’t speak highly enough of the staff. They were so lovely and attentive and you never had to wait long for service or your drinks. They really enhanced the experience.

What a place! It is true to it’s title alright. We came here for a martini class which was in the back room called the «swamp room.» Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s a beautiful room with a huge tree coming out of the wall and greenery and twinkle lights hanging from it. This would be a great room for a party or function. The class was great and afterwards the martinis were fantastic. I ordered a wet martini on the sweeter side. The bartender was fabulous and created a delicious martini with a lemon twist. My hubby ordered a «navy strength» gin and tonic which came with a slice of brown pear as a garnish. Delish! Next time I’ll go for that. The knowledge the staff has about gin is incredible, they know the botanicals and low and high notes etc. Great place to come on a date or with the girls.

I’m ashamed to admit that the first time I came to Gin Palace was for the Unilocal UYE for the Martini clubs Gin Class.
When I walked in I was very impressed. Dark & mystical interior with wonderful accommodating furniture and a bar to die for. I think it would be quite easy to sit, chat and drink for very long periods of time at this devine establishment.
Our class was held in a room out the back which had the lovely affect of fairy lights and moss decorations on the ceiling.
If I was to have a date, I would most certainly would want to come here as its oh so very intimate.
HINT HINT!

Located @ 10 Russell Place, Gin Palace is currently home to Martini Class where you can join fellow Unilocalers and learn about the basics of martini etc (Make sure you RSVP if you want in). I’ve yet to attend one of the classes but I heard it’s quite good so I’ll put it down in my to-​do list.
Anyway, back to my review; I like Gin Palace. The fairly sombre/​dim lighting gives it a very intimate and romantic feel so if you’re after a venue to take out a date or want to spend some quality time with your other half; give it a shot.
But you know what? If you work or leave in the CBD and you’ve had a long/​hard/​crappy day at work; I reckon you’d like Gin Palace. Go in, grab yourself a drink, pick the darkest spot in the room, grab a seat on one of their comfy couches, sit back, relax and forget it all.
Their drinks menu is quite extensive so you’re bound to find your drinks of choice on their and their bartenders are very knowledgeable as well so they’ll be able to cater for your needs even if you go off menu.
I’ll definitely go back and I might even pop into Ampere next door…

I’ve been spoiled. The experiences that my wife and I have had at The Waiting Room, Kodiak Club, The Everleigh, and many other places has made us accustomed to not only a certain quality of cocktail bar, but, of cocktail bar experience — especially as it pertains to staff and service.
I realise that Boxing Day may not be the best day to expect the most out of a venue, but, having read such positive things about Gin Palace on Unilocal,and having heard of a great visit by a colleague of my wife, I was up for trying it out and seeing what would happen.
Finding the location was easy enough, lights on the ground and a big sign over the door for «GP» made it pretty clear we knew we were there… and the immediate impression I had was actually quite a positive one. Eclectic interior, lots of comfortable looking chairs, great for small groups of people (which actually makes it less ideal for just two people, unless you like sharing your cocktail space (we don’t))…
I think one thing that is critical to stress is that this is a *GIN* cocktail bar. If you like a good G&T, you’ll be happy. If you like a lot of cocktails where gin is the primary ingredient, you’ll be happy. If, however, your wife hates gin because the juniper base reminds her of drinking pine-​sol (a disinfectant cleaner) you may be somewhat out of luck.
But that’s okay, we’re at a cocktail bar, surely if we provide a few suggestions from The Bartender’s Choice (iOS app), they’d be able to accommodate. What follows is a conversation that should NEVER, EVER EVER happen in ANY COCKTAIL BAR, EVER.
Me: «Do you know how to make an El Guapo?»
Her: «No…»
Me: «How about a Paper Plane?»
Her: «No…»
.repeat through a few more classics.
Eventually, the waitress/​bartender came up with a concoction which was based on something they recently had on the menu, and it was actually quite nice (Tu Madre, which should make Spanish speakers wince a bit, as it did me).
I actually went for the Q Tonic G&T and it was pretty good.
When I approached the bar for the second round, the main bartender was present (I got the feeling the waitress was only filling in till his return)…and I was a bit more hopeful that he’d have some fun suggestions and know some of my wife’s favourite drinks.
I was wrong.
And it REALLY disappointed me.
I went for something on-​menu, and that was easy enough (and very tasty), but for my wife I again wanted to try a Paper Plane. I had Bartender’s Choice open on my iPhone, ready for the inevitable…
Me: .and for my wife, do you know how to make a Paper Plane?
Him: hmmm, yeah…
But there was hesitance.
So I showed him the recipe from the iOS app.
Him: That’s not how you make a Paper Plane.
Me: *BLINK* *GASP*
Me: I rather think it is. The app is written by a bit of an expert (Note: I am dramatically understating the case here. Read on.) Award winning bartender, knows his stuff.
Him: Well, that’s not it. What app is that?
Me: It’s Bartender’s Choice.
Him: Well, it’s not a Paper Plane. Sam Ross created the Paper Plane, and that’s not it.
Me: This is HIS APP. It is written by Written by Sammy Ross. Inventor of the Paper Plane cocktail. His recipe. Source of the drink.
In other words: I was using the app from the guy who invented the drink I was ordering, his recipe, and was being told by a bartender in Melbourne that it wasn’t the right thing.
Worse: They couldn’t make it according to the recipe, and would have to fudge some ingredients.
Okay, now, if you’ve read any of my reviews before you know I LOVE it when a bartender gets creative. Invents. Twists and contorts something to my liking.
But this wasn’t that. This was simple substitution. This wasn’t art, it wasn’t fun interaction with a clearly enthusiastic customer. This was making do.
I’ll be frank: I was disappointed. A couple of weeks ago one of the main bartenders at Kodiak Club paid myself and my wife a huge compliment. He said he loves it when we come in because we drink «bartender’s drinks» — we like to experiment, to explore, to ask «what if we do this instead?» and we learn and enjoy. We appreciate their art and encourage them to make the most of it.
I didn’t get that at Gin Palace. Whilst the cocktails were okay, they weren’t inspired. There was almost no sense of «tell me what you like, and we’ll have fun» from the staff. Best way to summarise it: It was an awkward first date, and afterwards you realise you don’t have much in common.
«I’ll call you,» you say, as you part for the night. But you won’t.

If you know anything about me so far you’ll know that I love cocktail bars.
This is a cocktail bar.
Step inside this velour paradise and you’ll be greeted with perfect décor, both dim and extremely-​dim lighting (for those intimate situations, or when you need to sit your significant other in the dark), and charming furniture that’s all too glorious.
The staff are really friendly and know what they’re doing. My favorite drink (The Vesper Martini) is actually on the menu here which make me respect them all the more. You get OPTIONS when picking a cheese platter and the drinks list is extensive. I’m always a fan of asking the staff what they suggest and they haven’t steered me wrong yet.
When up for a very sexy night in-​whilst-​being-​out, definitely check out (or check in, GEDDIT?!) to Gin Palace for a bit of boozy decadence.

Ah Gin Palace! Hark, how I yearn to return here.
Its a double digits return visit for this review! I’ve been many a time,
but those times are not of recent. This is by no means my first visit here;
this occurred many years ago! Admittedly I am an avid fan of the wonderful
Mr Vernon Chalker. I have many fond memories of this place; it’s placed
host to many friends and great times.
Dimly lit and warmly inviting, Gin Palace (GP) has their own bibles.
Well, really it’s a drinks list, but once you cast your eyes over it, you’ll
most likely agree. This is a bar of distinction, refinement, and class.
A top notch bar where you can chill out and have some ‘relax’ time, aided
by some gin of course. Or a whisky, or vodka, Cognac, or all manner of
other spirits. The Harcourt apple cider is good too — $ 13.
Hats off to bar staff who take the time, effort and concentration to craft one’s
drink superbly. It’s another venue in which dialogue can be exchanged as
to the drink you desire. It can take time for drinks, but this is a sign of
attention to detail and craftsmanship. Oh, and the drinks are well worth the
wait. The only downside to such spectacular bars, is that, if you have
expensive and opulent tastes like me, you’ll soon run out of money. But it
will be done well.
Don’t worry too much as GP caters for all levels; bottled beers and ciders
are available, and feel free to order a lemon, lime bitters or some such
thing. (Probably a good idea at some point in the evening.) GP is happy
to serve and host any customer, so long as they provide custom. A good
exchange, keeps good company. One never feels rushed, threatened or
pushed here, and that’s simply great.
With an extensive list /​range of spirits, drinks, cocktails, and so forth
available from both the bar and the bible, GP has something for everyone!

Sit down. Stop. Order. Have a drink. Stop. Sip.
The Gin Palace is somewhere I could easily find myself in on a frequent basis if I lived in Melbourne. The dim, soft lighting with the lush carpet and furniture make it easy for you to just sink in.
It’s a really awesome place and I would definitely come back here.

Great vibe, dark, 1890s and mildly hipster.
Music is good, cocktails can get pricey, staff is not as quick as they could be (but they are super nice and upbeat). They’ve got quite a selection of gins. They also have everything from sloe gin to Kentucky bourbon.
Don’t half step. Come here to meet friends after work, a date or to just chill by yourself and enjoy the music and cocktails.