Death & Co, the renowned New York City cocktail bar that has been a cornerstone of the global craft cocktail movement, has officially opened its doors on Flinders Lane in Melbourne. This marks the bar’s first international expansion, a significant milestone for a venue that has been pivotal in shaping cocktail culture since its inception in 2006.
Since its launch in the East Village, Death & Co has become synonymous with innovative cocktails and an alluring atmosphere. The Melbourne outpost, which opened on January 1, 2026, is already making waves in the city’s vibrant bar scene. The venue is managed by Cara Devine, a respected figure in Melbourne’s drinks industry, known for her work as an author and co-owner of Northcote’s Goodwater.
The Arrival of a Cocktail Legend
The decision to bring Death & Co to Melbourne was born out of an unusual partnership with the Australian Venue Co, a major player in the hospitality sector with over 200 venues across the nation. This collaboration aims to blend the distinctive charm of Death & Co with Melbourne’s unique cultural landscape.
Located at the top end of Flinders Lane, where Trinket Bar once stood, Death & Co Melbourne offers an immersive experience from the moment patrons step through its doors. A host greets guests, guiding them through a hallway draped in red-velvet curtains, setting the stage for an evening of indulgence in the candlelit ground-floor bar.
A Taste of New York in Melbourne
The Melbourne venue features two levels, with a more intimate cellar bar downstairs. The bar’s ambiance is complemented by plush, copper-coloured armchairs and enthusiastic service that immediately makes visitors feel at home. Among the standout cocktails is the Naked and Famous, a modern classic that combines Aperol, mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime.
“It’s 6pm but it could be midnight, and the romance is palpable, with date nights in full swing.”
Death & Co’s menu also includes a selection of bar snacks, such as crispy beer-battered onion rings and a dry-aged-beef cheeseburger, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether they’re there for a drink or a meal.
Blending Tradition with Local Flair
While Death & Co Melbourne retains the essence of its American counterparts, it also incorporates local elements, creating a unique offering that resonates with Melbourne’s discerning cocktail enthusiasts. Cara Devine emphasizes that the bar transposes the spirit of the original venues with an “unmistakable local accent,” ensuring it feels like a natural fit within the city’s bar scene.
Despite its international roots, Death & Co Melbourne is not attempting to revolutionize the local cocktail landscape. Instead, it aims to complement existing offerings, providing a high-quality experience that appeals to both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
Comparisons and Local Competition
Melbourne’s cocktail scene is already rich with options, and Death & Co joins a roster of esteemed venues. For those seeking similarly dimly lit, romantic settings, bars like Mill Place Merchants, Naught Distilling, and Bianchetto offer compelling alternatives.
- Mill Place Merchants: A shadowy CBD speakeasy with a novel-like drinks list and old-timey charm.
- Naught Distilling: A gin bar and distillery in Eltham, offering a dedicated martini menu.
- Bianchetto: Mister Bianco’s sibling cocktail bar, known for its seductive ambiance and Americanos.
Looking Ahead
As Death & Co settles into its new home on Flinders Lane, it is poised to become a staple in Melbourne’s cocktail culture. The bar’s commitment to quality and innovation, coupled with its ability to adapt to local tastes, suggests a promising future. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious newcomer, Death & Co Melbourne offers a taste of New York’s cocktail excellence with a distinctly Australian twist.
With its blend of tradition and local flair, Death & Co is set to thrive in Melbourne, offering a sophisticated yet approachable experience that enhances the city’s already dynamic bar scene.
