The Alchemist is a trendy bar located on Brunswick Street. I enjoyed an espresso martini which was rich and smooth - it had shaved chocolate on the top too which was a delicious touch. My partner enjoyed a vesper and also said it was amazing. I absolutely love the decor, the funky music and the couches, which are a bit too comfortable! I didn't want to leave! Thank you the the beautiful, helpful and honest staff at the Alchemist for making our experience so lovely. Would recommend for date night or even with a small group of friends
Lovely cocktail bar! The drinks were all delicious and mixed well though the smokey ones were divisive. Food was good but could have been better in some ways (pizza bases, especially on the Nutella one, were flat and a bit hard) and the service was excellent - fast and friendly. Will be coming back here again!
Yeah, I like this place in all its quiet, intentionally faded blinging glory. The chairs are plush, the glasses are large, and the lights are turned down.
Enjoyed a couple of cocktails here and the CCM was brilliant. Perfect spice mix with tequila .
Great vibe and plenty of skill at the bar.
This place is way underrated. It's such a cool bar with AH-MAZING drinks. The drink list is extensive and the combinations are mind-blowing. I wish I lived closer because this would be my bar of choice.
The really important things are said over cocktail and never done. And this where it all began. One of those nights with my friends where one cocktail lead to another and so on. The dark and quirky interiors, with cosy couches to spend hours. Ask the bartender about suggestions and he will surely make it a point to give you the best that is not just eye pleasing but also hits the mark. Just be yourself..
Small bar so it can get a little crowded. Nice and cozy bar that hires bar staff that can make a smashing cocktail. Nice place to relax with friends.
Quirky bar on Brunswick St in Fitzroy. Good for a pre or post dinner drink ...or two. Comfortable furniture and relaxed easy going atmosphere. Enjoy!!
MAN IS THEIR DRINKS NOT IMPRESSIVE I DONT KNOW WHAT IS. Always try to ask the bartender to hit you up on a random mix. Never failed to satisfy. Amazing place Amazing place! Not to mention they have a pool table too.
My wife and I hadn't been out for dinner alone, without children for over 12 months. The Alchemist is where we started our night, and what a great start it was.
Friendly staff, guy behind the bar was great! Good list of cocktails although don't be afraid to ask for the barman's recommendation. We would have come back for a nightcap however being a Sunday night we ran out of time.
My cocktail recommendations:
Before dinner - Poohbear
After dinner - Apple Pie
The pancake was great though - pretty decent size and full of duck! It was seasoned really nicely, the hoisin sauce was tasty and it was packed full of tomato, cucumber and other refreshing goodies.
...described as 'a beautifully balanced, punch-style cocktail with dried fruit and citrus flavours, made with Appleton 8yr old rum, classic muscat, Aperol, house-made pomegranate syrup and lemon. This is a hearty drink to enjoy at anytime.' The grapes were fresh so I'm not sure where the dried fruit comes in. It was definitely rummy in flavour but the citrus didn't stand out. It wasn't my favourite drink ever. Mind you the photo below is a bit deceiving because Yuye took a sip or two from the glass already.
This was the 2nd time I'd been here with a voucher for a degustation meal for two. The floor manager was friendly & hospitable despite it being really busy. The food was yum, my only criticism was that it came out too slowly between each dish.
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Lovely atmosphere. There was good and bad with this evening.
Loved the venue. Dark luxurious, candlelight. Fabulous music but unfortunately too loud. We were seated beneath a speaker and to talk to our dining companions we had to lean forward and almost yell.
We had a five course degustation meal on a voucher deal. Some of the courses were lovely, some not so good. The tacos were delicious, as was the haloumi. Stuffed mushrooms yum and chicken sticks. Main course #1 was pork belly. Unfortunately this wasn't so good - the crackling wasn't crisp and some of the pork wasn't that great. The second main course was a Thai seafood curry. This was very nice, but totally impractical. The entire meal was shared and served on two small coffee tables. The curry was not served with spoons, so it was a matter of trying to shovel liquid curry onto your tiny plate using a fork. The same with the rice. Ultimately I made a mess and spilled curry on the floor and my shoe. The dessert was chocolate fondant which I fear was overcooked and with very little liquid chocolate inside.
Really I think I'm getting too old for this kind of place. I like to eat from tables at normal height using plates of normal size and being able to talk to my friends thoughout the evening. But still an interesting evening, and I'm very grateful for the introduction to the music of Big Bad Voooo Daddy.
Cocktails!. A large range of cocktails to choose from and really cool staff. The food is also quite good. But I agree with the other reviews......it's a little expensive but it's very good venue.
We went to this bar on a Tuesday night so it was pretty quiet which was good
We tried the a dark chocolate and cherry cocktail called something like the bez Berryman and it is off the chain! We also tried the apple pie cocktail which was very nice, but basically tastes like really good apple juice so id recommend trying something else.
Only criticism was that upon arrival I sat on an unused condom in its packet, however the bar dude got rid of it.
3.5 stars
Average... Dined here with a voucher with my partner on a quite Sunday Night. I agree the tables are rather awkward either too high or too low! This place is definitely more of a place to chill out with friend over few drinks than a restaurant. The food was average nothing fancy, but not as bad as some of the reviews make it out to be. Only Negative was the cocktails were rather expensive and a lot of ice! Great 80's music and ok service. Won't be buying another deal in a hurry...
Yummy Food, Great Service. Purchased a deal for 5 course vegetarian degustation.
Booked via email and did not have any issue whatsoever, very prompt and polite response. Food was incredible, perfect portion sizes. Bar tender was very pleasant and welcoming and our waiter was lovely and very accommodating. Beautiful atmosphere and ambiance to this little hidden gem.
Only negative was the price and size of the cocktails, probably wouldn't come here for a cocktail night but would definitely return for the food!
Apart from the rude lady who takes the bookings, don't have a bad thing to say about this place! Food was delicious, service was friendly and all the waiters were extremely helpful
So lovely. The candles and couches easily make this place the comfiest and cosiest bar on brunswick st (also quite romantic if you're on a date!). They have amazing staff and some of the most gorgeous cocktails i have ever seen - some come with a side of popping candy or champagne jelly cubes, really cute. having read some of the other review, i'd have to come back and try the food!
What a feast!. What a rustic and quaint find!
The entree platter was dee-licious! Packed with flavours and interesting takes on traditional entrees! Food was flavoursome and each course came out within 15 minutes. Definitely coming back.
Drinks. Love love love this place!! so unique and different. The seating is so comfy and has a wonderful atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and helpful without being overbearing. And the drinks and wonderful, especially the cocktails. Presently so beautifully and taste just as amazing! Will defiantly be going back here asap but this time I'm tempted to stay and eat there too :)
Incredible food and wonderful service! The place has a "speakeasy" style decor and warm atmosphere. The staff are incredibly helpful with food and wine suggestion and go out of their way to accommodate you. The cocktail menu alone is mind blowing and the food is some of the best I've ever tasted! I will definitely be returning for more.
The pursuit of the ancient Alchemist was to turn lead into gold. Success! The Alchemist bar is gold! Yum food, fab service and free hugs :-) Quirky twist...love the gold toilets!
I will be back again and again. We had the voucher for the 5 course degustation and it was an absolute bloody bargain. The staff were first class and very friendy but the food was excellent from start to finish. Initially i thought the mushrooms with feta and the soft prawn tacos were good and the seafood curry was ok, but then the pork belly arrived and it was amazing!! you must try this, it finshed off with a sublime Belgian chocolate pudding and ice cream a perfect end. This voucher must have been the bait because Iam hooked and will be back again and again . Cheers to the alchemist for a great wee surprise
What an awesome place!! Came here with a voucher on a Thursday night. It was so alive!! Staff were friendly and greeted us to our table. Each of the dishes that came out were so nicely presented, like the entrees, tacos, mushrooms..To admit, we had to take some photos of it.
The dishes had great flavours, esp the caramelised pork.. crispy skin, succulent pork... Delicious!!
The place was lit with candles and had nice music.. exactly like photographed on their website.
Definitely worth checking out.
Again, can't emphasize how great the service was here!! I can see our waiter serving others in the bar and his professionalism is definitely shown there (Hand behind back.. leaning forward with food kinda thing), each time with a friendly smile. Not too much to ask but that is the kind of service you don't see too often nowadays, unless its at a fine dining restaurant. So to say the least, I'm very impressed with this place!!
Loved it! I used a voucher... but we are coming back voucher or not. Great warm atmosphere. Music is 50s 60s. Winning. Food. .. wow. We had stuffed mushroom and chicken skewers to start. Prawn tacos and haloumi saganaki (Holyshit so good) seafood curry and pork belly (again. .. hell yes). To end... choc pudding and icecream... we ordereda second cocktail as this was put on our table. .. but canceled the cocktail and bought another pudding is was so good we didn't want to ruin the taste and wanted another! We had only one cocktail. It came with popping candy. What a delight! Our waiter was very lovely and talkative. Definitely coming back with more people. :)
An absolutely magnificent setting and atmosphere. pleasent service staff and brilliant food, not to mention the exciting variety of cocktails. just top notch all round.
Fabulous bar with great food, drinks and staff. Highly recommended!
Went here on a Friday night. Due to the wet weather didn't have to wait for a table but enough people inside to have abuzz aabout the place.
Atmosphere is indie chic. Staff are attentive & helpful without being overbearing. Ordered soft shell prawn taco, with cherry tomatoes, capsicum and a citrus dressing. Quite tasty, prawn crumbed nicely.
For the main course we had the pork belly - the deciding factor in dining here. This dish is simply Amazing! Crispy crackling, salty pork balanced out with fantastic mash & a sublimely sumptuous citrus sauce with a matching red wine suggested by the waiter. While the amount was not stingy at all, I would've preferred more sauce (its simply that good) & wish the mash was less hidden on the plate. However they don't do dessert here. Very good value at around $40.
Love this place! Staff are welcoming and very friendly. I was not expecting the food to be good as i thought the focus was on delivering the quirky cocktail list. But the food was very very good! Portion sizes are on the small side and you have to eat at either bar tables or coffee tables but worth the slight discomfort. Pork belly signature dish was excellent!
Went to The Alchemist last night and had an awesome time. Good food, nice decor, chilled atmosphere. Some of the cocktails were maybe a little bit expensive but this place is worth it for the entertainment of Joel the barman alone! :)
Great Night!. As always, had another fabulous night at the Alchemist! One can always count on the Alchemist for great drinks and food in a chill environment. The staff was very professional and innovative in their drink suggestions. Keep up the great work – your efforts are very much appreciated!
Amazing cocktails, Great staff!!. Completely disagree with "HukaLodge15". You must be talking about a different place! The bar staff is probably the friendliest and most knowledgeable bar staff I have ever seen in a bar anywhere in the world. I have previously lived in London and spent a lot of time in New York and this place is on par or better than anywhere else I have ever visited. You will not find such amazing cocktails, served by such professional, fun and entertaining staff anywhere else on the continent.
I would absolutely recommend The Alchemist Cocktail Bar to anyone who likes amazing drinks, served by professional, courteous and friendly staff.
Love this place. Joel the Swedish barman is great. Wonderful food!!
Big Eyes For A Big Tummy
+4.5
Great cocktail list!. Great service and cocktail list!
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You will want to tell your friends about this. I love a place or experience that screams “You will tell your friends about this” and the Alchemist Bar certainly fits that description. Before I even went, I was already telling my friends about the deal for a 7 course degustation – well eight courses really counting desert; pondering and discussing the portion sizes which I later discovered ranged from bite size to entree size. We had been asked to arrive at 6 pm – Friday night- which meant we were the first customers for the night. The décor was interesting, the staff very pleasant, and when they played one of my favourite songs from the 60’s soon after we arrived I was ‘sold’. The information and pictures on the wall add to the quirky atmosphere that gives a sense of a different place and time. I loved the wooden pharmacy cabinet. To my mind, the service was perfect. Attention immediately, then time digest our surrounding, followed by our complimentary glass of wine, and just when we were totally at ease the food started to arrive – three small portions each of very tasty morsels, time to discuss and compare them, then two slightly larger portions arrived. By this time I was having the best lemon, lime and bitters I have ever had (I would go back for that alone). An interesting array of other customers arrived in a constant stream – most in their late twenties, early thirties. A tasty salad to share arrived, followed later by a fabulously tasty pork belly dish of entrée portion. This was to die for. By this time, there was a turn-over of other clients with the early arrivals being replaced by new arrivals. Just when we were pondering whether we had completed our dining experience. The waitress came and asked if we were ready for our dessert – a chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and marsh-mellows for dipping. Regardless of being twice the age of their regular cliental this I consider this is a fun experience for people of all ages and I was glad I had bought a second voucher for my daughter – an experience worth sharing. Allow three and a quarter hours for this experience although when my daughter went on a Wednesday night the experience was three quarters of an hour quicker, but personally, I was happy with our time frame.
Great food, great people, nice and relaxed atmosphere. All up a wonderful night out. Will be heading back there soon.. Recommend getting the degustation menu.
Food to die for!. I know that says a lot, but my partner and I came on a 5 course degustation deal that was given to us by a friend as a gift. Whilst the service was a little bit slow, this was only noticed as ALL the food was so amazingly delish and we couldn't wait for the next course! Every course we tried, we enjoyed, to the point we bought one more dish (crostini w chorizo) to try. With a couple of glasses of wine, the tastebuds are tickled and you are left wanting more even though we were satisfied. It's as if they have worked on the taste test for each item they serve to perfection. Fabulous - we have already planned to come back with some friends to try the other dishes! Prices are reasonable p/p also. It's been a long time since we really enjoyed a venue we've eaten at and this was unexpectedly one of the best we've been to! Nice baroq feel also..
Good night out. This is the second time we have been here and this time we took our daughter and her friend. We had an offer for the 7 course degustation meal which included a glass of wine and we sampled both the vegetarian and non veg menus .The serves were small but very tasty and the pork belly was cooked to perfection.On both our visits we enjoyed the surroundings,music and general ambience but in particular the waiting staff who are always chatty,friendly and fun.Special mention tonight to our Swedish guy who was just great.Good job Alchemist Bar and we will see you again. Julie and Chris
A Brunswick St gem!. This is a fabulous cocktail bar in the heart of Fitzroy where my friends and I regulary go for what used to be a beer or wine but since discovering the amazing cocktails it's hard not to order one or a few, and the smart menu really makes the choice an easy one except for the fact that you want to try all of them! Adding to that the staff are very friendly and love a chat, the music really gets you in the mood and the interior is fantastic escpecially the toilets!! And as a good little bonus on top of this pop in on a Wednesday night for some magic tricks performed at your table!
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Just Fabulous. Wandered across this place ages ago and were intrigued by the beautiful decor and creative cocktail list. After visiting this place on numerous occasions, light dinner with my parents, drinks with the girls, cocktail after dinner with friends, celebratory night out...I was hooked to their delicious and innovative cocktails (and tasty tidbits). When we got engaged we decided we must have our intimate party here. It was fantastic...the staff were very relaxed and have a number of options to help you budget/plan for the night...At one point I felt a little like we'd taken over the place but the staff were very accommodating in organising enough seating/standing room for everyone. We had bottles of wine to start with, the party platters were delicious (although the only problem with serving such fine food is that everyone seems to eat more!) we also had a tab to do rounds of cocktails, not cheap but the perfect atmosphere, hint of luxury - really is a place to go as a treat, wonderful staff we'll no doubt be back for the ever updating range of drinks! Very impressed with how they handled our function.
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Great cocktails...and magic?. Some girlfriends and I went to The Alchemist last Wednesday. We were in the area and someone on the street told us this was the place to hang out and be entertained. Boy were they right. We walked in and went straight to the bar. Our very cute bartender, Joel, made us some crazy drinks. Four different drinks and all were amazing! The place was pretty packed but Joel promised to look for us a table and about ten minutes later, sat us at a great table right in the front window.
As we sat enjoying our drinks, we noticed something interesting. A magician was doing tricks at each table. After a while, he came over to us and did a few crazy tricks, that I still cannot figure out how he did. Joel returned to our table and offered to make us four more drinks, all different from the last batch and all just a tasty.
The atmosphere is really laid back but still has a hip edge to it. We will definitely be back to see our favorite bartender Joel and maybe even some more magic.
Wow - that pork belly lives on in my dreams!
my folks bought a voucher for my birthday. the place was completely dead whilst we dined there. a japanese band set up towards the end of our degustation, so we felt embarrassed to ditch them once we had finished up a delicious dinner.
cocktails were fun and the staff were lovely. the scottish guy behind the bar reminded me of brandon flowers.
i hope this place survives. it always seems deserted when we pass by.
i am defo coming back for the pork belly!
Fun place. A voucher offer allowed us to try this fun cocktail bar in Brunswick St, Firtzroy. Tapas-style disher were very nice - don't miss the meatballs in Italian tomato sauce. We added the chocolate fondue and a cocktail- both delicious. Lovely international staff, fun place but way too expensive to go to regularly.
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Second time round, still outstanding!. I love this place. This is the second time my boyfriend and I have come here, both times on a sunday night, and both times we have had EXCELLENT service. The first time we just happened upon the place, and tried several dishes on suggestion from the waiter - this time we had an Ouffer.com voucher for a 5-course degustation, which was just as good! While there was a bit of time between dishes arriving, I found it wasn't slow, rather it gave you time to enjoy each dish, really savour it, and have some nice conversation and wine in between (and not over-eat!). The potato and pea patties were delicious, my favourite however was the spicy meatballs, which although didn't actually seem very spicy, had so much flavour that we were mopping up the remains with the bread... would go back just for that! Serive was fantastic, really friendly lady served us and brought our food out, we haven't tried the cocktails yet but intend to next time. The atmosphere is SO relaxing inside, just a perfect way to spend a sunday evening. Loved it.
Great atmostphere, Good cocktails. I have been back here a few times for drinks although to be honest I am not sure why. The atmosphere is great but you have to wait a LONG time for your drinks. One bartender, he puts extreme care and detail into mixing your cocktail, however be prepared to wait about 20 minutes to be served and another 20 for your drink. The bartenders are friendly, but if you are looking for a quick drink with good value then probably give this one a miss.
Tapas were outstanding, service very nice. Cocktails were tasty, but I found them to be pretty weak and extremely pricey.
Alchemy at its best. I am in love with this place! Upon walking through the doors you are taken to another place - and yet you're still in the heart of Brunswick St!
Went here for a few pre-dinner drinks and the bartender was magical - suggesting drinks, flavours etc - and I loved all my cocktails!
The prices are a little expensive, but for the personalised service, and luxurious surroundings it's worth it!
Yummy Yummy. Sat down, ordered some cocktails and nibbles from the wonderful waitress and they all showed up surprisingly fast. I recommend the espresso martini and the pork belly, both were stunning! Definitely coming back very soon.
Black Magic. Seriously good cocktails. The zombie knoecked me for a six!
Great atmosphere and bar staff are appropriately flirty. Food took a while and the food and drinks are a bit expensive, but worth it. Would definitely recommend and can't wait to go back!
Where's the alchemist when you need him?!. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is really homely and cosy and the bars few lights are dimmed with the main light source coming from lit candles around the venue.
The Alchemist is perfect to sit, talk (over the noise of the many patrons) and soak up the beautiful surroundings; the only problem being a certain inexperienced bartender! I ordered a lemon, lime & bitters to start, which was very weak, later a vodka, lemon, lime & bitters which had the same result.
I'll definitely be returning because of how enchanting it is inside The Alchemist, but fingers crossed I'm served by a different bar man next time!
Really enjoyed the atmosphere in this venue. Great knowledgable and friendly staff were a pleasure to deal with. The food, for the price was amazing. Had the mushrooms stuffed with feta, lamb koftas, meatballs in Napoli sauce and the pork belly. The pork belly was amazing. Perfectly cooked, very enjoyable. We will return for sure!
Cosy, chilled. Nice little bar for chilling out. It's not the quietest or the funkiest place to be hiding or be seen. It can be noisy and caters to mixed crowd. Drinks are good. Food not so.
Awesome - but not a wine bar. A funky Brunswick st bar with appropriately funky staff and decor to create a very charming atmosphere. Although the individual dishes are under $15, you need to remember that it is Tapas, so in order to get full you'll still consume at least $40 each. The food is quite tasty and there is plenty of variety so everyone should be able to find something they like.
I was searching for a wine bar on urbanspoon.com and this place came up - I wouldn't class this as a wine bar, as there is a limited selection of wines and only 3 options by the glass.
The cocktail menu is quite good. The only peculiar item is that the choice vodka is "Russian Standard" which as the name suggests a very average vodka. But that's only my humble opinion.
Warm and Luxurious. Was walking down bruswick street one night and literally just popped my head in for a snoop around - ended up sitting down and enjoying a coffee on their amazing vintage lounges next to their gorgeous candelabras covered in dripping wax.
Atmosphere was so divine - I didn't want to leave. I have already organised to bring all my girlfriends there for some over-the-top cocktails and nibbles. Can't wait!
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Gorgeous place, delicious drinks. You can't go past this place for atmosphere - the ornate lounges and candelabras are just stunning! Even the toilets are painted gold! These guys use only the best cocktail ingredients and are served with style. I have spent many a cosy weeknight there, or ended a big night on the weekend curled up on their couches sipping away at something delicious.
My picks:
Black Forest Manhattan - construct it yourself at the bar using test tubes and beakers... awesome fun! The bartender will help you out and tell you a bit about where the liquers come from.
Mulled Wine - ohhh so sweet and heady. Winter warmer.
Boozy Hot Chocolate - sweeeeet and delicious! Order it at the bar to watch some sweet blowtorch, tripod and beaker action by the barkeep.
Have tried the food there too, but found it a little light-on portion-wise, and a little lackluster. I recommend eating before you get there, and saving your money for their delicious cocktails.
The owner - James - is awesome, and always super friendly behind the bar.
Delicious little night out!. A fantastic little hideaway tucked away towards the end of Brunswick St. From the decadent surrounds to the fantastic live magic show, this was definitely the place to be!
Took a friend for some birthday drinks and while the bar was jumping, there was enough space for a private affair. Food was delicious, cocktails were fantastic and staff were friendly and fun.
Bryan the rabbit was definitely a highlight!
I was empty when i went and the bartender was great . We got a large meal and drinks and well looked after for a meal . Bar is quirky and nice . Easy going feeling that makes you feel at ease . Food was great for the price .. big portions and bartender was good enough that i tiped him and i was on a tight backpackers buget . And i an tight!
Great atmosphere and food - Loved it. Booked for an early 630 dinner with my Wife. Arrived to a lovely setting just for us. Fantastic service, food and drinks.
Absurdly good bartenders, fantastic decor. A bit on the pricey side but definitely worth every cent. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Drive an hour to go here specifically. Best cocktail bar in Melbourne. Crazy good bartenders
The bartenders really know their cocktails - a great place to go for drinks in a really nice atmosphere.
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