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Start with sunset drinks above the city, take a short walk through the liveliness of Flinders Lane, then settle in for expertly made cocktails at one of the world’s most celebrated bar brands.
This is the perfect Flinders Lane night out with The Pass: begin at Garden State Rooftop, continue to Death & Co Melbourne and make the most of every moment on an iconic Melbourne Lane known for it’s hospitality.
Located at 101 Flinders Lane, Garden State Rooftop is the newest way to experience one of Melbourne’s best-known city pubs.
The two-tier rooftop sits above Garden State’s existing beer garden, with an open-air lower terrace and a raised mezzanine overlooking the action. Layered greenery, arched details, patterned umbrellas and soft lighting give the space a relaxed garden feel, while the retractable roof and heating make it suitable for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather throughout the year.
It is an easy place to settle in for a few hours. Come straight from work for a drink, meet friends for a weekend catch-up or book a table for a date night that starts with the city changing colour around you.
The drinks list leans into fresh, easy-going cocktails made for long afternoons. The Rhubarb and Pomegranate Spritz is bright and refreshing, while the Matcha Martini brings something a little more unexpected to the table. The Pineapple and Mint Mule is another good choice if you like your drinks fresh, fruity and aromatic.
There is also a Peach in the Garden Spritz, created in an exclusive partnership with Chandon, alongside local beers, approachable wines and non-alcoholic options.
The food is designed to share, so order a few plates for the table. Prawn rolls with dill mayonnaise and lemon, stracciatella with cucumber and honey, truffle arancini, kingfish crudo and Sydney Rock oysters with caviar are all made for grazing between conversations.
Garden State’s rooftop is polished without feeling too formal. That is part of its appeal. You can dress it up for a special occasion, but it works just as well for a spontaneous drink when the afternoon is too good to end.
One of the best things about a night out on Flinders Lane is how easily the evening can unfold within a few blocks.
You do not need to commit to one venue for the entire night. Start somewhere open and lively, take in the city as you walk, then finish somewhere darker, moodier and more intimate.
That is exactly what makes Garden State Rooftop and Death & Co such a good pairing.
At 87 Flinders Lane, Death & Co Melbourne is the first international outpost of the New York cocktail institution.
Since opening in Manhattan’s East Village in 2006, Death & Co has become known for its influence on modern cocktail culture, winning major international acclaim and becoming known for drinks that balance technique, creativity and a strong sense of place.
The Melbourne venue brings that reputation to Flinders Lane, with a two-level space filled with low lighting, velvet details, timber, rich burgundy tones and intimate seating.
It feels suitably special for the final stop of the evening, but it is not reserved only for major celebrations. Come for a date, a late dinner, a drink at the bar or a night with friends who enjoy trying something new.
The drinks menu moves through modern classics, lighter cocktails, richer spirit-forward serves and a thoughtful zero-proof section, so there is plenty to explore whether you are after something bold, refreshing or alcohol-free.
Start with the Naked & Famous, one of Death & Co’s most famous cocktails. Made with mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse and lime, it is bright, smoky and bittersweet, and has become one of the bar’s signature modern classics since first appearing on the New York menu.
For something softer and more wine-led, try the God of Wine. Made with red wine, amaro, cherry, bitters, lemon and soda, it is light, silky and gently tart — a good choice if you enjoy wine but want something with a little more cocktail character.
If you are not sure what to order, ask for Dealer’s Choice. The bartender will ask a few questions about the flavours and spirits you like, then create a drink suited to your taste. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the bar, particularly if you want to try something outside your usual order.
There is also a thoughtful zero-proof menu, including the Hermosa as a highlight, bringing the same care and complexity to the glass without the alcohol. Alongside the world-renowned cocktails, there’s wine and beer making it easy for everyone at the table to find something they will enjoy.
Death & Co is not only about the drinks. The food menu is designed to complement the cocktails, with snacks, share plates and more substantial dishes that make it easy to settle in for the evening.
Start with the kingfish crudo with rhubarb, finger lime and olive brine, or order a selection of market oysters served with the venue’s house hot sauce. Pacific, Rock and Chef’s Selection oysters are available, depending on what is best on the day. For something richer, the Death & Kilpatrick combines nduja, lardo, chilli, guanciale and native plum.
The duck leg orecchiette, made with braised duck leg, jus and brassica, is a more substantial option, while the dry-aged beef cheeseburger with house pickles and cheese is ideal if you are after something familiar with a Death & Co twist. Add caviar for an extra indulgence.
Already had dinner but stopping in for a late-night cocktail? There is always room for dessert — especially the Uncle Wes’ Drunken Cookies, made with milk and dark chocolate, banana liqueur and sea salt, served with milk foam.
The best nights out are the ones that give you a reason to come back.
Use The Pass when you are out at participating venues to earn rewards, access member offers and get more from the occasions you are already planning. Start with sunset drinks, stay for dinner and finish with cocktails, knowing the night can contribute to your next experience too.
Whether you are planning a date night, an after-work catch-up or a special evening in Melbourne CBD, The Pass makes it easy to discover more of the city’s best pubs, bars and dining spots.
