Lustre Bar

The first time I came here I was denied entry because there was a function on, and while normally I would scratch the bar and not come back (because some places are very picky as to who they let in, which adds a lot of meaning to the phrase ‘management reserves the right to refuse entry’) I decided that I would give the bouncer the benefit of the doubt and came back another time, and another, and another.
I must say that this is a pretty cool bar and the view, overlooking three of Melbourne’s popular alleyways, is pretty impressive. The last time I was here there was some old guy in a singlet, listening to his iPod, and dancing away. At first we all thought he was a little crazy and was simply being himself, except that people would be putting money into a bucket that was hidden behind a bin. However, please don’t let this one particular guy ruin the place for you, even though he was quite amusing to all who watched, because even though it is a small bar (with only two tables on the ‘balcony’) its atmosphere is pretty cool.

A nice small bar close to Flinders and Degraves. Very small but didn’t feel too crowded when I was there. A good deal on bottled beer at happy hour. They also make cocktails and I can vouch for their Plymouth martini. There was never even a hint that it would be shaken, which is nice. A couple of comfy leather chairs inside that you might be able to snag if you are lucky. There is also a small smoking area in a balcony. Good if you like smoking, bad if you don’t like smoke.
Overall nothing distinguished, but pretty good nonetheless. Worth stopping into if you are in the area. They should do something to really distinguish themselves either with a special drink, deal, or something else. Or maybe not. Despite the business of that area, there aren’t really that many bars so they are probably doing fine.

Small, with a *tiny* little balcony area for smoking at the end of the room, overlooking Flinders Lane. Drink service could be a little faster, but they’re friendly enough.

Great place for after work drinks. Happy hour is one and there is free food. It’s more of a place that you would start the night and sometimes end up.
You could be forgiven for missing the front door with the hustle and bustle of Degraves street and Flinders Lane, so keep your eyes peeled.
I found the bartender I had on my visit was super enthusiastic about his job and made my gin and tonic with such love and a respect to the ingredients he was using (Hendricks, Cucumber).
The only downside — the balcony is teeny tiny and the smokers are essentially smoking inside even though they are outside. So the non smokers cop it if near the balcony.

This is a great place to come for after work drinks on a Friday night as the velvet rope comes out. There is always some form of drink special on and it is conveniently located above Centre Way off Flinders Lane. Not that I’m a smoke but for those of you that are there is a balcony that overlooks Flinders Lane and Degraves Street.
I have never stayed long enough to create a funny story to tell, however I am sure that there have been a number of good times had here.