Bar Selecta
★ 4.6 · 88 reviews Melbourne Opened 2025
The laneway bar Hawthorn was missing
Find the unmarked rear entry off Glenferrie Road and you're in. No sign out front, just a door that keeps this one off the main strip and out of the phone-scrolling crowd passing by.
Records spin most nights, and the room fills with locals who already know where the door is. Glenferrie station is two minutes away, so there's no excuse not to swing by after work.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
Katie Watkins 46 reviews · Local Guide May 2026
Really cute little Japanese inspired bar in Hawthorn. We had great service here, the bartender was friendly and talked us through all the interesting drinks on the menu. Drinks were delicious, would go again!
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Ruth Dutton 13 reviews · Local Guide 14 February 2026
Amazing! Small cocktail bar hidden down an alley in Hawthorn. This bar is incredible; it is small but features beautiful décor, cool vinyls and the best cocktails I’ve had. Highly recommend the Roasty Toasty; will go down as the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had. Also shout out to the Sailor Venus Hikaru, Iron Tale and Bakempno Martini
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Laura Brulez 38 reviews · Local Guide 13 February 2026
Super sick little bar hidden inside a random Hawthorn alleyway. Kind of cramped, but the vibe is immaculate and the tunes unmatched. Huge selection of drinks and sake on offer. Literally feels like you’ve been whisked away to Tokyo
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Amilliah 1,350 reviews · Local Guide 14 December 2025
Bar Selecta in Hawthorn is a true hidden gem and one of the coolest bar experiences in Melbourne. I visited on a Friday night and even though it was busy, I still had an amazing time standing by the side sipping my drink. The bar is tucked down a quiet laneway off Glenferrie Road, giving it that secret spot feel which makes the whole experience feel special. The Cherry Lane mocktail I had was beautifully balanced and creative, perfect for the vibe. The drinks program here is thoughtful with playful and seasonal cocktails alongside whisky, sake and more. The space is tiny and intimate, with only a few seats at the front bar and more room in the lounge and outdoor courtyard, but it still feels welcoming even when packed. The music is a highlight, expertly curated Japanese style playlists and vinyl sets give it a unique listening bar feel that adds depth to the experience. The vibe overall is relaxed, stylish and a little mysterious, perfect for a Friday night drink with friends or a first-date spot that’s a bit different. If you love good cocktails, a great music atmosphere, and discovering a laneway bar with personality, Bar Selecta absolutely delivers. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the drinks list. 🍸✨
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Jacob Toner 26 reviews · Local Guide 23 November 2025
Bar Selecta has a great drinks menu with inventive twists on classic cocktails. My standout was the rum & raisin old fashioned. I was sat in the Listening Room which lacks the vibes of the main bar. I think not being in the main area also meant it was a little hard to get service and we had a bit of a wait between rounds. I’d go again if I could sit at the bar.
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