MELBOURNE | Many a tear was shed when CBD favourite Bar Napoli closed earlier this year. Its replacement, Black Kite Commune, from the Gin Palace and Bar Ampere crew, has thankfully done the space proud, as it builds a reputation of its own.
Inspired by Melbourne’s early 20th century supper clubs, Black Kite Commune is a dark, low-lit, moody venue where you can enjoy delicious drinks and tasty snacks into the early hours of the morning. Look up, and you’ll see a back-lit ceiling with photos of a forest at night.
The drinks menu features interesting beer, wine, and around 300 spirits, with a big focus on local, independent drops. Head bartender Jess Clayfield conceived Black Kite Commune’s cocktail menu after watching the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play Beethoven’s fifth.
Try the Raspberry, a blend of Pisco, rose-tea-infused verjuice, gooseberry syrup, lime, and rhubarb-flavoured Three Foxes aperitif. The creative cocktail has the unmistakable taste of raspberry, despite not containing any.
For food, it’s snacky bites and a few larger dishes that showcase local produce and native ingredients. Things like wild boar croquettes, king prawns with garlic oil and lemon myrtle, and fried crocodile with saltbush.
Black Kite Commune
30 Russell Place
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 4:00pm to 1:00am