The Undertaker

Spread over three levels, the Undertaker is actually a renovated funeral parlour from the late 19th century - hence the name. These days it boasts an upstairs restaurant, public bar and a small, downstairs lounge. While it's a large venue, most of the action takes place at the street-level bar, where you'll find an older, corporate crowd milling about in the afternoons and evenings. The decor is casual and inviting, a mix of wooden panels, mirrored walls and some avant-garde lighting for good measure (old light bulbs housed in metal baskets). The bar holds an excellent selection of imported beers, and anyone looking to broaden their drinking life will find some genuine oddities alongside the Melbourne Bitter longnecks. A good mix of champagne and wine complements this extensive selection of beers, ciders and dark ales. The cocktail list doesn't let the side down either, incorporating both long-time favourites and original concoctions, all around the $15 mark. While there's a perfectly acceptable bar menu on offer downstairs, those looking for something a bit more formal will find the upstairs restaurant just the right side of casual contemporary. Meanwhile, the downstairs lounge is available for private functions. All in all, The Undertaker is a great spot for a drink on the eastern side of town.