A quiet gem on Johnston Street that Fitzroy regulars guard jealously. Lily Blacks serves serious cocktails in a relaxed, warmly lit space with no pretension and minimal noise. The bar team rotates through guest spirits and the seasonal menu leans toward lower-ABV options in summer and warming stirred drinks through winter. Rarely crowded, always reliable.
The room is Fitzroy — Johnston Street's answer to Melbourne's broader hidden gem scene. The bartenders take their craft seriously without making a show of it, and the menu rewards repeat visits rather than first-timers chasing the obvious order. The Low-Key programme is the right place to start.
Best time to visit is mid-week between 6pm and 9pm when the bar settles into its rhythm. Weekends fill up and the room takes on a different energy. Reservations are recommended for groups, and on Friday and Saturday for couples.
Lily Blacks sits in Fitzroy — Johnston Street, one of Melbourne's most distinctive drinking neighbourhoods. The crowd skews toward thirty-something locals on weekdays and a slightly younger international mix on weekends. The lighting is low. Conversation works at the bar; the booths handle small groups.
Dress code is smart-casual. The bar is most rewarding for an unhurried 90-minute visit between 7pm and 9pm — early enough to talk to the bartender, late enough that the room has filled in. Tags worth knowing about: Low-Key, Cocktails, Neighbourhood.
Lily Blacks accepts walk-ins mid-week before 8pm. After that, expect a wait — reserve in advance through their Instagram or by phone. The bar takes cards. Tipping follows local convention in Melbourne. Most regulars order two drinks at the bar, then move to a table when one opens up.
What to order
- 01
The Low-Key programme
- 02
Editor's Pick
- 03
Off-Menu Request