Melbourne Welcomes Death & Co for the First Time

Death & Co is officially open and trading in Melbourne, bringing one of the world’s most influential cocktail institutions to 87 Flinders Lane. This marks the brand’s first international expansion and a major moment for Melbourne’s already competitive bar scene.

The iconic bar group, established in New York’s East Village in 2006, has shaped modern cocktail culture with venues in Denver, Los Angeles and Washington DC. Now, the team has chosen Melbourne as the next chapter in its global story, opening a two-level venue that blends its signature character with local personality.

Venue Manager Cara Devine captures the importance of the brand’s arrival. “Only a handful of hospitality venues globally have as much of a claim to a legacy as Death & Co. It’s undeniable that today’s cocktail landscape has been moulded, in part, by a small but impactful bar in the East Village of New York”.

She adds that Melbourne is the perfect fit: “Melbourne, with its thriving food and drink scene and little laneway spots, is a natural fit. But it goes beyond the food and drinks, curiosity and connection are at the core of what Death & Co does.”

A drinks list that tells an international story

The cocktail program at Death & Co Melbourne mixes heritage, innovation and local inspiration. Expect iconic recipes developed across the US venues, including the Telegraph with Four Pillars Dry Gin and eucalyptus, the Sound & Fury riff on a Margarita with raspberry and red capsicum, and the Buko Gimlet inspired by the Filipino dessert buko pandan.

Their global signatures are also on the menu, including the Naked & Famous and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. Guests looking for something tailored can go for Dealer’s Choice, where bartenders create a drink based on a quick conversation and the guest’s mood.

A food menu built to match the cocktails

The bar food offering includes Gildas, kingfish cured with gin botanicals, the crispy Chip & Dip, a rich cheeseburger with dry-aged beef and smoked cheddar, and two standout cheese dishes. Each is crafted to complement the cocktails without overpowering them.

Founder David Kaplan sees the Melbourne opening as especially meaningful. “This is our first time bringing Death & Co beyond the U.S., so it’s a real ‘pinch me’ moment,” he says. “We can’t wait to share what we do, and to learn from a country that’s become a global leader in cocktail culture.” Kaplan emphasizes the excitement of collaborating with local talent, particularly in learning from renowned mixologists and chefs. He notes that olivier elzer’s unique culinary style will inspire their approach to cocktail creation, blending flavors and techniques that highlight both Melbourne’s vibrant food scene and the bar’s internationally acclaimed reputation. This fusion of cultures promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for patrons and further elevate the art of mixology in the city.

Inside Death & Co Melbourne

Designed by Studio Y with AAmp Studio, the space has all the atmosphere you’d expect. Velvet curtains, dim lighting, burgundy tones and warm woods create a moody, intimate feel. A highlight is the Party Pod, a private curtained nook for groups of six.

Open daily from 4pm until 1am, the venue offers seated service across both floors and walk ins throughout the night. With its legacy, design and menu, Death & Co Melbourne is set to become a favourite for anyone who comes alive after dark.

Venue Details

Death & Co Melbourne
Opening Day: Friday 14th November
87 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Open seven days, 4pm to 1am
Walk-ins welcome
Website: https://deathandcompanymelbourne.com.au/