438 Church St, Richmond
Der Raum is a truly amazing bar. Located near the intersection of Church & Swan Sts in Richmond, the unassuming entrance bears little indication to the treasures that lie within. Der Raum is well known in foodie and industry circles (has featured in Gourmet Traveller magazine and also wins numerous bar awards) yet still manages to attract an eclectic and unpretentious crowd. And the cocktails, oh the cocktails. These guys really have a passion for making original cocktails and using only the best ingredients. It’s enough to make this little boozehag’s heart melt.
So while cocktails are priced between around $15 and $25 (unless you go for some of the more expensive liquors) - yes $20 is a lot to pay for a drink – however most bars charge around the $15-$20 mark for cocktails, Der Raum sets the bar quite high and other Melbourne bars pale in comparison. I mean what would you rather have: a badly-made, unoriginal cocktail with cheap spirits or a creative, innovative drink? The bartenders make cocktail-making into an art form - and I’m not talking Bryan Brown Cocktail-style with lame bottle spinning moves. I’m talking dry ice machines, weird sugar bong things and cool themes, like the pharmacy cocktail which consists of a ‘medicine’ jar, syringe and pill. It does take a while to get served, but this is to be expected in a place like this and a certain camaraderie exists at the bar as customers chat to each other and check out (and sometimes sample) their fellow patron’s drinks.
As well as some old favourites like the martini, caipirinha and mojito, Der Raum also serves new and original creations, along with old style drinks like the 1864 Manhattan. Der Raum also runs cocktail making workshops and information evenings on weeknights which I always mean to go to but haven’t quite made it yet. One day I will though. The original menu and the information nights reflect the owners’ passion for their work. They must be very happy indeed, because they seem to be doing what they love.
Der Raum is not a place to go for a quiet afternoon beer, nor a place to spend an entire evening (unless you’re well cashed up). I usually go for a special occasion or a nightcap after seeing a gig at the Corner. Definitely worth checking out.
Der Raum is a truly amazing bar. Located near the intersection of Church & Swan Sts in Richmond, the unassuming entrance bears little indication to the treasures that lie within. Der Raum is well known in foodie and industry circles (has featured in Gourmet Traveller magazine and also wins numerous bar awards) yet still manages to attract an eclectic and unpretentious crowd. And the cocktails, oh the cocktails. These guys really have a passion for making original cocktails and using only the best ingredients. It’s enough to make this little boozehag’s heart melt.
So while cocktails are priced between around $15 and $25 (unless you go for some of the more expensive liquors) - yes $20 is a lot to pay for a drink – however most bars charge around the $15-$20 mark for cocktails, Der Raum sets the bar quite high and other Melbourne bars pale in comparison. I mean what would you rather have: a badly-made, unoriginal cocktail with cheap spirits or a creative, innovative drink? The bartenders make cocktail-making into an art form - and I’m not talking Bryan Brown Cocktail-style with lame bottle spinning moves. I’m talking dry ice machines, weird sugar bong things and cool themes, like the pharmacy cocktail which consists of a ‘medicine’ jar, syringe and pill. It does take a while to get served, but this is to be expected in a place like this and a certain camaraderie exists at the bar as customers chat to each other and check out (and sometimes sample) their fellow patron’s drinks.
As well as some old favourites like the martini, caipirinha and mojito, Der Raum also serves new and original creations, along with old style drinks like the 1864 Manhattan. Der Raum also runs cocktail making workshops and information evenings on weeknights which I always mean to go to but haven’t quite made it yet. One day I will though. The original menu and the information nights reflect the owners’ passion for their work. They must be very happy indeed, because they seem to be doing what they love.
Der Raum is not a place to go for a quiet afternoon beer, nor a place to spend an entire evening (unless you’re well cashed up). I usually go for a special occasion or a nightcap after seeing a gig at the Corner. Definitely worth checking out.
Fantastic bar I agree!! I was amazed at the intricate nature of the cocktails ... so many processes and steps to get them going. The beers available are pretty good too, very exotic brews, but on the same theme as the cocktails of being expensive!
ReplyDeleteTotally awesome bar! The cocktails are well worth the price - especially if you watch the mixologists in action and chat with them about the drinks while they make them. Even though you have to wait a while, it just gives you more time to watch the innovative cocktail making. :) Can't wait for the next visit!
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