Baby Driver Bar - Food and Cocktail Haven in Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant laneway culture, tucked away in Driver Lane, lies Baby Driver, a Melbourne bar that pulses with retro charm and culinary flair. This hidden gem, a sibling to the iconic Beneath Driver Lane, is a sensory playground where 70s jazz funk spins on vinyl, DJs set the mood, and a neon-lit bar serves up some of the city’s most inventive cocktails. My night at Baby Driver during the residency of Colombian chef Juanito Berbeo was nothing short of unforgettable, a perfect blend of bold flavours, soulful vibes, and sassy hospitality that makes Melbourne’s bar scene so legendary.
The atmosphere hits you the moment you descend into the dimly lit space. The classy fit-out, with its sleek lines and glowing neon sign backlight illuminating rows of bottles, feels like a nod to the gritty glamour of the 1970s, inspired loosely by the cult classic Baby Driver film. The music - think funky basslines and soulful grooves - sets a rhythm that carries you through the night, with a blues DJ deck spinning vinyl that keeps the energy high. It’s the kind of place where you could lose yourself in conversation, a cocktail, or the beat, and I found myself doing all three.
The cocktail menu is a showstopper, each drink a crafted masterpiece. The Oyster Shell Martini, served with a side of extra brine, was a briny revelation, its oceanic kick perfectly balanced. The Cheek to Cheek, a Negroni twist with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth infused with strawberry and coconut fat-wash, was a tropical yet sophisticated surprise. Then there was The Masquerade is Over, a Montenegro Sour riff with Amaro Montenegro, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, and a frothy egg white finish that felt like a velvet curtain dropping on your palate. But the standout was the Take 5, a bold concoction of Burnt Butter Sheepdog Peanut Whiskey, Wild Turkey Rye and Bourbon, a whisper of Frangelico, and chocolate bitters - complex, nutty, and utterly divine. And let’s not forget the Negroni fountain, a mesmerizing centerpiece that pours ruby-red magic and steals the show.
The food, curated by Chef Juanito Berbeo during his pop-up residency, brought a fiery Latin soul to the table. Berbeo, whose neon sign glows proudly behind the bar, delivered authentic Colombian street food vibes with a refined edge. The empanadas were a perfect start - golden, crispy parcels filled with either savory Wagyu beef or sweet corn and cheese, each bite bursting with flavor. The prawn ceviche was a zesty, refreshing hit, its citrusy brightness cutting through the richness of the meal. Homemade chorizo, smoky and spiced, was another highlight, showcasing the chef’s knack for bold, fire-grilled flavors. The star of the show, though, was the Sher Wagyu boneless rib eye, perfectly grilled to a juicy medium-rare, its rich, buttery depth amplified by a glass of aged Nebbiolo. Sides of crispy cassava chips, golden fries, and grilled greens kissed with garlic were the ideal accompaniments, each adding texture and balance to the plate.
Dessert also hit the high notes, featuring a silky leche asada flan, topped with a tangy berry coulis and a sprinkle of cookie crumble. It was the kind of sweet, creamy finish that lingers in your memory, especially when paired with the theatrical flair of The Masquerade is Over cocktail. Every dish felt like a love letter to Colombian cuisine, and the chef’s residency model - where visiting chefs take a percentage of food sales to trial their creations - adds a dynamic, experimental edge to Baby Driver’s offerings.
What elevates this spot beyond its food and drink is the people. A lively chat with owner Hamish Goonetilleke was a highlight, his passion for the venue infectious. The staff, with their sassy charm and deep knowledge, make every interaction feel personal yet effortlessly cool. For those looking to dive deeper into the experience, Baby Driver offers perks like whisky lockers for members and a sense of exclusivity that never feels pretentious.
Baby Driver isn’t just a bar—it’s a vibe, a destination, a love letter to Melbourne’s laneway culture. From the first bite of empanada to the last sip of a meticulously crafted cocktail, this place delivers an experience that’s as soulful as the 70s funk spinning on the turntable.
Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail aficionado, or just chasing a night of pure, unfiltered fun, Baby Driver is where you’ll find it.