With flavours brought through from behind the iron curtain, this bar is just like night clubs in the eastern bloc, it can be hard to leave as its sexy and intimate atmosphere takes you away from the worries of the outside world.

Website:

Mink

Location:

2b Ackland Street, St. Kilda

Difficulty Finding:

- Medium difficulty. For starters, this one is out in St. Kilda so its a little bit of a hike from the other bars we have reviewed, however as long as you can navigate to The Prince of Wales in Fitzroy Street, its down the side on Ackland Street.

Summary:

- Type: Vodka and Cocktail Bar
- Food: Snack menu
- Music: DJ
- Cover: No Cover

Review:

Its little wonder that Russia; the land of Lada’s, oppression and communism, resorted to using the readily available potato to create Vodka. Over the years Vodka has changed significantly, however it has managed to make its mark on the bar world and become a cornerstone of many cocktails. As a result many Vodka bars springing up all over the place offering different takes on Vodka infusions and cocktails, which is where Mink comes in. This Russian themed bar, brings a bit of the upper class soviet world to Melbourne and endeavours to take you to the motherland in style. Appropriately hidden away underneath The Prince of Wales, it strives not to draw attention to its self through the use of a very discrete entry point. Once entering the long red corridor it carries patrons through to the main room, which has been atmospherically lit not to draw too much attention from the bar.

The extensive menu makes use of Mink’s infused Vodkas, there are in house cocktails as well as Vodka samplers where there are 6 different infused Vodka shots available to taste selected from the over twenty infusions on offer. If Vodka is not your thing, do not be dismayed, Mink’s cocktail list is quite extensive and there is something for everyone. As there is only a single bar there can be a little wait to get a drink when its busy inside, however the service is very professional and table service is on offer. For those wanting a little more of an “intimate” experience there are booths available however you might want to get in early to get one as they go quickly.

The atmosphere inside Mink is sexy and intimate and makes anyone feel welcome no matter if its quiet or pumping inside. The interior is perfectly suited for hiding away and watching the night go away or to go out on the dance floor and mix it up a little. Sunday nights are a good way to get the full experience out of Mink, where arriving early will expose its quieter side, however once it hits 11 the place fills out and it becomes one of the city’s hot spots.

Final Thoughts:

When in Fitzroy Street St. Kilda there is no better way to finish off a night, especially if you are looking for something a bit special.

Pro’s:
+ Very professional staff
+ Excellent infused Vodkas
+ Intimate atmosphere
Con’s:
- Can be very busy later in the evening
- A bit of a wait to get to the bar when busy

Score:

Atmosphere: Average
Service: Average
Menu: Average
Cost: Average
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Overall: Average